Connect your bank account in PayPal's settings, not during checkout
You add a bank account to PayPal through your account settings, not when you're paying for something. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and confirmation that you own the account—usually by depositing two small amounts (a few cents each) that you then verify. The whole process takes about five to seven business days from start to finish, though you can use PayPal before the bank account is fully confirmed.
The reason for the two-deposit verification is straightforward: it proves you control that bank account. PayPal deposits the amounts, you log in and tell PayPal what they were, and then your bank account is confirmed. Until then, you can receive money into your PayPal balance but cannot withdraw it to that bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Go to your PayPal account settings, select "Wallet" or "Banks and Cards," and choose "Link a Bank Account" rather than adding one during a transaction.
- Have your bank's routing number and your account number ready; PayPal will ask for both plus your account type (checking or savings).
- PayPal deposits two small amounts to your bank account within one to two business days, and you must log back in and confirm those amounts to complete the link.
- Your bank account can receive transfers from PayPal when ready, but you cannot withdraw money to it until the two-deposit verification is done.
- If the deposits do not arrive within three business days, or if you cannot remember the amounts, contact PayPal support to restart the verification.
Step-by-step: adding a bank account to PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or through the app. On a computer, click your name or profile icon in the top right, then select "Account Settings." On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to "Settings."
Look for "Wallet" (on the app) or "Banks and Cards" (on the website). Click or tap "Link a Bank Account." PayPal will ask whether you want to link a U.S. bank account or an account outside the U.S.—choose the correct one for your bank.
Enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line and ask for them. PayPal will also ask whether the account is checking or savings. Select the correct type and continue.
PayPal will confirm that it has sent two small deposits to your bank account. These usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they land, log back into PayPal, go to the same "Banks and Cards" or "Wallet" section, and select the bank account you just added. PayPal will ask you to enter the two amounts—they are usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. Type them in exactly as they appear in your bank statement, and your account will be confirmed.
What happens if the deposits do not arrive
If three business days have passed and you have not seen the two small deposits in your bank account, log into PayPal and go to "Banks and Cards." Look for the bank account you added and check its status. If it says "Pending" or "Unconfirmed," PayPal may have encountered an issue with your bank.
Contact PayPal support through the Help Center (accessible from your account settings) and describe the problem. PayPal can resend the deposits or, in some cases, offer an alternative verification method. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious or route them differently, so PayPal's support team can advise whether your bank is the issue.
Do not add the same bank account multiple times hoping one will work. Each attempt creates a new verification process, and multiple pending accounts can confuse your bank's system. Wait for PayPal support to help you before trying again.
Using your bank account before verification is complete
You can receive money into your PayPal balance and spend it from PayPal when ready, even if your bank account is still pending verification. The restriction only applies to withdrawals: you cannot transfer money from PayPal back to that bank account until the two deposits are confirmed.
If you need to withdraw money before the verification is done, you can add a debit card instead. Debit card verification is when ready in most cases, so you could withdraw to a debit card while waiting for the bank account to confirm. Once the bank account is confirmed, you can withdraw to either one.
Removing or replacing a bank account
If you want to remove a bank account from PayPal, go to "Banks and Cards" in your account settings, find the account, and click or tap the trash icon or "Remove" button. PayPal will ask you to confirm. The account is removed when ready, and PayPal will no longer be able to withdraw money to it.
To replace it with a different bank account, straightforward add the new one using the same process. You do not have to remove the old one first, though you can if you prefer. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal at once, and you choose which one to withdraw to each time you transfer money out.
Security and what PayPal does with your information
PayPal encrypts your bank account number and does not store it in full on their servers. When you link an account, PayPal uses your bank's find connection to verify ownership. The two-deposit method is a standard verification used by many financial services because it proves you control the account without requiring you to share sensitive information like your online banking password.
PayPal will only withdraw money from your bank account when you request a transfer. They do not charge fees for linking a bank account or for transferring money to it, though your own bank may charge a fee depending on your account type and bank.
Troubleshooting common problems
If PayPal says your routing number is invalid, double-check it against your bank's website or a recent check. Routing numbers are nine digits and vary by bank branch in some cases. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held.
If you see an error message saying the account cannot be linked, your bank may not allow third-party connections, or there may be a temporary issue with PayPal's connection to your bank. Try again in a few hours. If the problem persists, contact PayPal support and have your bank's name and account type ready.
If you linked the wrong bank account by mistake, remove it and add the correct one. Do not try to transfer money to the wrong account—PayPal will send it to whichever account you selected, and recovering it may require contacting both PayPal and your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a bank account that is not in my name?
No. PayPal requires that the bank account owner's name match the name on your PayPal account. If your PayPal account is under a different name than the bank account, you will need to update one of them first. For joint accounts, the account must be registered under your name at the bank.
How long does it take to withdraw money to my bank account after I link it?
Once your bank account is confirmed, transfers usually take one to three business days. PayPal initiates the transfer when ready, but your bank controls how long it takes to appear in your account. Weekends and bank holidays can add time.
What if I forgot the two deposit amounts PayPal sent?
Log into your bank account online and look at your recent transactions. The two deposits from PayPal should appear there with the exact amounts. If you cannot find them or if more than 30 days have passed, contact PayPal support to request a new verification.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. When PayPal asks for your account type, select "Savings" if that is what you have. The process is identical—PayPal still sends the two verification deposits and you confirm them the same way.
Do I have to link a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can receive money into your PayPal balance and spend it without ever linking a bank account. You only need a bank account linked if you want to withdraw money from PayPal to your bank.