Add your bank account through PayPal's wallet settings
To add a bank account to PayPal, log into your account on PayPal.com or the mobile 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 $0.01 and $0.02) to that account within one to two business days. You verify the amounts in your bank statement, enter them back into PayPal, and the account is confirmed.
The entire process takes three to five business days from start to finish. Once verified, you can transfer money from your PayPal balance to your bank account, or set your bank account as the funding source when you send money to others. You do not need to add a credit or debit card first — the bank account alone is enough.
If you are adding the account on mobile, the steps are the same: tap the menu icon, select Wallet, tap Link a bank account, and follow the prompts to enter your routing and account numbers.
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 your checks or in your bank's app.
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to confirm the account is yours; you must verify the exact amounts to complete the link.
- The verification process takes three to five business days because banks process transfers on their own schedule.
- Once linked, you can transfer PayPal balance to your bank account or use the bank account as your payment source when sending money to others.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then your account number.
If you do not have checks, 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 provide them over the phone.
Do not use a savings account if you only want to receive transfers — PayPal works with both checking and savings accounts, but transfers from savings can take longer because of banking regulations. A checking account is faster and simpler.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account — typically $0.01 and $0.02, though the exact amounts vary. These deposits appear in your bank statement within one to two business days. The deposits are not refunded; they are PayPal's way of confirming you own the account.
Once you see the deposits in your bank statement, return to PayPal, go back to your bank account settings, and enter the two amounts. PayPal checks them against what it sent. If they match, your account is verified immediately. If you enter the wrong amounts, you can try again, but you have a limited number of attempts before PayPal locks you out temporarily.
If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If they are wrong, PayPal will not be able to reach your bank. You can delete the unverified account and start over with the correct numbers.
Transferring money from PayPal to your bank account
Once your bank account is verified, you can move money from your PayPal balance to that account. In the PayPal app or website, go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm.
Standard transfers take one to two business days. PayPal also offers Instant Transfer for a small fee (usually $0.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount) if you need the money the same day. Instant transfers go through within 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends, though some banks may take longer to post the money to your account.
There is no limit to how many transfers you can make, but PayPal may place temporary holds on large transfers if your account is new or if the transfer is unusually large for your account history. If that happens, PayPal will notify you and may ask you to confirm the transfer.
Using your bank account as a payment source
Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can choose it as the funding source when you send money to another person or business through PayPal. This means the money comes directly from your bank account instead of from your PayPal balance. You do not need to have money in PayPal first.
When you send money and select your bank account as the source, the transaction processes immediately, but the money may take one to three business days to leave your bank account, depending on your bank's processing speed. The recipient sees the money in their PayPal account right away, but your bank may hold it for a day or two before actually deducting it from your balance.
If you have both a PayPal balance and a linked bank account, you can choose which one to use each time you send money. PayPal does not automatically pull from one or the other — you decide at the moment of payment.
What to do if verification fails or takes too long
If PayPal says the amounts you entered do not match, check your bank statement again for the exact deposits. Banks sometimes round amounts or display them differently in the app versus the website. If you still cannot find them, wait another business day — some banks are slower than others.
If three business days have passed and you still do not see the deposits, the routing or account number you entered was likely incorrect. Delete the unverified account from your PayPal wallet and start over. Make sure you copy the numbers directly from your bank statement or your bank's app rather than typing them from memory.
If you have tried multiple times and the deposits still are not appearing, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers. Some business accounts or restricted accounts may not accept PayPal deposits. Your bank can tell you whether your account type allows incoming transfers.
Security and what PayPal can access
When you link a bank account to PayPal, you are giving PayPal permission to deposit and withdraw money from that account. PayPal cannot see your full account balance or transaction history — only the ability to move money in and out. Your bank login credentials are not shared with PayPal.
If your PayPal account is compromised, an attacker could potentially transfer money from your linked bank account. To protect yourself, use a strong, unique password for PayPal, enable two-factor authentication (available in PayPal's security settings), and regularly review your bank statements for unauthorized transfers.
If you see a transfer you did not authorize, contact PayPal immediately through the Resolution Center and report it as unauthorized. PayPal has a dispute process for unauthorized transfers, similar to disputing a credit card charge. You should also contact your bank and report the unauthorized transfer there as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. You can add as many bank accounts as you want to a single PayPal account. Each one must be verified separately with the two test deposits. You can choose which account to use each time you transfer money or send a payment.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
PayPal will send the test deposits to the wrong bank, and they will not appear in your account. After three business days, delete the unverified account and add it again with the correct numbers. You can find your correct routing and account number on a check, in your bank's app, or by calling your bank.
Do I need a credit card to use PayPal if I have a bank account linked?
No. A linked bank account is enough to send and receive money. You do not need a credit card or debit card on file. However, adding a backup payment method can be useful if your bank account is temporarily unavailable.
How long does it take to transfer money from PayPal to my bank account?
Standard transfers take one to two business days. Instant transfers (for a fee) take up to 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends, though your bank may take an additional day to post the money to your account.
What if PayPal locked me out after too many failed verification attempts?
Wait 24 hours, then try again. If you are still locked out, contact PayPal's customer service through the Help Center. Have your correct routing and account numbers ready so you can verify your identity and try the linking process again.