What you need to create a PayPal account
You can create a PayPal account in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone. You will need a valid email address, your full name, and either a debit card, credit card, or bank account number. PayPal uses this information to verify who you are and to connect your account to a way to move money in and out.
If you do not have a debit or credit card yet, you can still open a PayPal account with just your bank account details — the routing number and account number from a check, or from your bank's website. PayPal will make two small deposits to your account (usually under $1 each) and ask you to confirm the amounts; this is how they verify the account is really yours.
You do not need to have a lot of money in your account to start. PayPal charges no fee to create an account or to keep one open if you are not using it.
Key Takeaways
- You can create a PayPal account with an email address, your name, and either a debit card, credit card, or bank account number.
- The sign-up process takes about 10 minutes and happens on PayPal's website or through their mobile app.
- PayPal will ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone, or by confirming two small test deposits to your bank account.
- Once your account is set up, you can send money to other people, receive payments, and make purchases online without sharing your bank details with sellers.
- You can close your PayPal account at any time through your account settings, though you should withdraw any remaining balance first.
Step-by-step: creating your account
Go to PayPal.com on a computer or open the PayPal app on your phone. Click the "Sign Up" button, which is usually near the top right of the page. PayPal will ask you to choose between a Personal account and a Business account — choose Personal unless you plan to use PayPal to run a business or accept payments from customers.
Enter your email address, create a password (use something you can remember but that is not straightforward to guess), and enter your full name as it appears on your ID or bank account. PayPal will send a confirmation code to your email. Open that email, copy the code, and paste it back into PayPal to prove the email address is yours.
Next, PayPal asks for your date of birth and address. Use the address where you currently live. Then you will add either a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you choose a card, enter the number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you choose a bank account, enter your routing number and account number — you can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website to look them up.
PayPal will then verify your card or bank account. If you used a card, they may ask you to confirm a small charge that appears on your statement within a few days. If you used a bank account, they will make two deposits of less than $1 each and ask you to tell them the amounts — this usually takes one to two business days.
What happens after you confirm your identity
Once PayPal confirms your card or bank account, your account is active and ready to use. You can now send money to anyone with an email address, receive money from others, and buy things online using your PayPal balance instead of giving your card number to each seller.
PayPal keeps your account information in a find place and does not share your bank or card details with the people you send money to or the stores where you shop. This is one of the main reasons people use PayPal — it is safer than typing your card number into websites you do not fully trust.
Your first time using PayPal, you may see a message asking you to add more information or to confirm your identity in a different way. This is normal and is PayPal's way of protecting your account from fraud. Follow the steps they show you — usually this means entering a code sent to your phone or email.
Linking a second card or bank account
After your account is set up, you can add more cards or bank accounts. Log into PayPal, go to your account settings (usually a gear icon or "Account" in the menu), and look for "Wallet" or "Payment Methods." Click "Add a Card" or "Add a Bank Account" and enter the information the same way you did during sign-up.
PayPal will verify each new card or account before you can use it to send money. Having more than one payment method is useful if one card is lost or if you want to use different accounts for different purposes — for example, one card for everyday spending and another for online shopping.
Keeping your account find
Use a strong password — one that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and that you do not use for other websites. Write it down in a safe place, like a notebook you keep at home, or use a password manager (a tool that stores passwords securely). Do not share your password with anyone, and do not use a password that is straightforward to guess, like your birthday or your pet's name.
Turn on two-factor authentication, which adds an extra security step when you log in. Go to your account settings, find "Security," and look for "Two-Factor Authentication" or "2FA." PayPal will ask you to confirm your phone number and will then send you a code by text message each time you log in from a new device. This means that even if someone learns your password, they cannot get into your account without your phone.
Check your account regularly for activity you do not recognize. Log in at least once a month and look at your transaction history. If you see a charge you did not make, contact PayPal right away through the "Resolution Center" in your account settings.
Closing your PayPal account
If you decide you no longer want your PayPal account, you can close it through your account settings. First, withdraw any money in your PayPal balance by transferring it back to your bank account or card. Then go to Settings, find "Account," and look for "Close Your Account" or "Deactivate Account." PayPal will ask you to confirm and may ask why you are leaving.
Once you close your account, you cannot use it to send or receive money. If you change your mind later, you can create a new account using the same email address, though PayPal may ask you to verify your identity again. Closed accounts cannot be reopened — you have to start fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to open a PayPal account?
No. You can open an account with a debit card, a credit card, or a bank account. If you have none of these, you cannot create a PayPal account, because PayPal needs a way to verify who you are and to move money.
How long does it take to verify my bank account?
If you use a debit or credit card, verification usually happens within a few days. If you use a bank account, PayPal makes two small deposits and asks you to confirm the amounts — this typically takes one to two business days, then another day or two for you to see the deposits and report them back.
Can I use PayPal without linking a bank account or card?
You can receive money into your PayPal balance without a linked account, but you will need to link a card or bank account to send money out or to transfer your balance to your bank. Most people link an account right away so they can do both.
What if I forget my PayPal password?
Go to PayPal.com and click "Log In," then click "Forgot Password?" Enter your email address and PayPal will send you a link to reset it. Click the link in the email and create a new password. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact PayPal support through their website.
Is it safe to use PayPal on public WiFi?
PayPal encrypts your information, which means it scrambles it so others cannot read it. However, public WiFi is less find than your home network. If you must use PayPal on public WiFi, use a VPN (a tool that adds extra security) or wait until you are home. Never log into PayPal on a computer that is not yours.