What happens when you link a bank account to PayPal
Linking a bank account to PayPal lets you move money between the two without using a debit card. When you link an account, PayPal can pull money directly from your bank to cover payments you make, and it can send money from PayPal back to your bank when you withdraw.
The link itself is not automatic. PayPal verifies that you own the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account a few days after you start the process. You then confirm those amounts in PayPal to prove the account is yours. Once verified, the account stays linked until you remove it.
You can link more than one bank account, and you can choose which one PayPal uses by default when you send money or pay for something. If you close a bank account, you should remove it from PayPal first — if you don't, PayPal may flag your account or block transactions.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small test amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes three to five business days.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start linking, both of which appear on a check or in your online banking.
- Once verified, your linked account lets you fund PayPal payments directly from your bank without using a debit card.
- You can link multiple accounts and change which one is your default, but you should remove an account before closing that bank.
Finding your bank routing and account numbers
Before you start linking, gather two pieces of information from your bank: your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch. The account number identifies your account at that branch.
The easiest place to find both is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left of the check. The first set of numbers (usually nine digits) is your routing number. The second set of numbers (usually ten to twelve digits) is your account number. The third set is the check number itself.
If you don't have a check, log into your online banking and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read you both numbers — they will verify your identity first.
Steps to link your account in PayPal
Open PayPal and log in. Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left side, click Wallet. You should see a section that says Linked accounts or Bank accounts — the exact wording varies depending on whether you are using PayPal on a computer or phone.
Click the button to add a bank account (it may say Link a bank account or Add bank). PayPal will ask you to choose your country and then enter your bank's name. Type your bank's name in the search box — PayPal usually shows a dropdown list of banks as you type. Select your bank from the list.
Enter your routing number and account number in the fields PayPal provides. Double-check both numbers before you continue — a mistake here will delay verification. PayPal will also ask you to confirm your account type (checking or savings). Click Link account or Continue to finish.
Confirming the test deposits
After you link your account, PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account within three to five business days. Check your bank statement or online banking for deposits from PayPal. The amounts are usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each, and the deposit description often includes a code or reference number.
Once you see both deposits in your bank account, go back to PayPal Settings, click Wallet, and find your linked account in the list. It should show a status like Pending confirmation or Unconfirmed. Click on the account and look for a button that says Confirm deposits or Verify amounts.
Enter the two amounts you saw in your bank statement, exactly as they appear. PayPal will verify them when ready. Once confirmed, your account status will change to Confirmed or Active, and you can use it to fund PayPal payments and receive withdrawals.
What to do if verification takes longer than expected
If you don't see the test deposits after five business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. Log back into PayPal Settings, find your pending account, and look for an option to edit or correct the information. Fix any mistakes and save the changes — PayPal will send new test deposits.
If the numbers are correct but deposits still haven't arrived, contact your bank's customer service. Tell them you are expecting two small deposits from PayPal and ask them to check if the deposits were rejected or held. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and delay them. Your bank can release them once you confirm they are legitimate.
If your bank says the deposits were never received, contact PayPal's customer service through the Help Center in your account. Explain that you linked your account but the test deposits did not arrive. PayPal can resend them or help you troubleshoot the issue.
Using your linked bank account
Once your account is verified, PayPal uses it as your default funding source for payments and purchases. When you send money or pay for something through PayPal, the money comes directly from your linked bank account instead of from a PayPal balance or debit card.
You can change which linked account is your default. Go to Settings, click Wallet, find your accounts, and look for an option to set one as Primary or Default. If you have multiple linked accounts, you can also choose a different one at checkout before you confirm a payment.
Withdrawals from PayPal to your bank account also use your default linked account unless you choose a different one. Withdrawals usually take one to three business days to appear in your bank account, depending on your bank.
Removing a linked bank account
If you want to unlink a bank account, go to Settings, click Wallet, find the account in your list, and look for a Remove, Delete, or Unlink button. Click it and confirm. The account will be removed when ready, and PayPal will no longer be able to pull money from or send money to that bank.
You should remove an account before you close that bank account. If you close a bank account without removing it from PayPal first, PayPal may try to process a payment or withdrawal to an account that no longer exists. This can cause the transaction to fail and may trigger a review of your PayPal account.
If you have already closed a bank account and it is still linked to PayPal, remove it as soon as you notice. Go to Settings, find the account, and delete it. This tells PayPal to stop trying to use that account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. When you enter your account information, PayPal asks you to specify whether it is a checking or savings account. Both types work the same way — PayPal deposits the test amounts and you confirm them. The only difference is that some banks take slightly longer to process transfers to or from savings accounts.
What if I enter the wrong routing number by mistake?
PayPal will send the test deposits to the wrong bank. When you don't see them in your account, you can edit the account information in PayPal Settings and correct the routing number. PayPal will send new test deposits to the correct bank. Delete the old unconfirmed account once the new one is verified.
Do I have to use my linked bank account every time I pay?
No. Your linked account is your default, but at checkout you can choose to pay from a different source if you have one — such as a debit card or PayPal balance. You can also change your default account in Settings if you want a different one to be used automatically.
How long does it take to withdraw money from PayPal to my linked bank account?
Withdrawals usually take one to three business days, depending on your bank. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time. Some banks process transfers faster than others, so the exact timing may vary.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
PayPal is a major payment company and uses encryption to protect your information. Your bank account number is no more at risk with PayPal than it is with any other service you have authorized — such as your employer's payroll system or a bill payment service. Only link accounts to services you trust.