Your PayPal account number lives in your account settings, not on your home screen

PayPal does not display your account number prominently on the dashboard or in emails. Instead, it sits in a specific settings page that most people never visit. The number itself is a 13-digit identifier that PayPal uses internally to track your account across their systems — you will need it if you are linking your PayPal account to another service, troubleshooting a payment problem with PayPal support, or setting up automatic transfers.

The fastest way to find it is to log into your PayPal account on a computer (the mobile app makes this harder), go to Settings, then Account Information, and look for the section labeled "Account Number" or "PayPal Account ID". The number appears as a long string of digits. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will likely need it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PayPal account number is a 13-digit code found in Settings > Account Information, not visible on your main dashboard.
  • The desktop version of PayPal makes finding your account number simpler than the mobile app, which buries the setting deeper.
  • You will need this number when linking PayPal to another financial service, contacting support about a specific transaction, or setting up recurring payments.
  • Your account number is different from your email address, phone number, and transaction reference numbers — each serves a different purpose in PayPal's system.

How to locate it on desktop

Open PayPal in a web browser and log in with your email and password. Once you are on your account dashboard, look for the gear icon or the word "Settings" — this is usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it.

From the Settings menu, select "Account Information" or "Account Settings" (the exact label varies slightly depending on your account type and region). Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Account Number", "PayPal Account ID", or sometimes "Account Identifier". The 13-digit number appears next to this label. This is your account number.

How to locate it on mobile

The PayPal mobile app does not make this straightforward. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap "Settings". From there, look for "Account Information" or "Account Details".

Depending on your phone's operating system, you may need to scroll through several screens to find the account number field. If you cannot locate it on mobile, the simplest approach is to open PayPal in your phone's web browser instead and follow the desktop steps above — the mobile website version usually displays the account number in the same place as the full desktop site.

What your account number is used for

PayPal uses your account number as an internal reference code. When you contact PayPal support about a problem with your account — not a specific transaction, but something about the account itself — they will ask for this number to pull up your record quickly. It is faster than spelling out your email address or waiting for them to search by name.

You also need it when you are connecting PayPal to another service that requires a PayPal account identifier. Some accounting software, invoicing tools, and payment processors ask for this number during setup. Additionally, if you are setting up automatic transfers from PayPal to a bank account or another wallet, some institutions request your PayPal account number as part of the verification process.

How your account number differs from other identifiers

PayPal gives you several different numbers, and they are not interchangeable. Your email address is what you use to log in. Your phone number is optional but used for two-factor authentication. Your transaction reference number or transaction ID is a unique code for a single payment — each transaction gets its own number.

Your account number is the permanent identifier for your entire PayPal account. It does not change, and it is the same whether you send money, receive money, or just hold a balance. If PayPal support asks for your "account number", they mean this 13-digit code, not your email or phone number.

If you cannot find your account number

If you have logged into Settings > Account Information and do not see a field labeled "Account Number" or "Account ID", your account type may not display it in that location. Business accounts and some regional accounts have slightly different layouts.

The most reliable backup is to contact PayPal support directly. You can reach them through the Help section of your account (click the question mark icon on the dashboard) and select "Contact Us". Tell them you need your account number, and they will provide it. Have your email address and the phone number associated with your account ready — they will ask for both to verify your identity before sharing the number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my PayPal email address?

No. Your email is what you use to log in, but your account number is a separate 13-digit code that PayPal uses internally. You need the actual account number when a service or support agent specifically asks for it.

Can I change my account number?

No. Your account number is permanent and assigned when you create your PayPal account. It cannot be changed, reset, or reassigned. If you close your account and open a new one, you will receive a different account number.

Do I need my account number to send or receive money?

No. You send money using an email address or phone number, and you receive money the same way. Your account number is only needed for account-level support, linking to other services, or setting up certain types of transfers.

What if I see multiple numbers in my account settings?

PayPal displays several identifiers in different places. Your account number is the 13-digit code labeled specifically as "Account Number" or "Account ID". Transaction IDs, reference numbers, and routing information are different and serve different purposes — make sure you are copying the right one.

Is it safe to share my account number?

Your account number alone is not sensitive information in the way your password or Social Security number is. However, do not share it with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. If PayPal support needs it, you initiate the contact through your account settings, not the other way around.