You can edit your PayPal bank account in your account settings in about two minutes
Log into PayPal on a web browser (not the app), go to Wallet in the top menu, then select Banks and Cards. Find the bank account you want to change and click the three dots next to it, then choose Edit. You can update the account number, routing number, or account holder name. If you want to remove the account entirely instead of editing it, click the three dots and select Remove. PayPal will verify the change within one to two business days by sending two small test deposits to the new account.
If you're adding a completely new bank account instead of editing an existing one, the process is similar but takes longer. You'll need to confirm the account by entering those two test deposit amounts, which can take three to five business days. During that waiting period, you can still receive money into PayPal, but you won't be able to transfer it to that specific bank account until verification is complete.
Key Takeaways
- Edit an existing bank account through Wallet > Banks and Cards > three dots > Edit, and PayPal will verify the change within one to two business days.
- Adding a new bank account requires you to confirm two test deposits PayPal sends, which extends verification to three to five business days.
- You can remove a bank account at any time, but you must have at least one payment method on file to transfer money out of PayPal.
- Changes made on the PayPal website take effect faster than changes made in the mobile app, which can lag by several hours.
Why you might need to edit your bank account information
The most common reason is a straightforward typo—a digit wrong in your routing number or account number when you first added the account. PayPal won't let money transfer to an incorrect account, so you'll see an error message when you try to withdraw. Editing catches this before you lose access to your funds.
You might also edit because your bank merged with another, your account number changed, or you switched banks entirely. Some people edit to change the account holder name if it doesn't match their PayPal name exactly—though PayPal is usually flexible about minor differences like "Robert" versus "Bob."
Step-by-step: editing an existing bank account
Step 1: Log in and navigate to your bank accounts. Open PayPal in a web browser and sign in. Click Wallet at the top of the page. You'll see a list of all your linked payment methods—cards, bank accounts, and any other sources.
Step 2: Find the account you want to change. Look for the bank account you need to edit. PayPal shows the last four digits and the bank name, so you can identify which one it is if you have multiple accounts linked.
Step 3: Open the edit menu. Hover over or click the account, and a three-dot menu will appear on the right side. Click those three dots and select Edit from the dropdown.
Step 4: Update the information. A form will open showing the current account number, routing number, and account holder name. Change whichever fields are wrong. You don't have to change all of them—only edit what needs fixing.
Step 5: Save and wait for verification. Click Save. PayPal will send two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to the new or corrected account within one to two business days. You don't need to do anything else—the account is live once those deposits arrive.
Adding a new bank account instead of editing
If you want to keep your old bank account linked and add a second one, click Link a Bank Account instead of editing. You'll enter the new account's routing number, account number, and account holder name. PayPal will then send two test deposits, and you'll need to confirm them by entering the exact amounts in your PayPal account.
This confirmation step is what makes adding new accounts slower than editing existing ones. You have to wait for the deposits to show up in your bank account (usually three to five business days), then log back into PayPal and enter those amounts to prove you own the account. Until you confirm, PayPal won't let you transfer money to that account, though you can still receive payments.
What happens if you remove a bank account
You can remove a bank account at any time by clicking the three dots and selecting Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm, then the account is gone. No pending transfers are affected—if you had a withdrawal in progress, it will still go through to that account even after you remove it.
The one restriction: you must have at least one payment method on file at all times. If you only have one bank account linked, PayPal won't let you remove it until you add a backup (a credit card, debit card, or another bank account). This is a safety measure so you always have a way to move money out of your account.
Troubleshooting common editing problems
The edit button isn't showing up. Make sure you're using a web browser, not the PayPal app. The app sometimes lags behind the website. If you're on the website and still don't see the three-dot menu, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.
PayPal says the account is already linked. This happens if you're trying to add an account that's already in your wallet under a different name or with slightly different numbers. Check your full list of banks and cards to see if it's already there. If it is, edit that one instead of adding a new one.
The verification deposits haven't arrived after five business days. Contact your bank first—sometimes test deposits get held or filtered as spam. If your bank confirms they never arrived, contact PayPal through the Resolution Center (under your account menu) and describe the issue. PayPal can resend the deposits or manually verify the account in some cases.
You see an error when trying to transfer money. This usually means the account information PayPal has on file doesn't match what your bank has. Common causes are a typo in the routing number, an account number that's too short or too long, or a name mismatch. Edit the account and double-check each field against your bank statement or your bank's website.
How long changes take to go live
If you're editing an existing account, the change is usually live within one to two business days. PayPal sends test deposits as confirmation, but you don't have to do anything—the account works once those deposits clear.
If you're adding a new account, plan for three to five business days. The first one to two days is for PayPal to send the test deposits. The next two to three days is for you to see them in your bank account and confirm the amounts in PayPal. Only after you confirm can you transfer money to that account.
Business days means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Weekends and holidays don't count toward the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my bank account while a transfer is in progress?
Yes, but the transfer in progress will still go to the old account. Editing doesn't affect transfers that are already queued. Future transfers will use the new account information once the edit is verified.
What if my bank account number changed but the routing number stayed the same?
Edit the account and update only the account number field. You don't have to change the routing number. PayPal will verify the change within one to two business days.
Do I lose money if I remove a bank account by mistake?
No. Removing an account from PayPal doesn't touch the money in that bank account—it just disconnects PayPal from it. You can add it back anytime by linking it again, though you'll have to confirm the test deposits again.
Why is PayPal asking me to confirm my identity before I can edit my bank account?
PayPal sometimes requires identity verification for security reasons, especially if you're changing payment methods or if your account shows unusual activity. You'll be asked to confirm your identity through your email, phone, or by answering security questions. This is a normal protection and usually takes a few minutes.
Can I edit a bank account on the PayPal mobile app?
The app has the same edit option, but changes sometimes take longer to process on mobile. If you're in a hurry, use the website instead. The website version is more reliable and faster.