You can change your linked bank account in PayPal's settings at any time
PayPal lets you add, remove, or swap bank accounts without closing your account or losing your transaction history. The process takes about five minutes and happens entirely within the PayPal app or website. You'll need your new bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a check or in your bank's online portal.
The reason you might change accounts is straightforward: you switched banks, opened a new account at your current bank, or want to move transfers to a different account. PayPal doesn't charge you to make this change, and your old account stays on file until you remove it.
Key Takeaways
- Log into PayPal, go to Wallet or Settings, and select the bank account you want to remove or replace.
- You need your new bank's routing number and your account number before you start — find these on a check or in your bank's app.
- PayPal will confirm the new account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to verify those amounts.
- The verification process takes one to two business days, and you cannot transfer money to or from the new account until it is confirmed.
- Your old bank account stays linked to PayPal until you manually remove it from your account settings.
Finding your bank details before you start
Before you open PayPal, gather the information you'll need. Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account.
If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number — they'll give them to you over the phone.
Write these numbers down or keep them visible on your screen before you move to PayPal. Having them ready means you won't have to switch back and forth between apps or windows.
Steps to add a new bank account to PayPal
Open PayPal on the web or in the mobile app and sign in. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings. In the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and tap Settings.
Look for Wallet or Bank Accounts — the exact label depends on whether you're on the website or app, but both lead to the same place. Click or tap Link a Bank Account or the plus icon to add a new one. Enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the fields provided. PayPal will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask for your bank's name.
Review the information you entered. If it looks correct, click Link Bank Account or Confirm. PayPal will tell you that verification is pending and explain what happens next.
How PayPal verifies your new account
PayPal confirms that the account is really yours by depositing two small amounts — usually between 1 and 99 cents each — into your new bank account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days. The deposits come from PayPal and show up with a description that includes a code.
Once you see both deposits in your bank account, return to PayPal's bank account settings. Click or tap the account you just added and select Confirm Bank Account or Verify. Enter the two amounts you saw deposited. PayPal will confirm them when ready, and your account is now fully linked.
Until you complete this verification step, you cannot transfer money to or from this bank account through PayPal. The verification is free and protects you by ensuring that only you can link accounts to your PayPal profile.
Removing your old bank account
Once your new account is verified and working, you can remove the old one. Go back to Settings and Wallet or Bank Accounts. Find the old account in the list, click or tap it, and look for a Remove or Delete button. PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove it.
Removing an old account does not affect any past transactions or your PayPal history. It straightforward disconnects that bank account from your PayPal profile going forward. If you ever need to use that account again, you can add it back by repeating the verification process.
You do not have to remove your old account when ready. Some people keep multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal so they can choose which one to transfer to depending on the situation. The choice is yours.
What to do if verification fails
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, PayPal will tell you and let you try again. You usually get three attempts before PayPal locks the verification temporarily. If this happens, wait a few hours and try again, or contact PayPal's support team through the app or website.
If the deposits never show up in your bank account after two business days, the routing number or account number you entered may be wrong. Double-check both numbers against your bank's records or a recent check. If they're correct, contact your bank to confirm that the account is active and set up to receive transfers. Then return to PayPal and try adding the account again with the correct information.
Occasionally, a bank will reject PayPal's deposits for technical reasons unrelated to your information. If this happens, PayPal will notify you and may suggest contacting your bank's support team. Your bank can confirm whether there are any blocks on incoming transfers.
Changing your default transfer account
If you have multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal, you can choose which one receives money by default when you transfer funds. Go to Settings and Wallet or Bank Accounts. Find the account you want to use most often and look for an option to set it as Primary or Default. Click or tap that option, and PayPal will remember your choice.
When you transfer money from PayPal to your bank in the future, it will go to this account unless you manually select a different one at the time of transfer. You can change your default account anytime by following the same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my bank account on PayPal?
Adding the account takes five minutes, but verification takes one to two business days because PayPal waits for the test deposits to appear in your bank account. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, the account is active when ready and you can transfer money right away.
Do I lose my transaction history if I change my bank account?
No. Your PayPal transaction history, balance, and account settings stay exactly the same. Changing your bank account only affects where future transfers go — it does not touch anything from your past.
Can I have more than one bank account linked to PayPal?
Yes. You can link multiple accounts and choose which one to transfer to each time you move money. You can also set one as your default so transfers go there automatically unless you pick a different account.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
PayPal will attempt to deposit the verification amounts to the account you specified. If the number is wrong, the deposits will fail and PayPal will notify you. You can then remove that account and add the correct one, starting the verification process over.
Can I change my bank account if I have a pending transfer?
You can add or remove bank accounts anytime, but any transfer already in progress will go to the account it was sent from. Changes only affect new transfers you initiate after the account change is complete.