Connect your bank account to PayPal in four steps

To connect your 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 between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your bank account within one to two business days. You confirm those amounts back in PayPal to verify ownership, and the connection is complete.

Once linked, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, use your bank account as a funding source for PayPal payments, and set up automatic transfers. The whole process takes about five to ten minutes of active work, though the verification deposits add a few days to the timeline.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal sends two small verification deposits to your bank account; you must confirm the amounts in PayPal to complete the link.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or through your bank's website or app.
  • Transfers from PayPal to your bank account take one to three business days and may carry a fee depending on your account type.
  • Once linked, your bank account can fund PayPal purchases, and you can set up automatic transfers to move money regularly.

What information you need before you start

Gather two pieces of information from your bank before opening PayPal. You need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the unique identifier for your specific account). Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details."

Make sure the account you are linking is a checking or savings account in your own name. PayPal does not accept business accounts, joint accounts held under a different name, or accounts you do not own. If you are unsure whether an account is in your name, call your bank or check the account statement.

Step-by-step: linking your bank account

Step 1: Log in and navigate to Wallet. Open PayPal on a computer or the mobile app, sign in with your email and password, and click or tap Wallet (on desktop, this is in the top menu; on mobile, it is the icon that looks like a wallet or purse).

Step 2: Select "Link a bank account." Look for a button or link that says Link a bank account, Add bank account, or Connect bank. Click it. PayPal will ask whether you want to link a U.S. bank account or an international one; select the correct option.

Step 3: Enter your bank details. Type in your routing number and account number exactly as they appear on your check or in your bank's system. Double-check both numbers—a single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail. PayPal will also ask for your bank name; it usually auto-fills once you enter the routing number.

Step 4: Wait for verification deposits. PayPal will send two small deposits to your bank account within one to two business days. These are real money—you will see them in your bank account. Return to PayPal, go back to your bank account settings, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. Once you confirm them, the link is active.

How long transfers take and what they cost

Transfers from PayPal to your linked bank account take one to three business days. PayPal processes the transfer immediately, but your bank controls how long it takes to appear in your account. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday afternoon may not land until Tuesday.

Fees depend on your PayPal account type. Standard transfers (one to three business days) are free. Instant transfers to your bank account cost between $0.25 and $2.00 per transfer, depending on the amount. If you have a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account, you may have access to faster options at different rates. Check your account settings under Transfer money to see which options are available to you and what each costs.

Using your bank account to fund PayPal payments

Once your bank account is linked, you can use it to pay for purchases on PayPal without holding a PayPal balance. When you check out, PayPal will show your linked bank account as a payment option. Select it, and PayPal will pull the money directly from your bank account at the time of purchase. The transaction appears in your bank account as a debit, just like a check or debit card payment.

This method is slower than paying with a PayPal balance or credit card—the merchant does not receive confirmation until PayPal has pulled the funds from your bank, which can take a day or two. For this reason, some sellers do not accept bank account payments, or they may place a hold on your order until the payment clears. If speed matters, use a PayPal balance or linked credit card instead.

Setting up automatic transfers

PayPal allows you to set up automatic transfers to move money from your PayPal account to your bank account on a schedule you choose. This is useful if you receive regular payments through PayPal and want to move the money to your bank without manually requesting each transfer.

To set this up, go to Wallet, select your linked bank account, and look for an option labeled Automatic transfer or Set up automatic transfer. You will choose a frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly), the amount to transfer, and the day the transfer should occur. PayPal will then move that amount automatically on your chosen schedule. You can pause or cancel automatic transfers at any time in the same menu.

What to do if verification deposits do not arrive

If you do not see the two verification deposits in your bank account after two to three business days, the routing or account number you entered was likely incorrect. Log back into PayPal, go to Wallet, and check the bank account details you entered. If you spot an error, delete the account and start over with the correct information.

If the numbers are correct but deposits still have not arrived, contact your bank directly. Ask whether they have received any deposits from PayPal in the last few days. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them; your bank can release them if that has happened. If your bank confirms no deposits arrived, contact PayPal support through the Resolution Center or the help menu in your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a joint bank account to PayPal?

No. PayPal requires that the bank account be in your name alone. If the account is held jointly with another person, you cannot link it. You would need to use a separate account in your name only.

What happens if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

PayPal will attempt to send verification deposits, but they will go to the wrong account or fail to process. If deposits do not arrive after two to three business days, delete the account from PayPal and re-enter the correct information. You will need to wait for new verification deposits.

Can I link multiple bank accounts to one PayPal account?

Yes. You can link up to four bank accounts to a single PayPal account. Go to Wallet and select Link a bank account for each one you want to add. When you transfer money, you can choose which account to send it to.

Do I have to keep my bank account linked after I verify it?

No. Once verified, you can unlink it at any time by going to Wallet, selecting the account, and choosing Remove or Unlink. You can re-link it later if you need to.

Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account number?

Yes. PayPal is encrypted and regulated by the U.S. government as a money transmitter. Your routing and account numbers are the same information you would give to an employer for direct deposit or to any other financial service. The verification deposits PayPal sends prove that you own the account before the link becomes active.