Why you need a bank account linked to PayPal

Linking a bank account to PayPal lets you move money in both directions: you can fund your PayPal balance from your bank, or transfer PayPal money back to your bank account. Without a linked bank account, you can receive money into PayPal but you cannot easily get it out — you would be stuck holding it in PayPal's system or paying fees to use a debit card instead.

The link also lets you pay directly from your bank through PayPal without keeping a balance. When you shop online or send money to someone, PayPal can pull the funds straight from your checking account rather than requiring you to load money into PayPal first.

PayPal verifies your bank account by making two small test deposits — usually a few cents each — to confirm you own the account. This takes a few days but costs nothing and is the standard way PayPal confirms you are who you say you are.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on the bottom left of a check or through your bank's website or app.
  • PayPal sends two small test deposits to your bank account, which you then confirm in PayPal to prove you own the account.
  • The verification process usually takes three to five business days from when you first enter your bank details.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, though transfers typically take one to three business days to arrive.

What information you will need before you start

Gather these details before you open PayPal or log in. You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank) and your account number (the unique number for your checking or savings account). Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account, separated by a colon — the routing number comes first.

If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or a section labeled "routing number" or "bank information." Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing and account numbers.

Have your PayPal login information ready, or know the email address and password you will use to create a PayPal account if you do not have one yet. You will also need access to the email address you use for PayPal, because PayPal will send you a confirmation message during the linking process.

The step-by-step process to link your account

Log into PayPal on a computer or the PayPal mobile app. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Account Settings." On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to "Settings."

Look for a section called "Banks and Cards" or "Linked Banks and Cards." Click "Link a Bank Account" or the plus sign next to "Banks." PayPal will ask you to choose between linking your account manually or using Plaid, a service that connects to your bank automatically. Plaid is faster if your bank is supported, but manual entry works for all banks.

If you choose manual entry, enter your bank's name, your routing number, and your account number in the fields PayPal provides. Double-check these numbers — a mistake here will delay verification. PayPal will ask whether the account is checking or savings; select the correct type.

Click "Link Bank Account" or "Continue." PayPal will confirm the information and tell you that two small deposits are on the way. You will see a message saying verification usually takes three to five business days. You do not need to do anything else right now — just wait for the deposits to arrive in your bank account.

Confirming the test deposits and completing verification

Check your bank account after three to five business days. You will see two deposits from PayPal, each for a few cents — often amounts like $0.01 and $0.02, or $0.21 and $0.34. The exact amounts vary. Write down both amounts.

Log back into PayPal and return to "Banks and Cards" or "Linked Banks and Cards." Find the bank account you just linked; it will show a status like "Pending" or "Awaiting Verification." Click on it and select "Confirm" or "Verify Now."

PayPal will ask you to enter the two deposit amounts you found in your bank account. Type them in exactly as they appear — for example, if the deposits were $0.21 and $0.34, enter those numbers in the order PayPal asks for them. Click "Confirm" or "Verify."

PayPal will process your answer when ready. If the amounts match, your bank account is now linked and verified. You will see a confirmation message, and the account status will change to "Confirmed" or "Active." You can now transfer money between PayPal and your bank account.

What to do if the test deposits do not arrive

If you do not see the deposits after seven business days, log into PayPal and check the bank account status. It may show an error message or ask you to re-enter your information. If PayPal rejected your account details, you will need to start over — click "Remove" or "Delete" on the linked account and add it again, checking your routing and account numbers carefully.

If PayPal accepted your information but the deposits never arrived, contact your bank's customer service. Give them your routing and account numbers and ask whether PayPal deposits are being blocked or filtered. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious; your bank may need to whitelist PayPal's sending account.

You can also contact PayPal support through the Help Center on PayPal's website. Click "Contact Us" and describe the problem. PayPal support can resend the test deposits or, in some cases, verify your account through an alternative method.

Moving money between PayPal and your bank after linking

Once your account is verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account. In PayPal, click "Wallet" or "Money," then "Transfer Money." Select "Transfer to Your Bank" and choose the linked account. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm.

PayPal will show you the transfer fee (usually free for standard transfers) and the arrival date. Standard transfers take one to three business days; some accounts offer next-business-day transfers for a small fee. Click "Transfer Now" to complete the move.

You can also fund your PayPal balance from your bank account by clicking "Add Money to Your Wallet" or "Link a Card or Bank Account" and selecting your bank. This lets you load money into PayPal before you spend it, though it is not necessary — you can pay directly from your bank through PayPal without pre-loading.

Security and what to watch for

PayPal will never ask you to confirm your routing or account number by email, text, or phone. If someone claiming to be from PayPal contacts you asking for these details, it is a scam — ignore it and report it to PayPal through the Help Center.

Your bank account information is encrypted when you send it to PayPal, meaning it is scrambled so only PayPal can read it. PayPal does not share your bank details with merchants or other services — they only use it to move money between your bank and PayPal.

Review your bank and PayPal statements regularly to catch any unauthorized transfers. If you see a transfer you did not make, contact PayPal support when ready and ask them to reverse it. PayPal has a dispute process for unauthorized transfers, similar to what your bank offers for fraudulent charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link more than one bank account to PayPal?

Yes. You can link multiple checking or savings accounts from the same bank or different banks. Each account must go through the same verification process with test deposits. This is useful if you want to transfer from different accounts or keep business and personal money separate.

What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

PayPal will reject the information or the test deposits will fail to arrive. You will see an error message in your account. Remove the incorrect account and add it again with the correct numbers. There is no penalty for trying again — you can link and unlink accounts as many times as you need.

How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank?

Standard transfers take one to three business days. Some PayPal accounts offer when ready or next-business-day transfers for a fee of around $0.25 to $1.50, depending on the amount. You choose the speed when you request the transfer, and PayPal shows you the fee before you confirm.

Do I have to keep a balance in PayPal after I link my bank account?

No. Once your bank account is linked, you can pay directly from your bank through PayPal without holding money in PayPal. When you make a purchase or send money, PayPal can pull the funds straight from your bank account. You only need a PayPal balance if you want to hold money there for convenience.

Is it safe to link my bank account to PayPal?

Yes, if you are linking to your own account. PayPal encrypts your bank information and does not share it with merchants. Only link a bank account you own and control. Never give your routing or account number to someone else to link on your behalf, and never link an account that belongs to someone else.