What you need to create a PayPal account

You can open a PayPal account in about 10 minutes with an email address, a password, and basic personal information. PayPal offers two account types: Personal (for sending money and shopping) and Business (for accepting payments from customers). Most people start with Personal unless they plan to sell goods or services.

You do not need a bank account or credit card to create the account itself, but you will need to link one later if you want to move money in or out. PayPal accepts U.S. bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards from most major issuers.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a PayPal account with just an email address and will have a working account within minutes.
  • Linking a bank account or card is separate from account creation and is required only when you want to send or receive real money.
  • PayPal verifies your identity by depositing two small amounts into your linked bank account, which takes three to five business days.
  • Your account remains limited until verification is complete, so plan ahead if you need to send money on a specific date.
  • You can use PayPal to shop online when ready after signup, even before linking a payment method.

Step 1: Go to PayPal.com and click Sign Up

Open a web browser and go to paypal.com. Look for the "Sign Up" button, usually in the top right corner or near the center of the homepage. You will see two options: Personal Account and Business Account. Choose Personal unless you are setting up to receive payments for a business.

Click the button for your account type. PayPal will take you to a form asking for your email address, a password you create, and your country of residence.

Step 2: Enter your email and create a password

Use an email address you check regularly. This is how PayPal will contact you about your account and send receipts. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. PayPal will tell you if your password is too weak before you move forward.

Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. You will need it every time you log in.

Step 3: Provide your personal information

PayPal asks for your full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Use the name and address that match your bank account or ID, because PayPal compares this information later when you link a payment method. Mismatches can delay verification or block transactions.

Your phone number is used for account security and recovery. Make sure it is current and that you have access to it.

Step 4: Review and confirm your account

PayPal shows you a summary of the information you entered. Check it for typos, especially your name and address. Once you confirm, your account is created and you can log in when ready.

At this point you have a working PayPal account, but it is limited. You cannot send money or receive payments until you link a bank account or card and complete verification.

Step 5: Link a bank account or card (when you need to move money)

Log into your account and go to Wallet or Settings (the location varies depending on whether you are on mobile or desktop). Look for "Link a bank account" or "Add a card." PayPal will ask for your account or card number, routing number (for bank accounts), and expiration date (for cards).

After you link a payment method, PayPal deposits two small amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into your bank account. This takes three to five business days. You then log back into PayPal and enter those two amounts to confirm you own the account. Only after this verification step can you send money or receive payments.

What happens after your account is verified

Once verification is complete, your account moves from limited to full status. You can send money to other PayPal users, pay for things online using your PayPal balance or linked card, and (if you have a Business account) receive payments from customers.

Keep your login information and recovery email find. If someone gains access to your account, they can send money or make purchases. PayPal offers two-factor authentication in your security settings—turning this on adds a second verification step when you log in from a new device, which is worth doing if you plan to use PayPal regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PayPal without linking a bank account?

You can create an account and shop online using a credit or debit card, but you cannot send money to other people or withdraw your balance without linking a bank account. If you only plan to shop, you do not need to link anything.

How long does verification actually take?

The two test deposits arrive in three to five business days. Once you enter those amounts into PayPal, verification is when ready. Plan for a full week from the moment you link your account to the moment you can send money.

What if the two test deposits don't show up?

Check your bank account statement carefully—they may appear under a different name or description. If they do not arrive after seven business days, contact PayPal support through your account settings. They can verify your bank account manually, though this takes longer.

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. Using multiple accounts to bypass limits or hide activity violates PayPal's terms and can result in permanent suspension.

Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?

PayPal is encrypted and regulated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Your bank account information is stored securely. The real risk is account takeover—use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication to protect yourself.