Yes, you can change your bank account in PayPal at any time
You can add a new bank account to your PayPal account, remove an old one, or switch which account PayPal uses for deposits and withdrawals. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely in the PayPal app or website. You do not need to contact PayPal support unless something goes wrong during verification.
PayPal lets you link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal wallet. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks, or if you want to keep a primary account for deposits separate from a backup. You can change which account receives money, which one PayPal pulls from for payments, and which ones stay linked but inactive.
Key Takeaways
- You can add, remove, or switch bank accounts through the PayPal app or website under Wallet settings without calling support.
- Adding a new bank account requires your routing number and account number, and PayPal will verify it with two small test deposits that arrive in two to three business days.
- You cannot change a bank account that is currently being used for an active transfer or payment — you must wait for that transaction to complete first.
- If you remove your only linked bank account, you will not be able to transfer money out of PayPal until you add a new one.
- Changing the account PayPal uses for future deposits takes effect immediately, but any transfers already in progress will still go to the old account.
How to add a new bank account to PayPal
Log into PayPal on the web or open the app and go to Wallet. Look for the option to add a bank account or payment method. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website and look for account details or routing information.
After you enter those numbers, PayPal sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your bank account. These deposits arrive in two to three business days. Once they land, PayPal asks you to confirm the amounts. This verification step proves you own the account and can receive money there. Until you confirm those amounts, PayPal will not let you transfer money to that account.
If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check your bank statement carefully — they may appear under a different name or description. If they still do not show up, PayPal may have flagged the account for review. You can contact PayPal support to ask why the deposits did not arrive, but the most common reason is a typo in the routing or account number.
How to remove a bank account from PayPal
Go to Wallet and find the bank account you want to remove. Click or tap the account, then look for a delete, remove, or trash icon. PayPal will ask you to confirm the removal. Once you confirm, the account is unlinked immediately.
You cannot remove a bank account if PayPal is currently using it for a transfer or payment. If you try to remove an account that has an active transaction, PayPal will show an error message saying the account is in use. Wait for that transfer to complete — this usually takes one to three business days — then remove it.
If you remove your only linked bank account, you will lose the ability to transfer money out of your PayPal balance. You can still receive money and make purchases, but you cannot move funds to a bank. If this happens, add a new account before you need to withdraw money.
How to change which bank account PayPal uses for deposits
When someone sends you money through PayPal, or when you receive a refund, PayPal deposits it to your primary bank account. You can change which account that is by going to Wallet, finding the account you want to use, and selecting it as your primary or default account. The change takes effect immediately for new deposits.
If you have a transfer already in progress when you change your primary account, that transfer will still go to the old account. Only new transfers and deposits use the newly selected account. This means if you change your primary account on a Monday and you have a transfer scheduled for Tuesday, the Tuesday transfer goes to the old account.
What happens if you change your account during a pending transfer
PayPal does not let you remove or change a bank account while money is actively being transferred to or from it. If you try, you will see a message saying the account is in use or locked. You must wait for the transfer to complete before you can make changes.
The time this takes depends on the type of transfer. A standard bank transfer usually takes one to three business days. An instant transfer (if you have that feature) completes in minutes. Once the transfer is done, the account is unlocked and you can remove it, change it, or switch to a different one.
If you need to change your account urgently and a transfer is stuck or delayed, contact PayPal support with the transfer ID. They can sometimes cancel a pending transfer so you can modify your account, though this is not may provide.
Changing your account for withdrawals and payments
PayPal also lets you choose which bank account money comes from when you make a payment or withdrawal. This is separate from your primary deposit account. When you go to withdraw money or pay for something, PayPal shows you a list of linked accounts and lets you pick which one to use for that specific transaction.
If you want to set a default withdrawal account so you do not have to pick one every time, go to Wallet and look for settings related to transfers or withdrawals. Not all PayPal account types have this option — some only let you choose at the moment of transfer. If you do not see a default withdrawal setting, you will need to select an account each time.
Troubleshooting: bank account changes that do not work
If PayPal rejects your bank account or will not let you add it, the most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a typo in the account number, or a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on the bank account. Check all three before trying again. The name does not have to be identical — "James Smith" and "J. Smith" usually work — but it should be recognizable as the same person.
If you see an error message saying your account is locked or restricted, PayPal may be reviewing your account for security reasons. This can happen if you recently changed your password, logged in from a new device, or made unusual transactions. Wait 24 hours and try again. If the problem persists, contact PayPal support with your account details.
If test deposits do not arrive after three business days, double-check your bank statement for small charges under PayPal's name or a similar-sounding company. Some banks hide small deposits or show them under a different description. If you still cannot find them, log into your bank's website and verify the account number and routing number you gave PayPal. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account if I have money in my PayPal balance?
Yes. Your PayPal balance and your linked bank accounts are separate. You can change, add, or remove bank accounts without affecting the money sitting in your PayPal wallet. However, if you remove your only linked bank account, you will not be able to transfer that balance out until you add a new account.
How long does it take to verify a new bank account?
The test deposits usually arrive in two to three business days. Once they land in your bank account, you confirm the amounts in PayPal, and verification is instant. The entire process typically takes three to five business days from the moment you enter your account number.
What if my bank account name does not match my PayPal name exactly?
Minor differences usually work — "James" versus "Jim", or "J. Smith" versus "James Smith". PayPal's system is designed to catch typos and common name variations. If you have a legal name change or your bank account is under a business name, contact PayPal support to confirm the account will be accepted before you enter it.
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
Yes, one bank account can be linked to more than one PayPal account. However, each PayPal account must verify the bank account separately with the test deposits. If you are setting up a second PayPal account, you will need to wait for those test deposits to arrive and confirm them again.
What happens to scheduled transfers if I change my bank account?
Transfers that are already scheduled or in progress will still go to the old account. Only new transfers you initiate after the change will use the new account. If you need a scheduled transfer to go to a different account, cancel it, change your account, and reschedule it.