Add your bank account through the Wallet section of your PayPal account
To add a bank account to PayPal, log in to your account on the PayPal website or app, 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 confirm those amounts in your PayPal account to verify you own the bank account, and the link is complete.
The whole process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot actually use the bank account for transfers or payments until you confirm those two deposits. That confirmation step typically takes three to five business days after the deposits land in your bank account.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account; both appear on the bottom left of a check or in your bank's online portal.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to confirm you own the account; you must log back in and confirm the amounts to complete the link.
- The entire process takes three to five business days from start to finish, not counting weekends or bank holidays.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, use your bank account to fund PayPal transfers, or set it as your default payment method.
- If you enter the wrong routing or account number, the deposits will go to the wrong account and you will need to start over with the correct numbers.
Where to find your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is unique to your checking or savings account. Both appear together on the bottom left of any check you have from that account, separated by a colon. The routing number comes first, then the account number.
If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number; they will give them to you over the phone.
Do not use a credit card number or debit card number in place of a bank account number. PayPal specifically needs the routing and account numbers from a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union.
Step-by-step: linking your bank account on the website
Open PayPal.com and sign in with your email and password. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account settings (or Settings depending on your account type). On the left side menu, click Wallet. You will see a list of linked payment methods.
Click Link a bank account or Add a bank account. Enter your bank's name or search for it in the dropdown. PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number. Type both carefully—a single wrong digit means the test deposits go to the wrong account. Click Link Bank Account or Continue to finish this step.
PayPal will confirm that you have started the process and tell you to expect two small deposits within one to two business days. You do not need to do anything else right now. Check your bank account in two to three business days for those deposits.
Step-by-step: confirming the deposits on the PayPal app
Once the two deposits appear in your bank account, open the PayPal app and go to Wallet. Find the bank account you just linked—it will show a status like "Pending" or "Awaiting confirmation." Tap on it.
PayPal will ask you to enter the two deposit amounts. Look at your bank statement or your bank's app and find the two small deposits from PayPal. They will be labeled something like "PayPal" or "PAYPAL INST XFER." Write down both amounts exactly as they appear (for example, $0.47 and $0.32). Enter them into PayPal in the order PayPal asks for them, then tap Confirm.
PayPal will verify the amounts and complete the link. Your bank account is now active and you can use it to transfer money out of PayPal or to fund PayPal transfers to other people.
What to do if the deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the two deposits after five business days, the routing or account number you entered was likely wrong. Log back into PayPal, go to Wallet, find the linked bank account, and look for an option to Remove or Delete it. Remove the account and start over with the correct routing and account numbers.
If you are certain the numbers were correct, contact your bank and ask whether they received any deposits from PayPal in the last week. Some banks hold or reject small transfers if they look unusual. Your bank can tell you whether the deposits arrived and where they went.
Do not try to link the same account twice while waiting for the first deposits. PayPal will see it as a duplicate and may delay or cancel both attempts. Wait for the first attempt to fail (or succeed) before trying again.
Using your linked bank account
Once your bank account is confirmed, you can move money between PayPal and your bank in both directions. To transfer money out of PayPal to your bank account, go to Wallet, click Transfer Money, select Transfer to your bank, choose the linked account, enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
To use your bank account to fund a PayPal transfer to another person, start the transfer as usual, and when PayPal asks how you want to pay, select your linked bank account instead of a PayPal balance. The money will be pulled directly from your bank account.
You can also set your bank account as your default payment method in Settings > Payments. This means PayPal will use that account automatically for transfers unless you choose a different method.
Security and what happens if something goes wrong
PayPal uses the two-deposit confirmation method specifically to prove you own the account—someone cannot link your bank account without access to your bank statements. Once linked, your bank account information is stored in PayPal's system, not shared with other people or services.
If you notice a transfer you did not make, or if your bank account is linked to a PayPal account that is not yours, contact PayPal immediately through the Resolution Center or by calling their support line. You can also unlink the account at any time by going to Wallet, clicking the linked account, and selecting Remove. Unlinking does not affect any transfers already in progress.
If your PayPal account is compromised, change your password right away and review your linked payment methods. Remove any accounts you do not recognize. Your bank account itself is protected by your bank's fraud policies, separate from PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The initial link takes about five minutes. The two test deposits arrive within one to two business days. Confirming those deposits takes a few minutes. The entire process is complete in three to five business days, not counting weekends or holidays.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts from banks and credit unions. You need the routing number and account number for whichever account you choose. Some savings accounts have transfer limits set by your bank, which may affect how often you can move money in or out through PayPal.
What if I enter the wrong routing number by mistake?
The two test deposits will go to the wrong account or be rejected. Remove the incorrect link from your Wallet and start over with the correct routing number. Do not try to link the same account twice at the same time.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can link as many bank accounts as you want. Each one goes through the same two-deposit confirmation process. You can choose which account to use when you transfer money out of PayPal, or set one as your default.
Do I need to confirm the deposits if I link my account through the PayPal app instead of the website?
Yes. No matter which device or app you use to start the link, you must confirm the two deposits to complete it. You can confirm on the website or the app—whichever is easier for you.