Why you need a bank account linked to PayPal
PayPal holds money in a digital wallet, but to move cash in or out of that wallet, you need a bank account connected to it. Without a linked bank account, you can receive payments into PayPal but cannot withdraw them to spend or deposit elsewhere. You also cannot fund PayPal purchases or send money to other people from your bank balance directly through PayPal—you can only spend what sits in your PayPal wallet already.
Linking a bank account takes about five minutes and requires your routing number and account number. PayPal will make two small test deposits to your account (usually within one to three business days) that you must confirm to prove you own the account. Once confirmed, you can transfer money between your bank and PayPal instantly or within one business day, depending on the direction and your bank.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account; you can find both on a check or by calling your bank.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your account, which you must confirm in PayPal within 30 days to complete the link.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from your bank to PayPal (usually instantly) or from PayPal to your bank (usually one business day).
- If PayPal cannot verify your account after three attempts, you can upload a bank statement or voided check as proof instead.
Steps to add a bank account on the PayPal website
Log into your PayPal account and click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select Wallet. Click Link a bank account or Add a bank account (the exact wording varies by account type). PayPal will ask you to choose between linking via your online banking login or entering your account details manually.
If you choose to log in through your bank's website, PayPal will redirect you to your bank's secure login page. You enter your banking username and password there—PayPal never sees these credentials. Your bank then confirms to PayPal that the account is real and in your name. This method is faster and skips the test deposit step entirely.
If you enter details manually, type your routing number and account number exactly as they appear. You can find both on a check (the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left; your account number follows). If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing and account numbers. After you enter them, PayPal will tell you to wait for two small deposits.
Confirming the test deposits PayPal sends
Within one to three business days, PayPal deposits two amounts under one dollar each into your bank account. The deposits appear with a description that includes a code—for example, "PP-123456". Log back into PayPal, go to Wallet > Bank accounts, find the account you just added, and click Confirm. Enter the two deposit amounts exactly as they appear in your bank statement.
You have 30 days to confirm these deposits. If you miss the window, you can start the process over by removing the account and adding it again. If you cannot find the deposits in your bank statement, check that you are looking at the correct account and the correct date range. Some banks take an extra day or two to post deposits, so wait at least four business days before assuming they did not arrive.
Once you enter both amounts correctly, PayPal will confirm the account is linked. The test deposits are not refunded—they stay in your bank account as PayPal's way of verifying ownership.
Linking a bank account through the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Wallet, then Link a bank account. You will see the same two options: log in through your bank or enter details manually. The process is identical to the website version, including the test deposit confirmation step.
Some users report that the mobile app occasionally times out during the bank login step. If this happens, switch to the PayPal website and try again there. The account will sync to your app once it is fully linked.
What to do if PayPal cannot verify your account
If you enter your routing and account numbers but PayPal cannot verify them after three attempts, you will see a message saying verification failed. This usually means you typed the numbers incorrectly, or the account is not in your name on file at the bank. Double-check the routing number and account number against your check or your bank's website, then try again.
If verification still fails, PayPal offers an alternative: upload a bank statement or a voided check as proof. A voided check is a check you write "VOID" across the front of (in large letters) without filling in any other details. Take a photo or scan of it and upload it through PayPal's help center. PayPal typically reviews these documents within one business day and will link the account if the name and account number match your PayPal profile.
Moving money between your bank and PayPal
Once your bank account is confirmed, you can transfer money in both directions. To move money from your bank to PayPal, go to Wallet > Transfer money > Transfer to PayPal balance. Enter the amount and choose your linked bank account as the source. PayPal usually completes these transfers instantly, though some banks take up to one business day.
To move money from PayPal back to your bank, go to Wallet > Transfer money > Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount and select your linked account. This direction typically takes one to two business days because PayPal batches these transfers and your bank processes them on a schedule. You will see a status update in your PayPal transaction history once the transfer completes.
PayPal does not charge a fee for transfers between your wallet and a linked bank account in the United States. However, your bank may charge you a fee if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month—check your bank's policy.
Removing or replacing a linked bank account
To remove a bank account, go to Wallet > Bank accounts, find the account, and click the trash icon or Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Removing an account does not affect any past transfers—those stay in your transaction history. You can add a different bank account at any time using the same process.
If you want to replace your linked account because you closed the old one or switched banks, simply add the new account and remove the old one. You do not need to wait for anything to process between the two steps. If you have a pending transfer to the old account when you remove it, PayPal will cancel that transfer and you can resubmit it to the new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
If you log in through your bank's website, the link is instant. If you enter your routing and account numbers manually, you must wait one to three business days for the test deposits to arrive, then confirm them—a total of two to four business days. Once confirmed, the account is active immediately.
Can I link a savings account or only a checking account?
You can link either a checking or savings account. PayPal does not restrict the account type. However, some banks charge a fee for frequent transfers to or from savings accounts, so check your bank's terms before linking a savings account for regular use.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
PayPal will attempt to verify the account and fail after three tries. You can then upload a bank statement or voided check as proof instead. If you entered the number incorrectly on purpose, the test deposits will go to the wrong account and you will not be able to confirm them—you will need to start over with the correct numbers.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can add as many bank accounts as you want. When you transfer money, you choose which account to use as the source or destination. Only one account can be set as your default, but you can change the default at any time.
Is it safe to give PayPal my bank account number?
Yes. PayPal is encrypted and regulated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. When you log in through your bank's website instead of entering details manually, your bank confirms the link directly to PayPal without PayPal ever seeing your password. Even when you enter your account number manually, PayPal stores it securely and only uses it for transfers you authorize.