Connect your bank account in PayPal's settings
To link a bank account to PayPal, log into your account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then send two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to that account within one to two business days. You confirm the amounts in PayPal to verify you own the account. The whole process takes three to five business days from start to finish.
You do not need to link a bank account to use PayPal — you can send and receive money using only your email address, and you can load funds from a debit or credit card instead. But linking a bank account lets you transfer money out of PayPal back to your checking or savings account without a fee, and it gives you a way to fund PayPal transfers directly from your bank rather than from a card.
PayPal supports checking and savings accounts at U.S. banks. If your bank is not recognized when you type the routing number, you can still add the account manually, but the verification process takes longer — PayPal will make two micro-deposits and you confirm them, same as above.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by sending two tiny deposits and asking you to confirm the amounts, which takes three to five business days total.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the link; both appear on a check or in your online banking portal.
- Linking a bank account lets you move money out of PayPal to your checking account for free, and fund PayPal transfers directly from your bank.
- If PayPal does not recognize your bank when you enter the routing number, you can add it manually, but verification will take longer.
- You can use PayPal without linking a bank account by funding transfers with a debit or credit card instead.
Find your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to your checking or savings account. Both appear at the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then the account number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information; most banks display both numbers there.
Do not use a savings account linked to a money market fund or investment account. PayPal accepts standard checking and savings accounts at banks and credit unions, but not brokerage accounts or money market accounts. If you are unsure whether your account qualifies, call your bank or check the account type in your online banking settings.
Verify the account with PayPal's micro-deposits
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two deposits of a few cents each to your bank account. These deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once they land, log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter the two amounts you see in your bank statement. PayPal confirms the match and marks the account as verified.
If you do not see the deposits after two business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If the numbers were wrong, you will need to remove the account and start over. If the numbers were right but the deposits still have not arrived, contact PayPal support — delays can happen if your bank processes transfers slowly or if there was a data entry error on PayPal's end.
What you can do once the account is linked
Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account at no charge. The transfer takes one to three business days depending on your bank. You can also fund PayPal transfers, purchases, or payments directly from your linked bank account instead of using a card or PayPal balance.
Linking a bank account does not automatically pull money from your bank every time you use PayPal. You choose which funding source to use each time you make a payment. If you want PayPal to pull from your bank account by default, you can set it as your preferred payment method in your wallet settings, but you can always override that choice at checkout.
Remove or replace a linked bank account
To unlink a bank account, go to Wallet, find the account in your list, and select Remove. The account is disconnected immediately. You can link a different account anytime by repeating the routing number and account number steps.
If you want to replace an account because you closed it or switched banks, remove the old one first, then add the new one. You will need to go through the micro-deposit verification again with the new account. If you try to link an account that is already linked to another PayPal account, PayPal will reject it — one bank account can only be linked to one PayPal account at a time.
Troubleshooting common linking problems
If PayPal says your routing number is invalid, double-check the nine digits against your check or your bank's website. Some smaller banks or credit unions use routing numbers that PayPal does not recognize in its database; if that happens, you can still add the account manually and verify it with the micro-deposit method, but it will take longer. If you keep getting an error, contact your bank to confirm the routing number is correct.
If you entered the wrong account number, PayPal will still send the micro-deposits, but they will land in the wrong account. You cannot recover those deposits. Remove the incorrect account from PayPal and add the correct one; the new verification will take another three to five business days.
If your bank account is closed or frozen, PayPal will reject the link or the micro-deposits will bounce. You will need to link a different account. If your account was frozen by your bank due to suspected fraud or a legal hold, contact your bank to resolve the issue before trying to link it to PayPal.
Security and fraud protection
PayPal does not store your full account number or routing number after verification. The micro-deposit method protects both you and PayPal — it proves you own the account before any real money moves. If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they cannot transfer money to a bank account unless they know your login credentials; they would also need access to your email to confirm the transfer.
If you notice a transfer you did not authorize, report it to PayPal within 60 days. PayPal's buyer protection does not cover transfers to your own bank account, but if your account was compromised, PayPal will investigate and may reverse the transfer. Report the unauthorized access to your bank as well — your bank may have its own fraud protections that apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The micro-deposits arrive within one to two business days, and you confirm them immediately once they land. The whole process takes three to five business days from the moment you enter your routing and account numbers. If PayPal does not recognize your bank, manual verification can take up to two weeks.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you enter the routing number and account number, verify with micro-deposits, and you are done. Make sure it is a standard savings account at a bank or credit union, not a money market or investment account.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
PayPal will send the micro-deposits to the wrong account, and you will not be able to confirm them in PayPal. Remove the incorrect account and add the correct one. The micro-deposits sent to the wrong account cannot be recovered, but you can start the verification process again with the right account.
Can I link the same bank account to multiple PayPal accounts?
No. One bank account can only be linked to one PayPal account. If you try to link an account that is already connected to another PayPal account, PayPal will reject it. You would need to remove it from the first account before linking it to the second.
Do I have to use my linked bank account every time I pay with PayPal?
No. Linking a bank account does not make it your automatic payment method. You choose which funding source to use each time you make a payment. You can set your linked account as your preferred method in wallet settings, but you can always pick a different source at checkout.