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 directly from your checking or savings account. PayPal uses this connection in two ways: to fund payments you send through PayPal, and to receive money when someone sends you funds. The connection itself doesn't move money—it just sets up the path so PayPal knows where to look when you need to pay or where to deposit funds when you receive them.
PayPal verifies your bank account by making two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your account, then asking you to confirm the amounts. This takes a few business days. Once verified, the account stays connected until you remove it, and you can use it when ready for most transactions.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes two to three business days.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the connection process.
- Once verified, your bank account can fund PayPal payments and receive money from other PayPal users.
- You can connect multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, but only one can be your primary funding source at a time.
Steps to add your bank account in PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (on the app, tap the wallet icon at the bottom). Select Link a bank account or Add a bank account—the exact wording depends on whether you already have one connected.
Enter your bank's name or routing number. PayPal will search for your bank and show you a list. Select the correct one from the results. Then enter your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and confirm the account number again. PayPal will ask you to review the information before you submit it.
After you submit, PayPal tells you it will make two small deposits within one to two business days. You don't need to do anything yet—just wait for the deposits to appear in your bank account.
Confirming the deposits and completing verification
Check your bank account statement or online banking portal two to three business days after you submitted your account information. Look for two deposits from PayPal, usually labeled "PayPal" or "PAYPAL *VERIFICATION" in your transaction history. The amounts will be random—for example, $0.47 and $0.82.
Go back to PayPal and select the bank account you're verifying. PayPal will ask you to enter the two amounts. Type them in exactly as they appear in your bank statement, then submit. PayPal confirms the amounts within seconds. Your account is now verified and ready to use.
If you don't see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered your account number correctly. If the number was wrong, you'll need to remove that account and add it again with the correct information. PayPal will not attempt to verify an account with an incorrect number.
What information you need before you start
Have your bank account details ready before you open PayPal. You'll need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number on your checks or in your online banking portal). You also need to know whether the account is checking or savings.
Your routing number is usually printed on the bottom left of your checks. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app—most banks display the routing number in the account details section. Your account number is on your checks as well, or in your online banking portal under account information.
Connecting multiple bank accounts and changing your primary account
You can add more than one bank account to PayPal. Each one must be verified separately with the two-deposit process. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal accounts separate.
Only one bank account can be your primary funding source at a time. This is the account PayPal pulls from when you send money, unless you specifically choose a different account during a transaction. To change your primary account, go to Wallet, find the account you want to make primary, and select Make Primary or Set as Default.
If you want to remove a bank account, go to Wallet, select the account, and choose Remove or Delete. You can remove an account at any time, even if it's your primary one—but you'll need to set a different account as primary before you can send money again.
Why PayPal needs to verify your account
The two-deposit verification process proves you own the bank account. Without it, someone could add your account to their PayPal profile and use it without your knowledge. The small deposits are PayPal's way of confirming that you have access to the account and can see its statements.
This is also why PayPal asks you to enter the amounts—it's checking that you actually looked at your bank statement, not just guessing. Once you confirm the amounts, PayPal knows the account belongs to you and removes those small deposits from your account (they're kept as part of your PayPal balance or returned to your bank, depending on your account type).
Troubleshooting connection problems
If PayPal says your bank isn't found when you search for it, try entering the routing number instead of the bank name. Some smaller banks or credit unions don't appear in PayPal's name search but will work when you use the routing number. If the routing number doesn't work either, contact your bank to confirm the number is correct.
If you entered your account number wrong, PayPal won't send the verification deposits. You'll see an error message or the deposits won't arrive after three business days. Remove the account from PayPal and add it again with the correct number. The verification deposits will be sent to the correct account this time.
If the two deposits arrive but you can't see them in your bank statement, check that you're looking at the right account—it's straightforward to confuse accounts if you have multiple. Also check that your bank statement is showing recent transactions; some banks take an extra day to post deposits. If you still can't find them after four business days, contact PayPal support with your account number and the date you added the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my bank account to be ready to use?
The verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once you confirm the amounts in PayPal, your account is ready when ready. The whole process typically takes two to three business days from start to finish.
Can I use my bank account before it's verified?
No. PayPal won't let you use the account to send or receive money until you've confirmed the two deposit amounts. You can add the account and wait for verification, but you'll need to use a different payment method (like a debit card or credit card) until the bank account is verified.
What if I don't have checks or can't find my routing number?
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number—they'll give it to you over the phone.
Can I connect a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal works with both checking and savings accounts. When you add the account, you'll select the account type from a dropdown menu. Make sure you select the correct type, or the verification deposits may not arrive.
What happens to those small verification deposits after I confirm them?
PayPal keeps them as part of your PayPal balance or returns them to your bank account, depending on your account settings. Either way, the amounts are small (usually under $1 total) and you won't be charged for them.