What you need to create a PayPal account

You can create a PayPal account in about five minutes with just an email address and a password. PayPal will ask for your name, address, and phone number during setup. If you want to send or receive money, you will also need to connect a bank account, debit card, or credit card to your PayPal account — but you can create the account itself without that step.

The simplest path is to use a personal email address you check regularly. If you do not have an email address yet, you can create one for free at Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo before you start the PayPal process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address and password to create a PayPal account, plus your name, address, and phone number.
  • Connecting a bank account or card is separate from account creation and is required only if you plan to send or receive money.
  • PayPal offers two account types — Personal and Business — and most people starting out choose Personal.
  • After you create your account, PayPal may ask you to confirm your email address or verify your identity before you can move money.

Step-by-step account creation

Go to paypal.com and look for a button that says "Sign Up" — it is usually near the top right of the page. Click it and choose "Personal Account" unless you are setting up PayPal for a business. PayPal will then ask you for your email address, and whether you want to create a new PayPal password or use an existing one if you already have a PayPal login.

Enter your full name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number exactly as they appear on your official documents. PayPal uses this information to verify who you are later. Create a strong password — one that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and write it down somewhere safe. Then click the button to finish account creation.

PayPal will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the link inside it to confirm your email address. This step proves to PayPal that you own the email account you used to sign up.

Connecting a bank account or card

Once your account is created, you can add a way to move money in and out. Log into your PayPal account and look for "Wallet" or "Add a Card or Bank" in the menu. You can connect a debit card, credit card, or bank account — each one works slightly differently.

A debit card or credit card is the fastest to set up. You enter the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. PayPal may ask you to confirm the card by charging a small amount (usually under $1) and then asking you to tell PayPal what that charge was. This proves you own the card.

A bank account takes a few more days but is often safer for regular transfers. 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 to find them. PayPal will make two small deposits into your account (usually within 1 to 2 business days), and you will need to tell PayPal the amounts of those deposits to confirm the connection.

Personal versus Business accounts

A Personal account is for sending money to friends and family, paying for things online, or receiving money from other people. There are no monthly fees, and you can receive up to a certain amount per year without PayPal asking questions about where the money comes from.

A Business account is for people who run a business and want to accept payments from customers. Business accounts have more detailed record-keeping tools and can accept credit card payments, but they also charge a fee each time you receive money. If you are just starting out and only plan to send money to friends or receive occasional payments, a Personal account is the right choice.

What happens after you verify your identity

PayPal may ask you to verify your identity before you can send large amounts of money or withdraw funds to your bank account. This usually means uploading a photo of your driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You can do this through your account settings under "Security" or "Verification."

Take a clear photo of the front of your ID in good lighting, and make sure all the text is readable. Upload the photo through PayPal's website or app. PayPal usually reviews identity documents within a few hours to a few days. Once you are verified, you can move larger amounts of money without restrictions.

Keeping your account find

Use a password that no one else knows and that you do not use for any other account. Write it down in a safe place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager app — so you do not forget it. Do not share your password with anyone, even if they say they work for PayPal.

Check your PayPal account regularly to make sure all the transactions are ones you made. If you see a charge you do not recognize, report it to PayPal right away through your account settings. PayPal also offers two-factor authentication, which adds an extra security step when you log in from a new device — you can turn this on in your security settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to create a PayPal account?

No. You can create a PayPal account with just an email address. You only need to connect a card or bank account if you want to send money or withdraw money from PayPal to your bank.

How long does it take to create a PayPal account?

Account creation takes about five minutes. Confirming your email takes a few more minutes once you receive PayPal's confirmation email. Connecting a bank account can take one to two business days because PayPal makes small test deposits you have to confirm.

What if I forget my PayPal password?

Go to paypal.com and click "Log In." Then click "Forgot your password?" and enter your email address. PayPal will send you a link to create a new password. Click the link in the email and follow the steps to set a new password.

Can I have more than one PayPal account?

PayPal allows one Personal account and one Business account per person, but both must use different email addresses. Having multiple accounts under the same name can get your accounts limited, so it is best to stick with one.

Is PayPal safe to use?

PayPal uses encryption and fraud monitoring to protect your account. Your bank account and card information are not shared with the people you send money to — they only see your PayPal email address. Keep your password private and check your account regularly for unauthorized charges.