Connect your bank account to PayPal in three steps
PayPal lets you link a checking or savings account so you can move money in and out without using a debit card. The process takes about five minutes and requires your bank's routing number and your account number — both visible on a check or through your bank's website.
Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account (usually within one to three business days), or fund your PayPal balance directly from your bank. PayPal will verify the connection by depositing two small test amounts into your account, which you then confirm back in PayPal. Until you confirm those deposits, the link is not active.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or in your bank's online portal.
- PayPal deposits two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) to verify the account is yours; you must confirm the amounts in PayPal within 30 days.
- After verification, transfers from PayPal to your bank take one to three business days and cost nothing.
- You can remove a bank account from PayPal at any time, but you cannot transfer money to a bank account that is not verified.
Step-by-step: adding a bank account to PayPal
Step 1: Log in and go to Wallet. Sign into your PayPal account on the website or app. On the website, click "Wallet" in the top menu. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Wallet".
Step 2: Select "Link a bank account". Look for a button or option that says "Link a bank account" or "Add a bank account". PayPal may also show this as "Connect a bank" depending on your account type and region.
Step 3: Enter your bank details. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, routing number, and account number. If you do not know your routing number, search for "[your bank name] routing number" online, or call your bank. Your account number is on the bottom left of any check you have.
Step 4: Confirm the test deposits. Within two to three business days, PayPal will deposit two small amounts (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) into your bank account. Log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. You have 30 days to do this. Once confirmed, your account is fully linked.
What happens after you verify the connection
Once PayPal confirms the test deposits, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account. Go to "Wallet," select the bank account, and choose "Transfer to your bank." Enter the amount and confirm. The money typically arrives in one to three business days, depending on your bank.
You can also use the linked bank account to fund your PayPal balance directly. When you make a purchase or send money through PayPal, you can choose to pay from your bank account instead of your PayPal balance. PayPal will pull the money directly from your bank, and the transaction posts when ready, though the bank may take a day or two to show the withdrawal on your statement.
There is no fee to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, and no fee to fund PayPal from your bank account. However, some banks may charge their own fees for incoming transfers — check with your bank if you are unsure.
Removing or replacing a bank account
If you want to stop using a particular bank account with PayPal, go to "Wallet," find the account, and select "Remove" or "Delete". The account is removed when ready, and PayPal will no longer be able to transfer money to it.
You can add a new bank account at any time by repeating the steps above. PayPal will require verification of the new account with test deposits, even if you have verified other accounts before. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to one PayPal account, which is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal accounts separate.
Troubleshooting: when verification deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the two test deposits within three to five business days, first check that you entered your account number correctly. A single wrong digit will send the deposits to the wrong account. Log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and verify the number matches your check or your bank's records.
If the number is correct, contact your bank directly. Ask whether they have received any small deposits from PayPal in the last few days. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them; your bank can release them if they are there. If your bank has not received them, contact PayPal support through the Help Center and explain that the deposits did not arrive. PayPal can resend them or use an alternative verification method.
Do not attempt to verify with incorrect amounts. PayPal will reject the entry, and you will need to wait for the deposits to arrive again or contact support.
Security and what PayPal can see
When you link a bank account to PayPal, you are giving PayPal permission to deposit money into that account and withdraw money from it. PayPal cannot see your full account balance or transaction history — only the account number and routing number you provided. Your bank controls what PayPal can do with the account based on the permissions you grant.
If you are concerned about security, you can remove the bank account at any time, and PayPal will no longer have access to it. You can also set up a separate bank account just for PayPal transfers if you prefer to keep your PayPal money separate from your main checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you provide your routing number and account number, and PayPal sends test deposits to verify. Transfers from PayPal to a savings account take the same one to three business days.
What if I do not have a check to find my account number?
Log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. Your account number is usually displayed there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number — they will provide both over the phone.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank account?
Transfers typically take one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday. PayPal shows an estimated arrival date when you request the transfer.
Can I transfer money from my bank account to PayPal when ready?
When you use your linked bank account to fund a PayPal purchase or payment, the transaction is when ready on PayPal's side. However, your bank may take one to two business days to show the withdrawal on your statement. Transfers from your bank account to your PayPal balance (not tied to a purchase) follow the same timeline.
What if I close my bank account after linking it to PayPal?
If you close the bank account, PayPal will not be able to transfer money to it. The next time you try to transfer, PayPal will show an error. Remove the old account from PayPal and link your new bank account instead. You will need to verify the new account with test deposits.