What happens when you link your bank account

Linking your bank account to PayPal lets you move money between them without using a credit or 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 request a withdrawal.

The connection is not automatic — you control when money moves. PayPal does not continuously monitor your account or pull funds without your permission. You decide each time whether to pay from your bank account, your PayPal balance, or a card.

The process takes about five to ten minutes to set up, but PayPal will verify the account by sending two small deposits (usually under one dollar each) to your bank. You then confirm those amounts in the PayPal app or website. This verification step typically takes one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or through your bank's website or app.
  • PayPal verifies the account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes one to two business days.
  • Once linked, you can choose to pay from your bank account on a transaction-by-transaction basis — the link does not automatically drain your account.
  • You can unlink your bank account at any time through PayPal's settings, and you can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account.

Getting your bank account information ready

Before you start, gather two pieces of information from your bank: your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch, and the account number identifies your account within that bank.

The easiest place to find both is on a check from your checkbook — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and your account number follows it. If you do not have checks, 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 them to read you both numbers.

Make sure you are linking a checking or savings account that you own and can access. PayPal cannot link to accounts you do not own, and the account holder's name must match the name on your PayPal account.

Steps to link your bank account in the PayPal app

Open the PayPal app on your phone or go to PayPal.com on a computer. Log in with your email and password.

On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. On the website, look for your account icon in the top right corner and click it. From either location, find and tap or click "Wallet" or "Your Money" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on the app or website.

Look for an option that says "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account." Tap or click it. PayPal will ask you to choose between linking a U.S. bank account or an international one — select the option that matches your bank's location.

Enter your routing number and account number in the fields provided. Double-check both numbers before moving forward — a single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail. Then enter the name of your bank (PayPal usually suggests it as you type) and confirm that the account type is correct (checking or savings).

PayPal will show you a summary of the information you entered. Review it carefully, then tap or click "Confirm" or "Link Account." PayPal will tell you that verification is in progress.

Waiting for and completing verification

PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank account within one to two business days. These are real deposits — they will show up in your bank account just like any other transfer. The amounts are usually between one cent and one dollar each, and they are sent from PayPal's bank, not from your PayPal balance.

Once the deposits arrive, go back to PayPal and look for a notification or prompt asking you to confirm the amounts. On the app, this usually appears on the Wallet screen. On the website, check your account settings under "Wallet" or "Bank Accounts." PayPal will ask you to enter the two amounts you saw in your bank account.

Log into your bank account (through your bank's app or website, not through PayPal) and find the two deposits. They will appear as transfers from PayPal, and the description will usually include the amounts or a reference code. Write down both amounts exactly as they appear.

Return to PayPal and enter those two amounts. Once you confirm them correctly, PayPal will mark your bank account as verified. The process is complete, and you can now use that account to send and receive money through PayPal.

What to do if verification fails

If you enter the wrong amounts or do not confirm them within a certain time window (usually 30 days), PayPal will ask you to try again. You can request new deposits, and PayPal will send two more small amounts to your bank.

If the deposits never arrive at your bank, the most common cause is an incorrect routing number or account number. Check both numbers against your check or your bank's website and try linking again. If you are still having trouble, contact your bank's customer service to confirm that both numbers are correct.

If your bank rejects the deposits for another reason — for example, if your account is frozen or closed — your bank will return the money to PayPal, and PayPal will notify you. In that case, you will need to resolve the issue with your bank before trying to link again.

Using your linked bank account to send and receive money

Once your account is verified, you can choose to pay from it whenever you make a purchase through PayPal. When you check out, PayPal will show you your available payment methods — your PayPal balance, any linked cards, and your linked bank account. Select your bank account if you want that payment to come directly from your bank.

You can also use your linked bank account to transfer money into your PayPal balance. On the app, go to Wallet and look for "Transfer Money" or "Add Money." On the website, find the same option in your account settings. Choose "Transfer from Bank" and enter the amount you want to move. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.

To withdraw money from PayPal back to your bank account, go to Wallet, find "Transfer Money," and select "Transfer to Bank." Enter the amount and confirm. Withdrawals typically take one to three business days as well, depending on your bank.

Managing and unlinking your bank account

You can link more than one bank account to the same PayPal account. To add another, follow the same steps as before — go to Wallet, select "Link a Bank Account," and enter the new account's information. Each account will need to go through the two-deposit verification process.

To remove a bank account, go to Wallet and find the account you want to unlink. Look for a menu or settings option (often three dots or a gear icon) next to the account name. Select "Unlink" or "Remove." PayPal will ask you to confirm, and the account will be disconnected when ready. You will no longer be able to pay from that account or transfer money to it.

If you change banks or close an account, unlink it from PayPal as soon as possible. If you try to pay from or transfer to a closed account, the transaction will fail, and PayPal may temporarily limit your account while it investigates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PayPal take money from my bank account without my permission?

No. Linking your account does not give PayPal permission to pull money whenever it wants. You choose whether to pay from your bank account each time you make a purchase or transfer. If a payment fails because you do not have enough money, PayPal will not automatically retry it from another source.

Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account number?

Yes. PayPal is a regulated financial company, and the routing and account number are the same information you would give to anyone setting up a direct deposit or automatic payment. PayPal uses encryption to protect this information, and the two-deposit verification step confirms that you own the account.

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

Withdrawals typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. Some banks process transfers faster than others, so if you consistently see longer delays, contact your bank to ask about their transfer speed.

What if I enter the wrong amounts during verification?

PayPal will tell you the amounts were incorrect and let you try again. You can request new deposits, and PayPal will send two more small amounts within one to two business days. You have about 30 days to confirm the amounts before PayPal closes the verification attempt.

Can I link a joint bank account?

Yes, as long as your name appears on the account. The account holder name does not have to match your PayPal name exactly, but it should be recognizably the same person. If you are unsure, contact PayPal's support team with a photo of your account statement showing your name.