Yes, you can add a bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
You can link a checking or savings account directly to your PayPal account. Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank, receive direct deposits into PayPal, and use your bank balance to fund PayPal payments. PayPal verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days, then you confirm those amounts in the PayPal app to prove you own the account.
The process is free. PayPal does not charge you to add a bank account, though your own bank may charge a fee if it charges for incoming transfers—most do not.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account; you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- PayPal verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts into your account, which you then confirm in the app within 30 days.
- Once verified, you can move money between PayPal and your bank account at no cost, though transfers take one to three business days.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account, but you can only set one as your primary account for automatic transfers.
What you need before you start
Have your bank account information ready. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information—most banks display both numbers there.
You also need to be logged into your PayPal account. If you do not have one yet, you will need to create it first with an email address and password. Your PayPal account and your bank account do not need to be under the same name, though PayPal may ask you to verify your identity if the names differ significantly.
The step-by-step process to link your bank account
Open the PayPal app or go to PayPal.com and log in. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right and select Settings. Look for a section called Wallet, Payment Methods, or Linked Accounts—the exact name varies depending on whether you are using the app or website.
Click or tap "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account." Enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the fields provided. Select whether the account is checking or savings. PayPal will ask you to confirm the account holder's name and address. Enter the information exactly as it appears on your bank account.
Click Confirm or Link. PayPal will tell you that it has initiated the verification process. Within one to two business days, two small deposits (typically $0.01 to $0.99 each) will appear in your bank account. Go back to PayPal, navigate to the same Wallet or Payment Methods section, and look for the bank account you just added. You should see a prompt asking you to confirm the two deposit amounts. Enter both amounts exactly as they appear in your bank statement, and click Confirm. Your account is now verified and ready to use.
What happens after verification
Once your bank account is verified, you can move money between PayPal and your bank at any time. To transfer money from PayPal to your bank, open the app or website, go to your Wallet, and select the bank account. Click "Transfer to Your Bank" and enter the amount. The money will leave your PayPal balance immediately, but it takes one to three business days to appear in your bank account. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time.
You can also set your bank account as the default payment method for purchases. When you buy something on PayPal or through a merchant that accepts PayPal, you can choose to pay directly from your linked bank account instead of using a PayPal balance. This is called an eCheck payment when it happens instantly, or it may take a few days depending on the merchant.
Some employers and government agencies also use PayPal to send direct deposits. If you provide your PayPal account information to your employer or a government program, they can deposit money directly into your PayPal account, which you can then transfer to your bank account or spend through PayPal.
Linking multiple bank accounts and managing them
You can add more than one bank account to PayPal. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep personal and business accounts separate. Each account must go through the same two-deposit verification process.
You can set one account as your primary account—this is the one PayPal will use by default when you transfer money out or receive a direct deposit. To change your primary account, go to your Wallet or Payment Methods, find the account you want to make primary, and select "Make Primary" or a similar option. You can change this anytime.
If you want to remove a bank account, go to your Wallet, find the account, and select "Remove" or "Delete." PayPal will ask you to confirm. Removing an account does not affect any money already in your PayPal balance, and you can add it back later if you change your mind.
What to do if verification fails or takes longer than expected
If the two deposits do not appear in your bank account after three business days, check that you entered the routing number and account number correctly. A single wrong digit will cause the deposits to fail. Log back into PayPal, remove the account, and add it again with the correct information.
If you entered the amounts incorrectly when confirming them, PayPal will reject the verification and ask you to try again. You have 30 days to confirm the amounts. After 30 days, the account is removed and you must start over.
If your bank account is very new (less than a few weeks old), some banks delay incoming transfers as a fraud prevention measure. Contact your bank to ask whether they are holding the deposits. If they are, ask them to release them, then return to PayPal to confirm the amounts.
If you still cannot verify after multiple attempts, contact PayPal Support through the app or website. They can investigate whether there is a problem with the account or your bank's connection to PayPal.
Security and what PayPal can see
PayPal does not see your full bank account balance or your transaction history. When you link a bank account, you are only giving PayPal permission to move money in and out of that account. PayPal cannot withdraw money without your instruction, and it cannot see what else you spend money on through your bank.
Your bank account is protected by the same fraud protections as any other linked account. If someone gains access to your PayPal account and tries to transfer money to a bank account, PayPal will send you a notification. If you did not authorize the transfer, you can cancel it within a short window (usually a few hours) before it leaves PayPal. Once the money reaches your bank, your bank's fraud protections take over.
To keep your account secure, use a strong password for PayPal, enable two-factor authentication (PayPal calls this two-step verification), and do not share your login details. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password immediately and contact PayPal Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank account?
One to three business days is standard. The money leaves your PayPal balance right away, but your bank needs time to process the incoming transfer. Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays will not start processing until the next business day. Some banks are slower than others; if your bank typically takes longer, plan accordingly.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you add the account, you will select which type it is. The verification process is the same for both.
What if the name on my PayPal account does not match the name on my bank account?
PayPal may ask you to verify your identity if the names are very different. You can usually do this by uploading a photo of your ID through the app or website. If the names are slightly different (like a nickname versus a legal name), PayPal often accepts it without extra verification. If you are unsure, try adding the account—PayPal will tell you if it needs more information.
Can I remove a bank account and add it again later?
Yes. You can remove a bank account anytime, and you can add it back whenever you want. If you add it again, you will need to go through the two-deposit verification process again.
What happens to my PayPal balance if I remove my bank account?
Your PayPal balance stays in your PayPal account. Removing a bank account does not touch any money you have in PayPal. You can still use that balance to make purchases or send money to other people through PayPal.