Your PayPal account number is a 13-digit identifier that appears in your account settings, not on receipts or emails

PayPal does not display your account number prominently because most transactions use your email address or phone number instead. The account number exists in your system but is rarely needed for everyday payments. If you need it—usually for bank transfers, tax records, or customer service disputes—you can find it in your account settings in under a minute.

The confusion often comes from mixing up different identifiers. Your email is what you log in with. Your transaction ID is what appears on receipts. Your account number is separate from both, and it lives in one specific place in your account dashboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PayPal account number is a 13-digit code found in Account Settings under the Profile or Account Information section, depending on whether you use the app or website.
  • You will not see your account number on transaction receipts, confirmation emails, or your statement—it only appears in your account settings.
  • Most PayPal transactions work with your email address alone, so you rarely need the account number for sending or receiving money.
  • If you cannot locate your account number after checking settings, PayPal customer service can confirm it by verifying your identity through your email or phone.

How to find your account number on the PayPal website

Log in to PayPal.com with your email and password. Once you are on your dashboard, look for the gear icon or "Settings" link, usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select "Account Settings" or "Profile."

In Account Settings, find the section labeled "Account Information" or "Personal Information." Your account number will be listed there as a 13-digit code. It may also appear under a heading like "PayPal Account ID" or straightforward "Account Number." Write it down or take a screenshot if you need to reference it later.

How to find your account number on the PayPal mobile app

Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Settings."

From Settings, tap "Account" or "Personal Information." Look for "Account Number" or "Account ID"—it will be the 13-digit code displayed in that section. The app layout varies slightly between iOS and Android, but the account number always lives in the same general area of your account information.

What to do if you cannot find your account number

If you have looked in Account Settings and the number is not there, your account may be restricted or in a state that hides certain information. This sometimes happens if your account has been flagged for review or if you have not completed identity verification.

Contact PayPal customer service through the app or website. Go to Help & Contact, select your issue, and choose to chat with or call a representative. Have your email address and the phone number or card associated with your account ready. PayPal can verify your identity and provide your account number directly.

When you actually need your PayPal account number

Most of the time, you do not. Sending money to a friend, paying a business, or receiving a payment all work with your email address. Your account number becomes relevant in specific situations: filing taxes and needing to report PayPal income, disputing a transaction with your bank, linking PayPal to accounting software, or working with PayPal customer service on a complex issue where they ask for it.

If someone outside PayPal asks for your account number unsolicited—especially if they claim to be from PayPal—do not give it to them. Legitimate PayPal staff will never ask for sensitive account details via email or text. If you are uncertain, hang up or close the message and call PayPal directly using the number on the back of your card or the official PayPal website.

The difference between your account number and other PayPal identifiers

Your PayPal email is what you use to log in and what appears on payment requests. Your transaction ID is a unique code for each individual payment, shown on receipts and confirmation emails. Your account number is a permanent 13-digit identifier for your entire account. Merchants and payment processors sometimes ask for the account number to verify you are the account holder, but they almost never need it for a standard transaction.

If you are setting up direct deposit or linking PayPal to your bank account, you may see references to routing numbers or account numbers—those belong to your bank, not PayPal. Do not confuse them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PayPal account number the same as my transaction ID?

No. Your account number is a permanent 13-digit code for your entire account. A transaction ID is a unique code for a single payment, shown on receipts. They are different identifiers used for different purposes.

Can I use my account number instead of my email to log in?

No. PayPal requires your email address and password to log in. Your account number is for reference and verification only, not for authentication.

What if my account number has letters in it?

PayPal account numbers are 13 digits only—no letters. If you see letters, you are looking at a different identifier, such as a transaction reference code or a business account ID. Check the label next to the code to confirm what you are reading.

Do I need my account number to receive money?

No. People can send you money using only your PayPal email address or phone number. Your account number is not part of the payment process for most transactions.

Can I change my PayPal account number?

No. Your account number is permanent and cannot be changed. It is assigned when you create your account and stays with it for the life of the account.