The basic steps to connect your bank account
To link a bank account to PayPal, you log into your PayPal 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 between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to that account within one to two business days. You return to PayPal, confirm the amounts of those deposits, and the account is live.
The whole process takes about five to seven business days from start to finish, though you can use the account for some transactions before the verification deposits arrive. Once linked, your bank account becomes a funding source for sending money, paying for purchases, and withdrawing PayPal balance back to your bank.
You do not need to provide your online banking password or login credentials. PayPal only needs the account and routing numbers, which you can find on a blank check, your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your bank account to verify ownership; you confirm the amounts in your PayPal account to complete the link.
- The verification process takes five to seven business days, though you may be able to use the account for some transactions before deposits arrive.
- You need only your routing number and account number—never your online banking password.
- A linked bank account lets you fund PayPal transfers, pay for purchases, and withdraw your PayPal balance back to your bank.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check from your account. The routing number is the first nine digits; your account number follows. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information—most banks display both numbers there.
You can also call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website) and ask for your routing and account numbers. Have your account number or card ready when you call. Some banks also display this information in their mobile app under account settings or account summary.
What happens during the verification process
After you enter your bank details into PayPal, the system sends two micro-deposits to your account. These are real deposits, not holds or pending charges—they will show up in your bank account as small credits. The amounts are random and typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each, and they arrive within one to two business days.
Once the deposits land in your bank account, you log back into PayPal, go to your bank account settings, and enter the two amounts. PayPal checks them against the deposits it sent. If they match, your account is verified and linked. If you enter the wrong amounts, you can try again, but after a certain number of failed attempts PayPal may ask you to start over or use a different verification method.
The verification deposits are yours to keep—PayPal does not pull them back out. Some people leave them in their PayPal account; others withdraw them to their bank.
Using your linked bank account for payments and transfers
Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can use it to fund peer-to-peer transfers to other PayPal users. When you send money, PayPal pulls the funds directly from your linked bank account rather than from your PayPal balance. The transfer typically takes one to three business days to complete, depending on your bank.
You can also use your linked bank account to pay for online purchases through PayPal's checkout. At checkout, you select your bank account as the payment method, and PayPal draws the funds directly from your bank. This is faster than waiting for a transfer to settle into your PayPal balance first.
If you have a PayPal balance (money sitting in your PayPal account), you can withdraw it back to your linked bank account. Go to Wallet, select Transfer money, choose Transfer to your bank, enter the amount, and confirm. The withdrawal usually arrives within one to three business days.
Security and fraud protection when linking a bank account
PayPal uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers during transmission. Your bank login credentials are never shared with PayPal—the company only receives the account and routing numbers you provide. If someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can see that a bank account is linked, but they cannot see the full account number or routing number.
If you notice unauthorized transactions on your linked bank account, contact your bank immediately. Your bank's fraud protection covers unauthorized transfers, and your bank can reverse charges and issue a new debit card if needed. PayPal also has a dispute process for unauthorized transactions, but your bank is your primary recourse for fraud on the bank account itself.
You can unlink your bank account at any time by going to your PayPal wallet settings and selecting the account, then choosing Remove. This does not affect any pending transfers—those will still complete—but it stops PayPal from using that account for future transactions.
Troubleshooting common linking 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 link to fail. If the numbers are correct and PayPal still rejects them, your bank may not be in PayPal's system, or there may be a temporary issue with your account at the bank (such as a freeze or recent closure).
If the verification deposits do not arrive within two business days, wait one more day—delays happen, especially around weekends or holidays. If they still have not arrived after three business days, contact your bank to confirm the deposits were received. If your bank shows no record of them, return to PayPal and try linking the account again.
If you enter the wrong verification amounts and run out of attempts, PayPal will ask you to wait a few days before trying again, or it may offer an alternative verification method such as confirming your identity through your bank's website directly. This alternative method is faster and does not require waiting for deposits.
Linking multiple bank accounts and switching between them
You can link more than one bank account to a single PayPal account. Each account must go through the same verification process with the two micro-deposits. Once all accounts are verified, you can choose which one to use when you send money or pay for a purchase.
To switch between linked accounts, go to your PayPal wallet, select the account you want to use, and set it as your preferred funding source. When you send money or make a purchase, PayPal will default to that account unless you change it at checkout. You can also remove a linked account at any time without affecting the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my linked bank account right away, or do I have to wait for verification?
You may be able to use your account for some transactions before the verification deposits arrive, depending on your account history and PayPal's assessment of risk. However, full functionality is may provide only after you confirm the two deposit amounts. To be safe, wait for verification to complete before relying on the account for important transfers.
What if my bank account is closed or I switch banks?
If your bank account is closed, PayPal will reject any new transactions using that account, but existing pending transfers may still process. Remove the old account from your PayPal wallet and link your new bank account using the same process. The new account will need to go through verification with the two micro-deposits.
Do I have to keep my bank account linked, or can I unlink it later?
You can unlink your bank account at any time. Go to your wallet, select the account, and choose remove. Pending transfers will still complete, but PayPal will not be able to pull new funds from that account. You can link it again later if you want to use it again.
Is it safe to link my bank account to PayPal?
PayPal uses encryption and does not store your full account number or routing number in a way that exposes them if PayPal is breached. Your bank login credentials are never shared. However, if someone gains access to your PayPal account, they could potentially use your linked bank account to send money. Protect your PayPal password and enable two-factor authentication to reduce this risk.
What if the verification deposits show up but I can't remember the amounts?
Check your bank account statement or online banking portal—the deposits will be listed there with the exact amounts. Look for small credits from PayPal, usually labeled with a reference number or "PayPal verification." Once you have the amounts, return to PayPal and enter them to complete the verification.