PayPal sends two small deposits to verify your bank account

When you link a bank account to PayPal, the company deposits two small amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into that account within one to two business days. You then log into PayPal, enter those exact amounts, and confirm the account. This is PayPal's way of proving you actually own the bank account you're claiming.

The deposits come from PayPal, Inc. or a PayPal subsidiary, so check your bank statement for entries labeled "PayPal" or "PAYPAL *CONFIRM". Once you've confirmed, those test deposits are yours to keep—PayPal does not withdraw them.

If you don't see the deposits after two business days, or if you enter the amounts incorrectly three times in a row, the verification process stops and you'll need to start over by removing and re-adding the bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account, and you confirm by entering those exact amounts in the PayPal app or website.
  • The deposits arrive within one to two business days; check your bank statement for entries labeled "PayPal" or "PAYPAL *CONFIRM".
  • You have 10 calendar days from when PayPal sends the deposits to enter the amounts and confirm; after that, you must start the process over.
  • If you enter the amounts wrong three times, the verification stops and you'll need to remove and re-add the bank account to try again.
  • Once confirmed, your bank account is linked and you can send and receive money, but PayPal may ask for additional verification later if your account activity changes.

Step-by-step confirmation in the PayPal app or website

On the PayPal website: Log in, go to Settings (gear icon), select Wallet or Banks and Cards, find the bank account you added, and click Confirm. Enter the two deposit amounts PayPal sent you, then click Confirm Bank Account. PayPal will tell you immediately whether the amounts match.

On the PayPal mobile app: Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Wallet, tap your bank account, and select Confirm This Account. Enter both deposit amounts and tap Confirm. The app works the same way as the website.

You do not need to wait for both deposits to arrive before you start confirming—many people see the first deposit within a day and the second within two days, so you can enter them as soon as you spot them in your bank statement. PayPal will accept the confirmation as long as both amounts are correct.

What to do if the deposits don't arrive

If you don't see the deposits in your bank account after two business days, first check your bank statement carefully—sometimes they appear under a different name or in a section you might not expect. Search for "PayPal" or look for any deposits under $1. If your bank has a mobile app, check there too, because deposits sometimes show up in the app before the website.

If the deposits genuinely are not there after three business days, log into PayPal and remove the bank account from your Wallet. Wait a few minutes, then add it again using the same routing number and account number. PayPal will send two new deposits. This time, watch your bank account closely for the next two to three business days.

If deposits still don't arrive after a second attempt, contact your bank directly. Ask whether they are blocking small deposits from PayPal or whether there's a hold on your account. Some banks flag unfamiliar senders or small amounts as suspicious. Once your bank clears any blocks, you can try adding the account to PayPal again.

The 10-day window and what happens if you miss it

PayPal gives you 10 calendar days from the date it sends the deposits to enter the amounts and confirm. If you don't confirm within that window, the verification expires and you must start over. You'll need to remove the bank account from your PayPal Wallet and add it again, which triggers a new pair of deposits.

There's no penalty for missing the window—you simply lose progress and have to wait another one to two business days for new deposits. To avoid this, set a phone reminder for day 3 or 4 after you add the bank account, so you have time to check your bank statement and confirm before the deadline passes.

What happens if you enter the amounts wrong

PayPal allows three attempts to enter the correct deposit amounts. If you enter them incorrectly all three times, the confirmation process locks and you cannot try again without removing and re-adding the bank account.

Common mistakes include reversing the order of the two amounts, entering them as dollars and cents (like $0.25) instead of just the cents (25), or misreading a number from your bank statement. Before you submit, double-check both amounts against your bank statement one more time. If you're unsure, take a screenshot of the deposits and compare it to what you're about to enter.

Bank account confirmed: what you can do next

Once PayPal shows "Confirmed" next to your bank account in your Wallet, you can send money to that account and receive money from other PayPal users. You can also use the account to fund purchases, pay bills through PayPal, or transfer your PayPal balance to your bank.

A confirmed bank account also makes your PayPal account more trustworthy in PayPal's eyes. If you ever have a dispute or your account is limited, having a confirmed bank account on file can speed up the resolution process because PayPal has verified you own it.

Keep in mind that PayPal may ask you to confirm your bank account again if you change your address, if your account activity changes significantly, or if PayPal detects unusual behavior. This is a security measure and is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I confirm my bank account if I don't have online banking?

Yes. Call your bank and ask them to read you the recent deposits from PayPal. Write down both amounts, then enter them into PayPal. You don't need to see the deposits yourself—you just need the correct numbers.

What if I added the wrong bank account by mistake?

Remove it from your Wallet before you confirm it. Go to Settings, select your bank account, and choose Remove or Delete. Then add the correct account. The incorrect account will not be confirmed, so no harm is done.

Do the test deposits get refunded or do I keep them?

You keep them. PayPal does not withdraw the two small deposits after you confirm. They're yours to spend or leave in your account.

How long does confirmation take after I enter the amounts?

PayPal confirms immediately. As soon as you enter both amounts correctly and click Confirm, PayPal will tell you whether they match. If they do, your account is confirmed right away.

Can I use my bank account before it's confirmed?

No. You cannot send money to an unconfirmed bank account or use it to fund PayPal purchases. You must complete the confirmation process first.