The basic steps to link your checking account

To link your checking account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal account, go to your wallet or settings, and add your bank details. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your checking account within a few business days. You return to PayPal, confirm the exact amounts of those deposits, and your account is linked. The whole process takes about a week from start to finish.

You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to complete the link. These appear on the bottom left of any check you have, or you can call your bank and ask for them. PayPal will ask for your full legal name as it appears on the account, so have that ready too.

Once linked, your checking account becomes a funding source for PayPal transfers and payments. You can send money to other people, pay for purchases, or withdraw money from your PayPal balance back to your checking account.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal confirms your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to report those exact amounts back to them.
  • You will need your bank's routing number and your checking account number, both found on the bottom of a check or available from your bank by phone.
  • The verification process takes about a week because the deposits must clear through the banking system before you can confirm them.
  • Once verified, your checking account can be used to fund PayPal payments, transfers to other people, or withdrawals from your PayPal balance.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

The easiest place to find both numbers is on a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom left corner. The first set of numbers (usually nine digits) is your routing number. The second set (usually ten to twelve digits) is your account number. Write both down before you start the PayPal linking process.

If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number for an external transfer. They will give you both numbers over the phone. Some banks also display these numbers in their mobile app or online banking portal under account details or settings.

Do not confuse your account number with your debit card number. Your debit card number is on the front of your card. Your account number is different and appears only on checks or in your bank's system.

What happens during the verification step

After you enter your bank details into PayPal, the system sends two tiny deposits to your checking account. These are real money — usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each — and they will show up in your account within two to four business days. The amounts are random and different for each person.

Once the deposits appear in your checking account, you go back to PayPal and tell the system the exact amounts. You do not need to withdraw the money or do anything with it — just report the numbers. PayPal uses this as proof that you own the account and have access to it. After you confirm the amounts correctly, your account is fully linked.

If you enter your bank details incorrectly, the deposits will not arrive. PayPal will give you a chance to correct the information and try again. If you wait more than 30 days without confirming the deposit amounts, PayPal will cancel the verification and you will need to start over.

Using your linked checking account

Once your checking account is verified, you can use it to send money to other PayPal users, pay for purchases through PayPal, or withdraw your PayPal balance back to your bank. When you make a payment or transfer, you can choose your checking account as the funding source instead of a credit card or PayPal balance.

Transfers from your PayPal balance back to your checking account usually take one to three business days, depending on your bank. Some banks process them faster. You can check the status of any transfer in your PayPal transaction history.

Your linked checking account does not automatically withdraw money. You control when and how much is transferred. PayPal will not charge your account without your permission for each transaction.

Security and what PayPal can see

When you link your checking account, PayPal can see your account number and routing number, but not your full account balance or transaction history. PayPal uses the account information only to process transfers you request. Your bank and PayPal are separate companies, and your bank does not share your balance or other account details with PayPal unless you give permission.

If you are concerned about security, you can unlink your checking account at any time through your PayPal settings. You can also set up a separate checking account just for PayPal transfers if you prefer to keep that money separate from your main account.

Keep your routing and account numbers private, just as you would keep your debit card number private. Do not share them with anyone except PayPal or your bank.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the verification deposits do not arrive after five business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. Log back into PayPal and review what you entered. If you see a mistake, you can delete the account and add it again with the correct numbers.

If you entered the numbers correctly but the deposits still have not arrived, contact your bank. Ask them to confirm that your account is set up to receive ACH transfers (the banking method PayPal uses). Some accounts, particularly savings accounts or accounts held by minors, may have restrictions that block these transfers. Your bank can tell you whether your account has these limits and how to remove them.

If you confirm the deposit amounts but PayPal says they are wrong, double-check the exact cents. The amounts are often very small, and a difference of even one cent will cause the verification to fail. You get three attempts to enter the correct amounts before PayPal cancels the process and you have to start over.

Linking a different bank account later

You can add more than one checking account to PayPal. If you want to link a second account from a different bank, follow the same process: go to your wallet settings, select "Add Bank Account," and enter the new routing and account numbers. PayPal will send verification deposits to that account as well.

You can also remove a linked account at any time. Go to your wallet settings, find the account you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once removed, you cannot use that account for transfers, but you can add it again later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?

Most savings accounts can be linked to PayPal using the same process. However, some banks restrict ACH transfers on savings accounts, or charge a fee for each transfer. Contact your bank before you start to confirm that your savings account allows external transfers and whether there are any fees involved.

What if I do not have a check to find my routing number?

Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal. Both will show you your routing number and account number. You can also visit your bank in person and ask a teller to write down both numbers for you.

How long does it take for money to move from my checking account to PayPal?

When you use your linked checking account to fund a PayPal payment, the money is usually deducted within one to three business days. Transfers from your PayPal balance back to your checking account also take one to three business days, depending on your bank.

Can I link my account if I have had problems with PayPal before?

PayPal may restrict account linking if your account has been flagged for fraud or violations. If you cannot add a bank account, contact PayPal customer service to ask why. They can explain any restrictions and tell you what steps you need to take to restore full account access.

What happens if I enter the wrong deposit amounts during verification?

PayPal gives you three attempts to enter the correct amounts. If all three attempts fail, the verification process cancels and you have to start over. You will need to delete the account from PayPal and add it again, which means waiting for new verification deposits to arrive.