The basic steps to link your bank account

To link a bank account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal account, go to the Wallet section, select "Link a bank account," and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to that account within one to two business days. You return to PayPal, confirm the exact amounts of those deposits, and your account is linked.

The whole process takes about five to seven business days from start to finish, though the actual steps you take on PayPal's site take only a few minutes. The delay comes from waiting for the test deposits to arrive at your bank, which depends on your bank's processing speed.

You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can log into your bank's website or call the bank directly to find them. Do not give PayPal your debit card number or any other payment method at this stage—only the routing and account numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal confirms your bank account by sending two small test deposits that you must verify within a set timeframe, usually 30 days.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a check or are available through your bank's website.
  • The verification process takes five to seven business days because banks process transfers on their own schedule, not when ready.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, though PayPal may charge a fee depending on the transfer speed you choose.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

The easiest place to find both numbers is a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom left corner: the first set of numbers is your routing number (usually nine digits), and the second set is your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). The third set is the check number itself.

If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app 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 for your routing number and account number—they will provide them over the phone.

Make sure you are entering the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held, not a general bank number. If you use an online bank without physical branches, the routing number is still specific to that bank and is usually listed on their website or in their help section.

What happens after you enter your information

After you submit your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two test deposits to your bank account. These deposits are real money—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—and they will show up in your bank account just like any other deposit. Your bank will process them according to its normal schedule, which typically takes one to two business days.

Once the deposits arrive, you log back into PayPal and confirm the exact amounts. PayPal asks you to enter the two amounts you see in your bank account. This step proves that you own the account and have access to it. After you confirm the amounts correctly, PayPal removes those test deposits from your account—you do not keep the money.

If the deposits do not arrive within seven business days, PayPal will cancel the verification attempt and you will need to start over. If you wait too long to confirm the amounts (usually more than 30 days), the deposits will expire and you will have to link the account again.

Linking a savings account instead of checking

You can link a savings account to PayPal using the same process: routing number, account number, and verification through test deposits. The steps are identical, and the timeline is the same. The main difference is that some banks process transfers to savings accounts more slowly than to checking accounts, so the test deposits might take an extra day or two to arrive.

If your savings account is at a different bank than your checking account, use the routing number for the bank where the savings account is held. PayPal does not care which type of account you link—it only needs the correct routing and account numbers for the specific account you want to use.

What you can do once your account is linked

Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to that bank account. PayPal offers different transfer speeds: standard transfers (usually one to three business days) are free, while faster transfers (same day or next day) cost a fee. The fee varies but is typically $0.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount and speed you choose.

You cannot use a linked bank account to send money to other PayPal users or to pay for purchases directly. The link works in one direction: from PayPal to your bank. If you want to add money to PayPal from your bank account, you will need to link your debit card instead, or use a different method like a wire transfer.

Your linked bank account stays active until you remove it. You can unlink it at any time through the Wallet section of your PayPal account, and you can link a different bank account if you change banks or want to use a different account.

Common problems and how to fix them

If the test deposits do not arrive after seven business days, the most common cause is an incorrect routing number. Double-check the routing number against your bank's website or a check. If the number is wrong, you will need to start the linking process over with the correct number.

If you enter the wrong amounts when confirming the deposits, PayPal will reject the verification. You can try again, but if you fail three times, you will have to wait 24 hours before attempting again. If you genuinely cannot find the deposit amounts in your bank account, contact your bank to confirm the deposits were received, or contact PayPal support to ask for the amounts.

If your bank account is closed or inactive, the test deposits will be rejected and PayPal will cancel the linking attempt. Make sure the account you are linking is currently open and in good standing with your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?

Yes. You can link more than one bank account, and you can choose which one to transfer to each time you withdraw money from PayPal. Only one account can be set as your primary transfer destination, but you can change that at any time through your account settings.

Does PayPal charge a fee to link my bank account?

No. Linking the account itself is free. PayPal only charges a fee if you choose a faster transfer speed when you withdraw money. Standard transfers to a linked bank account are free.

What if my bank rejects the test deposits?

This is rare, but it can happen if your account is flagged for fraud or if your bank has restrictions on incoming transfers. Contact your bank to ask why the deposits were rejected, and ask them to allow PayPal's transfers. Then start the linking process over.

How long does a transfer from PayPal to my bank account take?

Standard transfers take one to three business days. Faster options (next day or same day) are available for a fee. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.

Can I use a linked bank account to add money to PayPal?

No. A linked bank account only works for withdrawing money from PayPal to your bank. To add money to PayPal from your bank, you need to link a debit card or use a different payment method.