Where to find the bank account settings in PayPal

To change the bank account linked to your PayPal account, log in to PayPal.com and go to your Wallet section. From there, select Banks and Cards on the left side. You will see a list of all bank accounts currently connected to your account. The account you want to edit will appear with the bank name, account type (checking or savings), and the last four digits of the account number.

If you are using the PayPal mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select Wallet. From there, tap Banks and Cards to see your linked accounts. The process is the same on mobile and desktop, though the layout differs slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot edit the account number itself once it is linked—you must remove the old account and add a new one if the number has changed.
  • Removing a bank account takes effect when ready, but PayPal may hold any pending transfers for up to five business days.
  • If you are changing banks, add the new account first and wait for PayPal to verify it before removing the old one.
  • You can have multiple bank accounts linked to PayPal at the same time, and you can choose which one receives transfers.

Removing an old bank account

Click or tap the account you want to remove, then select Remove Bank. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the account is disconnected from your PayPal wallet when ready. However, if you have a transfer in progress to that account, PayPal will complete it even after removal—the bank account stays active long enough for pending money to arrive.

If you are removing an account because the bank closed it or the account number changed, do not wait. Remove it right away. Leaving a dead account linked can cause transfers to fail, and failed transfers sometimes take longer to bounce back to your PayPal balance than successful ones do.

Adding a new bank account

To add a different bank account, go to Banks and Cards and select Link a Bank Account. Enter your bank's name or routing number, then your account number and account type (checking or savings). PayPal will ask for the name on the account—this must match the name on your PayPal account.

After you submit the information, PayPal verifies the account by making two small deposits (usually under one dollar each) to the account. You will see the amounts in your bank statement within one to two business days. Once you see them, return to PayPal, select the account, and enter the two amounts to confirm ownership. Only after this verification is complete can you transfer money to or from that account.

What happens if your bank information changed

If you moved to a new bank or your bank merged with another, you need a new account number. PayPal does not let you edit the account number on an existing link—you must add the new account as a separate entry. Remove the old account only after the new one is verified and you have confirmed at least one successful transfer to it.

If your bank sent you a new debit card but the account number stayed the same, you do not need to change anything in PayPal. The account number is what matters for transfers; the card number does not. If the bank changed your account number without closing the account, treat it like a new bank and add it as a fresh link.

Changing which account receives transfers

If you have multiple bank accounts linked, you can choose which one receives money when you transfer out of PayPal. When you initiate a transfer, PayPal shows you all linked accounts and lets you pick the destination. The account you choose for that transfer does not become your default—the next transfer will show all options again.

To set a preferred account that appears first or is selected by default, go to Banks and Cards, click the account you want to prioritize, and look for a Make Primary option. Not all account types have this option, and it may not appear until you have verified the account and completed at least one transfer.

Timing and holds on transfers

Changes to your bank account take effect when ready in PayPal's system. However, if you remove an account while a transfer is pending, PayPal will still send the money to that account—the removal does not stop transfers already in motion. Transfers typically arrive within one to three business days, depending on your bank.

If you remove an account and then realize you need it back, you can re-add it. PayPal will recognize it as a previously verified account and may skip the two-deposit verification step, though this is not may provide. To be safe, assume you will need to verify it again.

Troubleshooting account changes

If PayPal rejects your new bank account information, the most common reason is a mismatch between the name on the account and the name on your PayPal profile. The names must match exactly—if your bank account says "John Michael Smith" and your PayPal says "John M. Smith", verification will fail. Update your PayPal profile name first, then try adding the account again.

If the two verification deposits do not arrive within two business days, check that you entered the routing number correctly. A wrong routing number sends the deposits to the wrong bank, and they will be returned to PayPal after several days. Delete the account from PayPal and re-add it with the correct routing number. You can find your routing number on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit the account number without removing and re-adding the account?

No. PayPal does not allow you to change the account number on an existing link. You must remove the old account and add the new one as a separate entry. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to where your money goes.

What happens to pending transfers if I remove a bank account?

PayPal will complete any transfer already in progress, even after you remove the account. The account stays active long enough for the money to arrive at your bank. Transfers typically take one to three business days.

Do I need to verify a bank account every time I add one?

Yes, PayPal verifies every new account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them. This usually takes one to two business days. If you re-add an account you previously removed, PayPal may skip this step, but you should expect to verify it again.

Can I have more than one bank account linked at the same time?

Yes. You can link multiple accounts and choose which one receives money each time you transfer. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep transfers separate by purpose.

What if my bank's name changed after a merger?

If the account number stayed the same, you do not need to change anything in PayPal. If the bank issued you a new account number, add it as a new account and remove the old one after you verify the new one works.