Yes, you can link your bank account to PayPal, and it takes about five minutes
PayPal lets you connect a checking or savings account directly so you can send money, receive payments, and move funds between your bank and PayPal balance without using a debit card. The connection is encrypted and PayPal doesn't store your full account number—only a tokenized version that works one way.
You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number, both printed on the bottom left of any check you have. PayPal will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank within one to two business days, then you confirm the amounts in the PayPal app to prove you own the account.
Key Takeaways
- Linking takes five minutes but verification takes one to two business days because PayPal deposits two small test amounts that you must confirm.
- You need your routing number and account number from a check, or you can look them up through your bank's website or app.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank for free, but sending money to someone else's PayPal account from your linked bank account may trigger a fee depending on the transfer type.
- Removing a linked bank account is instant and doesn't affect any pending transfers already in motion.
What information PayPal needs from you
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (or Account Settings on older versions), then select Link a Bank Account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number.
If you don't have a check handy, you can find both numbers through your bank's website or mobile app—usually under account details or account information. Some banks also print them on your debit card or statement. Do not use a credit card or money market account; PayPal only accepts checking and savings accounts.
After you enter the information, PayPal sends two test deposits to your bank. These appear as small credits (typically $0.01 to $0.99 each) within one to two business days. The deposits come from "PayPal" in the description line, so they're easy to spot.
Confirming the deposits and completing verification
Once the two deposits land in your bank account, go back to PayPal and select the linked bank account. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of both deposits. If you enter them correctly, the account is verified immediately and the test deposits are removed from your account—you don't keep the money.
If you don't see the deposits after two business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail. You can delete the unverified account and try again with the correct numbers.
Some banks take longer than others to post deposits. If your bank is slow, wait an extra day or two before assuming the deposits failed. You can also contact your bank to confirm they received the deposits from PayPal.
What you can do once your bank account is linked
Once verified, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account for free. The transfer takes one to three business days depending on your bank. You can also use your linked bank account as the funding source when you send money to another person's PayPal account or pay for goods and services through PayPal.
Sending money from your linked bank account to another PayPal user may incur a fee if you choose the instant transfer option, but standard transfers (one to three business days) are free. Paying for purchases through PayPal using your linked bank account is also free.
You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account, and you can choose which one to use for each transaction. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal money separate.
Security and what PayPal does with your information
PayPal encrypts your bank account information and does not store your full account number. Instead, it stores a tokenized version—a unique code that only works with PayPal and cannot be used elsewhere. Your actual account number is deleted after verification.
If your PayPal account is compromised, a thief cannot use your linked bank account to withdraw money directly. They can only transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank, or use your PayPal balance to send money to others. Your bank account itself remains protected by your bank's security measures and your own login credentials.
If you suspect fraud, you can unlink your bank account instantly through PayPal settings. Any transfers already in progress will complete, but no new transfers can be initiated from that account.
Removing a linked bank account
To remove a linked bank account, go to Wallet or Account Settings, find the account you want to remove, and select Remove or Unlink. The removal is instant. If you have a transfer in progress to or from that account, it will still complete—unlinking only stops new transfers from being initiated.
You can relink the same bank account later by going through the verification process again. PayPal will send new test deposits, and you'll confirm them as before. There is no waiting period or penalty for relinking.
Troubleshooting common problems
If PayPal rejects your routing or account number, double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website. A single digit wrong will cause the rejection. If the numbers are correct and PayPal still rejects them, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive ACH transfers (the method PayPal uses).
Some banks flag PayPal's test deposits as suspicious and hold them. If you don't see the deposits after three business days, log into your bank account and check for pending or held transactions. If they're there, confirm them or contact your bank to release them. Once released, they'll appear in your PayPal account within hours.
If you entered the test deposit amounts incorrectly, you can try again. PayPal allows multiple attempts. If you've tried several times and still can't confirm, delete the unverified account and start over with a fresh set of test deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a joint bank account to PayPal?
Yes. Use the routing number and account number from the joint account. PayPal doesn't require all account holders to verify—only one person needs to confirm the test deposits. However, anyone with access to the PayPal account can transfer money to or from the linked bank account.
What happens if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
If you realize the mistake before confirming the test deposits, delete the account and start over. If you've already confirmed it, unlink the account and add the correct one. Any transfers already sent to the wrong account will complete, so contact your bank immediately if this happens.
Do I have to use my linked bank account every time I send money?
No. You can choose your funding source for each transaction. If you have a PayPal balance, you can send from that instead. If you have multiple linked bank accounts, you can pick which one to use.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank account?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. Instant transfers are available for a fee and complete within minutes, but not all accounts have access to instant transfers.
Can I link a business bank account to my personal PayPal account?
Yes, but PayPal recommends using a business account if you're regularly receiving payments for goods or services. A personal account has transaction limits that a business account does not.