What you need to create a PayPal account
You can open a PayPal account in about 10 minutes with just an email address, a password, and basic personal information. PayPal does not charge you to create an account — the account itself is free. You will need to decide whether you want a Personal account (for sending money to friends and family) or a Business account (if you plan to receive payments for goods or services), though you can change this later.
Before you start, have ready: your full name as it appears on your ID, your date of birth, your address, and a phone number. If you plan to link a bank account or debit card to send or receive money, you will need those account numbers too — but you do not have to add them right away.
Key Takeaways
- You can create a PayPal account with just an email address and basic personal information, and it takes about 10 minutes.
- PayPal offers Personal accounts for sending money to friends and Business accounts for receiving payments, and you can switch between them later.
- You must verify your email address and phone number before you can send or receive money.
- Linking a bank account or debit card lets you move money in and out, but you can add these later if you want to explore the account first.
- PayPal will ask security questions and may request documents if you try to send large amounts or if something looks unusual to them.
Step-by-step: creating your account
Go to paypal.com and click "Sign Up" in the top right corner. Choose whether you want a Personal or Business account — Personal is for sending money to people you know, and Business is for selling items or services. You can change this choice later, so do not worry about getting it perfectly right now.
Enter your email address and create a password. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. PayPal will show you a strength meter as you type. Next, enter your full name, date of birth, address, and phone number exactly as they appear on your government ID.
PayPal will send a verification code to your email address. Check your inbox (and your spam folder if you do not see it right away) and enter that code on the screen. Then PayPal will send a code to your phone number — enter that code too. Once both are verified, your account is created.
Linking a bank account or debit card
You do not have to link a bank account or card when ready. Many people create the account first, explore it, and add payment methods later. But if you want to send money or receive payments, you will eventually need a way to move money in and out.
To add a bank account, go to your PayPal wallet and select "Link a bank account." You will enter your bank's routing number and your account number. PayPal will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within a few days. Once you see those deposits, you go back to PayPal and enter the exact amounts to confirm the account is yours.
To add a debit card instead, select "Link a debit card" and enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). PayPal will verify it when ready, and you can use it right away.
What PayPal asks you to verify
PayPal may ask you to confirm your identity in different ways depending on what you are doing. If you are just sending small amounts to friends, you might never be asked for anything beyond your email and phone. If you try to send a large amount or receive money regularly, PayPal will ask for more information.
They may ask you to upload a photo of your government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). They may also ask for a utility bill or bank statement to confirm your address — these should show your name and current address. If you are opening a Business account, they may ask for your Social Security number or tax ID.
PayPal uses this information to prevent fraud and to follow anti-money-laundering rules that all financial companies must follow. The process usually takes a few hours to a few days.
Keeping your account find
Your password is the first line of defense. Make it something only you know — not your birthday, not your pet's name, not a word from the dictionary. Write it down in a safe place if you need to, or use a password manager (a tool that stores passwords securely).
Turn on two-factor authentication, which adds an extra security step when you log in from a new device. Go to Settings, then Security, and select "Two-Step Verification." PayPal will send you a code by text or email each time you log in somewhere new. This means that even if someone gets your password, they cannot access your account without that code.
Check your account regularly for activity you do not recognize. If you see a transaction you did not make, report it to PayPal right away through the Resolution Center.
Sending and receiving money once your account is set up
Once your account is verified and you have linked a payment method, you can send money to anyone with an email address. Click "Send Money," enter the person's email or phone number, the amount, and whether it is for goods, services, or just sending to a friend. Money sent to friends and family usually has no fee; money sent for goods or services may have a small fee.
To receive money, share your email address with the person sending it. They enter your email in the "Send Money" section, and the money appears in your PayPal account. You can then transfer it to your bank account or keep it in PayPal to spend later.
If you set up a Business account, you can also create a payment button or link that people can click to pay you. This is useful if you are selling items online or offering a service.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you forget your password, click "Having trouble logging in?" on the PayPal login page. PayPal will send you a link to reset it. If you do not have access to your email address anymore, you will need to contact PayPal's support team — go to the Help Center and select "Contact Us."
If your account is locked or limited (PayPal sometimes does this if they notice unusual activity), you will see a message when you log in explaining why. Follow the steps they give you, which usually involve confirming your identity or providing documents. This can take a few days to a few weeks depending on what they need.
If you are having trouble linking a bank account, make sure you entered the routing number and account number correctly. If PayPal keeps rejecting it, contact your bank to confirm those numbers, or try linking a debit card instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my real name on PayPal?
Yes. PayPal requires the name on your account to match your government ID. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. If your name has changed, you can update it in your account settings, but you will need to verify the change with PayPal.
Can I have more than one PayPal account?
PayPal allows one Personal account and one Business account per person, but they must use different email addresses. Having multiple accounts under the same name or using someone else's information violates PayPal's rules and can get all your accounts closed.
How long does it take to verify my account?
Email and phone verification happens within minutes. If PayPal asks for documents like your ID or address proof, verification usually takes a few hours to a few days. During busy periods it may take longer. You can check the status in your account settings.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You can create a PayPal account and use it to receive money even without a bank account. You can keep the money in your PayPal wallet and use it to pay other PayPal users or make online purchases. When you are ready to open a bank account, you can link it and transfer your PayPal balance over.
Is PayPal safe to use?
PayPal uses encryption and fraud detection to protect your account. Your biggest responsibility is keeping your password private and turning on two-factor authentication. If someone does make an unauthorized transaction, PayPal's Buyer Protection and Seller Protection policies cover most cases, though you need to report it within 180 days.