Yes, you can connect your bank account to PayPal, and it's the most direct way to move money in and out
PayPal lets you link a checking or savings account from any U.S. bank, credit union, or online bank. Once connected, you can use that account to fund PayPal payments, transfer money out of PayPal back to your bank, and receive deposits when someone pays you through PayPal. The connection is encrypted and PayPal doesn't store your full account number—they use a secure token instead.
The setup takes about five minutes, but PayPal will send two small test deposits to your bank account (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to verify you own it. You'll need to confirm those amounts in your PayPal account before the link is fully active. This verification step typically takes one to two business days.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link your account, both of which appear on a check or in your online banking portal.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to confirm you own the account; you must verify the amounts in PayPal before the link works.
- Transfers from PayPal to your bank account take one to three business days and are free.
- If you remove a linked bank account, PayPal keeps a record of it for fraud prevention, so you cannot immediately re-add the same account.
What information you need to connect your bank account
Gather your bank's routing number and your account number before you start. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. Some banks call the routing number the "transit number" or "ABA number."
You'll also need your PayPal login. If you don't have a PayPal account yet, you can create one for free using an email address and password. PayPal will ask for your name, address, and phone number during setup.
The step-by-step process to link your account
Log into PayPal on a computer or in the app. Go to Wallet (or Account Settings on older versions), then select Link a bank account. Choose Connect your bank and enter your routing number and account number when prompted. PayPal will ask whether the account is a checking or savings account—select the correct type.
After you submit, PayPal displays a confirmation screen. Within one to two business days, two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.02 each) will appear in your bank account. Log back into PayPal, go to the bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. Once you confirm them correctly, the account is fully linked and ready to use.
If the deposits don't arrive within two business days, contact your bank to confirm the routing number is correct. Occasionally a typo in the routing number causes the deposits to fail. PayPal customer service can also help troubleshoot if the deposits went to the wrong account.
How to move money between PayPal and your bank
To send money from your bank to PayPal, click Transfer Money in your Wallet, select Add money to your PayPal balance, choose your linked bank account, and enter the amount. The money arrives in your PayPal account within one to two business days. There is no fee for this transfer.
To send money from PayPal back to your bank, click Transfer Money, select Transfer to your bank, choose your linked account, and enter the amount. This also takes one to three business days and is free. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date before you confirm.
If you're receiving money from someone else through PayPal, you can let it sit in your PayPal balance or transfer it to your bank account using the same process. Some people keep a small balance in PayPal for quick payments and transfer the rest to their bank account.
What happens if you remove or change your linked bank account
You can remove a linked bank account at any time from your account settings. However, PayPal keeps a record of every bank account you've ever linked for fraud prevention. If you try to re-add the same account within a short period, PayPal may require you to verify it again with new test deposits, or it may reject the request entirely.
If you want to link a different account from the same bank, you can usually do so without issue. If you're switching banks entirely, link the new account and remove the old one once you've confirmed the new one works. Always keep at least one linked bank account active if you plan to transfer money out of PayPal regularly.
Security and fraud protection when linking your bank account
PayPal uses encryption to protect your bank details. They do not store your full account number in their system—instead, they create a secure token that represents your account. This means even if PayPal's servers were compromised, a hacker would not gain access to your actual bank account number.
PayPal also monitors for unusual activity. If someone tries to link a new bank account to your PayPal profile, PayPal may send you a notification or ask you to verify your identity. If you see a bank account linked that you didn't add, remove it immediately and change your PayPal password. Contact PayPal's Resolution Center if money was transferred without your permission.
Your bank also protects you. Under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, if an unauthorized transfer occurs, your bank is responsible for reversing it if you report it within a certain timeframe (usually 60 days). Report any suspicious activity to your bank as soon as you notice it.
Alternatives if you can't or don't want to link your bank account
If your bank doesn't work with PayPal or you prefer not to link directly, you can fund PayPal using a debit card or credit card instead. The process is the same—go to your Wallet, select Link a card, and enter your card details. Transfers from a card to PayPal are instant, but PayPal may charge a small fee depending on the card type and your account history.
You can also receive money from others through PayPal without linking a bank account—the money will sit in your PayPal balance until you decide what to do with it. Some people use PayPal this way for occasional peer-to-peer transfers and never link a bank account.
If you need to withdraw money but don't have a linked account, PayPal offers a debit card (the PayPal Cash Card or PayPal Prepaid Mastercard, depending on your account type). You can withdraw cash at ATMs or use it to make purchases, though there may be fees for ATM withdrawals outside PayPal's network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my bank account to be fully linked?
The link itself is instant, but you cannot use it until you verify the two test deposits PayPal sends. Those deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, and verification takes a few minutes once they land. Plan for two to three business days total from start to finish.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
PayPal's test deposits will go to the wrong account or fail entirely. If they fail, you'll see an error message in your PayPal account. If they go to the wrong account, contact that bank to report the deposits and ask them to return the funds. Then correct your information in PayPal and try again with the right numbers.
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
No. PayPal allows each bank account to be linked to only one PayPal account. If you try to link an account that's already connected to another PayPal profile, PayPal will reject it. You would need to unlink it from the first account before linking it to a second one.
Do I have to keep my bank account linked if I'm not using it?
No. You can remove it anytime. However, if you plan to transfer money out of PayPal in the future, you'll need at least one linked bank account or a linked debit card. Removing all payment methods means you can receive money but cannot easily withdraw it.
What fees apply when I transfer money between PayPal and my bank?
Transfers between your PayPal account and a linked bank account are free in both directions. However, if you use a credit card or debit card to fund PayPal instead of a bank account, PayPal may charge a fee. Always check the fee disclosure before you confirm a transfer.