The basic steps to connect your bank account
To link a bank account to PayPal, you log into your account, go to Wallet, 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 amounts of those deposits, and the link is complete.
The whole process takes about five minutes to start, but the verification step requires you to wait for the deposits to arrive and then confirm them. Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, use your bank account to fund PayPal purchases, and set it as your default payment method.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by sending two small test deposits that you must confirm within 30 days, which takes one to two business days to arrive.
- You need your routing number and account number from your bank before you start; both are on a check or available through your bank's website.
- Once verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account and use your bank account to pay for PayPal purchases.
- The link remains active until you remove it, and you can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account—the routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits).
If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account summary. 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 verify your identity and provide both.
Do not use a credit card number or debit card number in place of these. PayPal specifically needs the routing and account numbers from your checking or savings account.
What happens after you enter your information
After you submit your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two small deposits to your bank account. These usually arrive within one to two business days, though timing depends on your bank's processing speed. You will see them listed in your bank account as deposits from PayPal.
PayPal will also send you an email telling you the deposits have been sent and asking you to return to PayPal and confirm the amounts. You have 30 days to do this. Go back to PayPal, navigate to the bank account you just linked, and enter the two amounts you see in your bank account. Once you confirm them correctly, the link is verified and active.
If the deposits do not arrive after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If they are correct, contact your bank to ask whether they are holding the deposits or if there is a processing delay. Some banks flag small incoming transfers as suspicious.
Removing or unlinking a bank account
To remove a linked bank account, log into PayPal, go to Wallet, find the bank account in your list, and select Remove or Unlink. The account is when ready disconnected. You cannot use it to transfer money out of PayPal or to fund PayPal purchases after that.
Removing a bank account does not affect any transfers that are already in progress. If you have sent money to that account and it has not yet arrived, the transfer will still complete. You can re-link the same bank account later if you want to use it again; you will go through the verification process a second time.
Transferring money from PayPal to your bank account
Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can move money from your PayPal balance to your bank account. In PayPal, go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm.
PayPal offers two transfer speeds: standard transfer (one to three business days) and when ready transfer (within 30 minutes). Standard transfer is free. when ready transfer charges a small fee, usually between $0.25 and $2.00 depending on the amount. You choose which speed you want before you confirm the transfer.
The money leaves your PayPal account when ready, but it does not appear in your bank account until the transfer completes. With standard transfer, check your bank account two to three business days later. With when ready transfer, it should be there within 30 minutes.
Using your bank account to fund PayPal purchases
Once your bank account is linked, you can use it to pay for purchases on PayPal or through merchants that accept PayPal. At checkout, select your linked bank account as your payment method instead of a credit or debit card.
PayPal will pull the money directly from your bank account. The transaction appears in your bank account as a debit from PayPal, usually within one to three business days. You do not need to transfer money into PayPal first; the payment comes straight from your bank.
If you set your bank account as your default payment method, PayPal will use it automatically for purchases unless you change it at checkout. You can change your default method anytime in your PayPal settings.
What to do if verification fails or gets stuck
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly, PayPal will tell you and let you try again. You have 30 days from the date the deposits were sent. If you miss the 30-day window, the deposits will not be recoverable, but you can start the linking process over with the same bank account.
If the deposits never arrive, first confirm that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. Log back into PayPal and check what numbers you submitted. If they match your bank account, contact your bank and ask if they received two small deposits from PayPal. Some banks block or delay small transfers, or they may have flagged them as suspicious activity.
If your bank confirms the deposits arrived but you cannot see them in your account, ask your bank to show you the transaction history for the exact dates. Once you locate the amounts, return to PayPal and confirm them. If the deposits truly did not arrive after five business days, you can contact PayPal support to request that they resend the deposits or use an alternative verification method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link more than one bank account to PayPal?
Yes. You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account. Each one goes through the same verification process with the two test deposits. You can then choose which account to use when you transfer money out or set as your default payment method.
Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account numbers?
PayPal is a major payment processor and uses encryption to protect your information. The routing and account numbers are the same information you would write on a check, which you hand to people regularly. The risk is low, but as with any financial service, use a find internet connection and do not share your PayPal login with others.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank account?
Standard transfer takes one to three business days and is free. when ready transfer takes up to 30 minutes and costs a small fee. The money leaves PayPal when ready either way, but arrival in your bank account depends on which speed you choose.
What if I entered the wrong bank account number?
If you realize the mistake before the test deposits arrive, go back into PayPal and remove the incorrect account, then start over with the correct information. If the deposits already arrived in the wrong account, contact that bank and ask them to return the deposits to PayPal. You can then link the correct account.
Do I have to keep my bank account linked if I am not using it?
No. You can remove it anytime. Removing it does not affect your PayPal account or any other linked payment methods. You can re-link it later if you want to use it again.