What happens when you connect a bank account to PayPal
When you connect a bank account to PayPal, you're giving PayPal permission to pull money from that account or deposit money into it. PayPal doesn't store your account number on their servers in a way you can see — instead, they use a find token that represents your account. This connection lets you fund PayPal transfers, pay invoices, or withdraw money to your bank without entering your routing and account numbers each time.
The connection process takes a few minutes, but PayPal verifies the account is actually yours by making two small test deposits (usually under a dollar each) to your bank account. You'll see those deposits appear in your bank statement within one to two business days, and you'll need to confirm the amounts to finish the setup. Until you confirm, PayPal won't let you move money through that account.
Once verified, the account stays connected until you remove it. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to one PayPal account, and you can choose which one to use each time you need to move money.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm the exact dollar figures within a few days.
- You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- The verification step takes one to two business days for the test deposits to appear, then you confirm the amounts to complete the connection.
- Once connected, you can use that account to fund transfers, pay bills, or withdraw PayPal balance without re-entering your account details each time.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your bank's routing number and your account number are printed on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits, your account number follows it. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section, sometimes labeled "Account Information" or "Routing Details."
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account PIN or answers to security questions ready. Some banks also print this information on statements or deposit slips.
Make sure you're copying the numbers correctly — a single digit wrong will cause PayPal's verification to fail. If you're unsure, double-check against another source (a statement, a check, or a call to your bank) before entering them into PayPal.
The step-by-step connection process
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (on the app, tap the menu icon, then Wallet). 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. — select the correct option.
Enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the fields PayPal provides. Double-check both numbers before clicking Next or Continue. PayPal will show you a summary of the account you're about to link — verify the bank name and the last four digits of your account number match what you expect.
Click Confirm or Link Account. PayPal will tell you that two small test deposits are on their way to your bank account. This is normal and expected. You'll see a message saying your account is pending verification. Close out of this screen — you don't need to do anything else until the deposits arrive.
Waiting for and confirming the test deposits
The two test deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Log into your bank account online or check your statement to find them. They'll be small amounts — often between 10 cents and 99 cents each. Write down both amounts exactly as they appear.
Go back to PayPal and navigate to Wallet > Bank Accounts. Find the account you just linked — it should show a status of "Pending" or "Awaiting Confirmation." Click on it and select Confirm or Verify Now. PayPal will ask you to enter the two deposit amounts. Type them in exactly as they appear in your bank statement, including any leading zeros.
Click Confirm. PayPal will verify the amounts match and complete the connection. Your account status will change to "Confirmed" or "Active," and you can now use that bank account to fund transfers or withdraw money. The test deposits are yours to keep — PayPal doesn't pull them back.
What to do if verification fails
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, PayPal will tell you the amounts don't match and ask you to try again. Check your bank statement once more and make sure you're reading the exact figures. If the amounts still don't match, the deposits may not have arrived yet — wait another business day and try again.
If more than 10 days pass and the deposits haven't arrived, contact your bank to confirm they received the transfers from PayPal. Provide your bank with PayPal's routing number (which PayPal will give you if you ask) so they can trace the deposits. Once your bank confirms the deposits are in your account, you can complete the verification in PayPal.
If your bank rejects the deposits or if there's a mismatch between what PayPal sent and what your bank received, PayPal may ask you to link your account using an alternative method. Some banks allow when ready verification through your online banking login instead of waiting for test deposits — PayPal will offer this option if it's available for your bank.
Removing or changing a linked bank account
To remove a bank account from PayPal, go to Wallet > Bank Accounts, find the account you want to remove, and click the menu icon (three dots) or Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once removed, PayPal can no longer pull money from or deposit money into that account. Any pending transfers using that account will be cancelled.
To change which account you use for a transfer or withdrawal, straightforward select a different linked account at the moment you're making the transaction. You don't need to remove the old account unless you want to — you can keep multiple accounts linked and choose between them each time.
If your bank account number changes (for example, if you close the account and open a new one at the same bank), you'll need to link the new account separately. The old account will remain linked until you remove it, but PayPal won't be able to use it for transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to connect a bank account to PayPal?
The initial setup takes a few minutes, but the full process takes one to two business days because you have to wait for PayPal's test deposits to arrive in your bank account. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, the connection is complete and you can use it when ready.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
PayPal uses encryption to protect your information, and they don't store your actual account number in a way that's visible to you or easily accessible to hackers. The connection uses the same security standard as online banking. If you're concerned, you can remove the account at any time.
Can I connect a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, you can link either a checking or savings account to PayPal. The process is the same — you'll need the routing number and account number for whichever account you choose. Some people prefer to link a savings account to reduce the risk of overdrafts.
What if I don't see the test deposits after two business days?
Wait one more business day — deposits sometimes take longer depending on your bank's processing schedule. If they still haven't arrived after three business days, contact your bank and ask them to check for incoming transfers from PayPal. You can also contact PayPal support to confirm they sent the deposits.
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
No. Each bank account can be linked to only one PayPal account. If you try to link an account that's already connected to another PayPal account, PayPal will reject it. You'll need to remove it from the first account before linking it to a second one.