Connect your bank account to PayPal in three steps
To move money between PayPal and your checking account, you need to link them. Log into PayPal, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will deposit two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) into your checking account within one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts back in PayPal to prove you own the account. Once confirmed, you can transfer money in both directions.
The whole process takes three to five business days from start to finish, depending on how quickly your bank processes the test deposits. You do not need to visit your bank or call them—PayPal handles the verification electronically.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small test amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes one to two business days.
- You need your routing number (nine digits) and checking account number, both found on the bottom left of your checks or in your bank's online portal.
- Once linked, transfers from PayPal to your checking account usually arrive within one to three business days and cost nothing.
- Transfers from your checking account into PayPal take the same time but may be limited by daily or monthly caps depending on your account history.
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 checking account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have written—the routing number comes first, then your account number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details, account information, or routing information. Most banks display both numbers there.
Do not use a savings account number or money market account number. PayPal requires a checking account specifically. If you try to link a savings account, PayPal will reject it during verification.
What happens during the verification process
After you enter your routing and account numbers, PayPal sends two micro-deposits to your checking account. These are real deposits—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—and they will show up in your bank statement. Your bank processes them like any other deposit, which normally takes one to two business days but can take longer if your bank is slow or if you submit on a weekend.
Once the deposits land, you return to PayPal and enter the exact amounts you see in your checking account. PayPal compares what you entered to what it sent. If they match, your account is verified and you can start transferring money. If you enter the wrong amounts three times, PayPal locks you out and you have to start over or contact PayPal support.
How to transfer money from PayPal to your checking account
Once your bank account is linked and verified, go to your PayPal Wallet, select Transfer money, and choose Transfer to your bank. Enter the amount you want to move, select your linked checking account, and confirm. PayPal shows you the expected arrival date—usually one to three business days depending on your bank.
Transfers from PayPal to your checking account are free. There is no fee from PayPal, and most banks do not charge to receive a transfer either. The money comes as an ACH transfer, which is the standard electronic method banks use to move money between accounts. Weekend and holiday transfers still take the same time because the clock starts when your bank processes them on the next business day.
How to transfer money from your checking account into PayPal
You can also move money the other direction. In your PayPal Wallet, select Transfer money, then Transfer from your bank. Enter the amount and confirm. This transfer also uses ACH and takes one to three business days. PayPal does not charge a fee, though your bank might if you have a transfer limit in your account agreement.
New PayPal accounts or accounts with little transaction history may have daily or monthly limits on how much you can transfer in from your checking account. PayPal does not publish these limits publicly—they vary by account. If you hit a limit, PayPal will tell you when you try to transfer. Limits usually increase as your account ages and you build a history of successful transactions.
What to do if the test deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the two micro-deposits in your checking account after three business days, first check your bank statement carefully—they are small amounts and easy to miss. Log into your bank's website or app and search for deposits under $1. If they are truly not there, the routing or account number you entered was wrong.
Go back to PayPal and try linking your account again with the correct numbers. If you are unsure of your routing number, call your bank's customer service line or visit their website—they can confirm it in seconds. Do not guess or use a number from online routing databases unless you are certain it matches your specific branch.
Security and fraud protection when linking your bank account
PayPal does not store your full account number after verification. The micro-deposit method protects both you and PayPal because it proves you own the account—a scammer cannot complete verification without access to your actual bank statement. If someone steals your PayPal password, they cannot transfer money out of your checking account without also having your bank login credentials.
If you notice unauthorized transfers from your checking account, contact your bank immediately. Banks have stronger fraud protections for ACH transfers than PayPal does, and your bank can reverse fraudulent transfers within a set window. Report the fraud to PayPal as well so they can lock the account and investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link multiple checking accounts to one PayPal account?
Yes. Go to your Wallet, select Link a bank account, and repeat the verification process for each account. You can link up to four bank accounts to a single PayPal account. When you transfer money, you choose which linked account to use.
What if I entered the wrong amounts when confirming the test deposits?
You get three attempts to enter the correct amounts. If you fail all three, PayPal cancels the verification and you have to start over. Wait a few days, then link the account again and watch for the new test deposits.
Do transfers happen on weekends or holidays?
No. ACH transfers only process on business days. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it will not leave PayPal until Monday, and your bank will not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday. The one to three business day window does not include weekends or federal holidays.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?
PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit—it depends on your account age, transaction history, and account type. New accounts have lower limits. If you hit a limit, PayPal will show you the maximum amount you can transfer that day. Limits usually increase over time as you use the account.
What happens if I unlink my checking account?
The account is removed from PayPal immediately. Any pending transfers to that account will fail. If you want to link it again later, you have to go through the full verification process with the micro-deposits again.