What verification means and why PayPal asks for it
PayPal asks you to verify a bank account so they can confirm you own it and control the money in it. Verification is a two-step process: first you add the account details, then PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) into that account. You then log back into PayPal and enter those exact amounts to prove you can see your bank statements.
This protects both you and PayPal. If someone else added your bank account to their PayPal without permission, they would not be able to complete verification because they would not receive your bank statements. Once verified, you can transfer money out of PayPal to that account, and PayPal knows the account is genuinely yours.
The entire process usually takes three to five business days from the moment you add the account until you can enter the verification amounts. Some banks show the deposits faster; others take the full five days.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account, and you enter those amounts back into PayPal to prove ownership.
- The process takes three to five business days because the deposits must clear through the banking system.
- You need your bank account number, routing number, and account holder name exactly as they appear at your bank.
- Once verified, you can transfer PayPal balance to that account and use it as your primary withdrawal method.
- If deposits do not arrive after five business days, contact PayPal support with your bank account details and the date you added the account.
Step-by-step: adding and verifying your account
Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (on mobile, tap the menu icon first), then select Link a bank account. Choose Connect a bank if PayPal offers to connect via your bank's login—this is faster and skips the manual entry step. If you prefer to enter details manually or your bank is not listed, select Enter my account details.
You will need: your bank account number, your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code; you can find it on a check or by calling your bank), and the name on the account exactly as your bank has it. Enter these details and confirm. PayPal will tell you the deposits are on the way and show you an estimated arrival date.
Check your bank account starting on day three. When you see the two deposits (they will appear as small credits from PayPal), log back into PayPal. Go to Wallet > Bank accounts, find the account you added, and click Confirm or Verify. Enter the two amounts in the order PayPal shows them. If you enter them correctly, the account is verified when ready.
What to do if the deposits do not arrive
If five business days have passed and you have not seen the two deposits, the account information may have been entered incorrectly, or there may be a hold at your bank. Log into PayPal and check the account details you entered—routing number, account number, and account holder name. If any are wrong, delete the account and add it again with the correct information.
If the details are correct, contact your bank and ask whether they have flagged the incoming deposits from PayPal. Some banks hold small transfers from unfamiliar senders. Once your bank releases them, they will appear in your account within one business day.
If your bank confirms the deposits never arrived and the account details in PayPal are correct, contact PayPal support. Have ready the date you added the account, your bank name, and the last four digits of the account number. PayPal can resend the deposits or, in some cases, verify the account through an alternative method.
Using your verified account to withdraw money
Once verified, your bank account appears in your Wallet with a checkmark next to it. To transfer money from your PayPal balance to this account, go to Wallet > Transfer money > Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date—usually one to three business days, depending on your bank.
You can set a verified bank account as your primary withdrawal method so that future transfers go there automatically. You can also add multiple verified bank accounts and choose which one to use for each transfer.
Removing or changing a verified account
If you want to stop using a verified account, go to Wallet > Bank accounts, find the account, and select Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once removed, you cannot transfer money to that account, but you can add it again later and go through verification a second time if needed.
If you need to change the account details (for example, if you switched banks), remove the old account and add the new one. You will need to verify the new account with the two-deposit method again.
Why verification sometimes fails
The most common reason verification fails is entering the deposit amounts in the wrong order. PayPal shows you which deposit came first and which came second. If you reverse them, the verification will not go through. Try again, and enter them in the exact order PayPal displays.
A second reason is a typo in the amounts. The deposits are usually very small—often $0.01 and $0.02, or similar—so it is straightforward to misread them. Check your bank statement carefully and enter the amounts exactly as they appear, including the cents.
If you enter the amounts correctly and verification still fails, wait a few minutes and try again. Occasionally a temporary connection issue prevents the confirmation from going through. If it fails a second time, contact PayPal support with a screenshot of the two deposits from your bank statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I verify a bank account that is not in my name?
No. PayPal requires the account holder name to match the name on your PayPal account. If you have a joint account, the account holder name must match at least one name on your PayPal profile. If the names do not match, PayPal will not allow you to verify the account.
How long does verification actually take?
The deposits usually arrive within three to five business days. Once they arrive and you enter the amounts, verification is when ready. The total time from adding the account to having a verified account is typically three to five business days, though some banks process faster and some slower.
What if I lose the verification amounts before I can enter them?
Check your bank statement or online banking portal—the amounts are there permanently. You can look them up anytime and enter them into PayPal. If you cannot find them after five business days, contact PayPal support and they can resend the deposits.
Do I have to verify a bank account to use PayPal?
No. You can send and receive money through PayPal without a verified bank account. However, you cannot transfer your PayPal balance out to a bank account unless at least one account is verified. If you only plan to spend your PayPal balance with merchants, verification is not required.
Can I verify the same bank account on multiple PayPal accounts?
No. Each bank account can be verified to only one PayPal account. If you try to add an account that is already verified to another PayPal, the system will reject it. You would need a different bank account for each PayPal account you own.