PayPal does not issue a traditional checking account number
PayPal does not provide a checking account number in the way a bank does. When you link a bank account to PayPal or receive money through PayPal, you are not getting a separate account with its own routing and account numbers. Instead, PayPal holds your balance in a digital wallet, and any transfers to or from a bank happen through your existing bank account's details.
If you are looking for a number to identify your PayPal account for receiving money from someone else, you need your PayPal email address or phone number — not a checking account number. If you are trying to set up direct deposit to PayPal or transfer money out to a bank, you will use your actual bank's routing and account numbers, not PayPal's.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal does not issue checking account numbers; you receive and send money using your PayPal email address or phone number.
- If you want to move money from PayPal to a bank account, you will need your bank's routing number and account number, not PayPal's.
- Some employers and government agencies can deposit directly to PayPal using a special routing number PayPal provides, which you can find in your account settings under Transfer Money.
- Your PayPal account itself is identified by your email address or username, which is what you share when someone wants to send you money peer-to-peer.
How to find PayPal's routing number for direct deposit
If your employer or a government agency (such as the IRS or Social Security) wants to deposit money directly into your PayPal account, PayPal does provide a routing number for that purpose. This is different from a checking account number — it is a routing number that tells the depositing institution how to reach PayPal's banking partner.
To find this routing number, log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet, then select Transfer Money, then Transfer to Your Bank. Look for the option that says something like "Get direct deposit information" or "Direct deposit details." PayPal will display the routing number and the account identifier you need to give your employer or the government agency.
Write down both numbers exactly as PayPal shows them. The routing number is usually nine digits, and the account identifier may be longer. If you cannot find this section, contact PayPal's support team — the location of this feature can shift between app updates.
What to do if you want to receive money from another person
When someone wants to send you money through PayPal peer-to-peer, they do not need any account number from you. They only need your PayPal email address or the phone number linked to your PayPal account. You can share either one, and they can use it to send you money directly.
If the other person is using a different payment app or service and asks for your "PayPal account number," clarify with them what they actually need. Most of the time they are asking for your email address. If they insist on a number, they may be confused about how PayPal works, and you should double-check that you are not being asked to share sensitive information like your bank account number or Social Security number.
How to find your PayPal account information
Your PayPal account is identified by your email address and username. To see all the details PayPal has on file for you, log in and go to Settings (usually a gear icon), then Account. From there you can see your registered email, phone number, and any bank accounts or cards you have linked.
If you have linked a bank account to PayPal for transfers, you can see which bank it is and the last four digits of the account. However, PayPal does not display your full bank account number in your settings for security reasons. If you need your bank account number for something outside of PayPal, you will have to log into your bank's website or app directly.
Transferring money from PayPal to your bank account
When you want to move money out of PayPal to a bank account, PayPal will ask you to confirm which bank account you want to use. If you have already linked a bank account, PayPal will show you the bank name and the last four digits. You do not have to re-enter your full account number — PayPal already has it on file.
If you are linking a new bank account for the first time, you will need to enter your bank's routing number and your full account number. PayPal will then verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account. You will have to confirm those amounts in your bank to prove you own the account. This process usually takes one to two business days.
Once verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to that bank account. The transfer usually arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
What if you cannot find your linked bank account information
If you have forgotten which bank account you linked to PayPal, or if you want to change it, go to Settings and look for Wallet or Bank Accounts. You should see a list of any accounts you have connected. You can remove an old account and add a new one from this screen.
If you have lost access to the email address or phone number associated with your PayPal account, you will need to contact PayPal support to recover your account. Have your full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information ready. PayPal may ask you to verify your identity before letting you make changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PayPal as my main checking account?
No. PayPal is a digital wallet and payment service, not a bank. You cannot write checks from PayPal, and it does not offer the same protections as a bank account. You can hold money in PayPal temporarily and transfer it to a real bank account, but you should not treat it as your primary account for bills or savings.
What is the difference between my PayPal account number and my bank account number?
PayPal does not issue account numbers. Your PayPal account is identified by your email address. Your bank account has its own routing number and account number, which are separate from PayPal. When you link your bank to PayPal, PayPal stores your bank's details but does not create a new number for you.
Do I need a checking account to use PayPal?
You do not need a checking account to receive money on PayPal, but you will need one if you want to transfer money out of PayPal to a bank. You can receive peer-to-peer payments and hold a balance in PayPal without a linked bank account.
Why does PayPal ask for a routing number when I set up direct deposit?
PayPal uses a routing number so that employers and government agencies can deposit money directly into your PayPal account instead of requiring you to transfer it manually. The routing number tells the depositing institution which bank PayPal uses to hold customer funds.
Can I give someone my PayPal routing number to send me money peer-to-peer?
No. The routing number is only for direct deposit from employers or government agencies. For peer-to-peer payments, share your PayPal email address or phone number instead. Using the routing number for peer-to-peer transfers will not work and may cause confusion.