Connect your bank account in three steps

To connect PayPal to your bank account, log into PayPal, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within one to two business days. You then return to PayPal and confirm those amounts to verify ownership. Once confirmed, your bank account is linked and you can transfer money between PayPal and your bank at any time.

The entire process takes about five to ten minutes of active work, though the verification step requires you to wait for the deposits to arrive. You do not need to be at your bank to do this — PayPal handles everything online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link; both appear on 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 enter those amounts to complete the link.
  • 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, you can move money back and forth, but transfers out of PayPal are not instant — plan ahead if you need cash on a specific day.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check you have from that bank. The routing number is the first nine digits; your account number follows. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for an option labeled Account Details, Account Information, or Routing Number. Most banks display both numbers in one place.

Do not confuse your routing number with your bank's main phone number or branch code. The routing number is specific to the Federal Reserve district where your bank processes transactions. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number — they will give you both in seconds.

How to enter your information into PayPal

Open PayPal in a web browser or the mobile app and sign in. Tap or click Wallet at the top of the page. Select Link a bank account or Add a bank account (the wording varies slightly by app version). Choose your bank from the list, or select I don't see my bank to enter the information manually.

Enter your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). PayPal will ask you to confirm the account holder's name — make sure it matches the name on your bank account exactly. Then select Link Bank Account or Continue. PayPal will tell you that two small deposits are on the way and will appear in one to two business days.

Confirming the deposits and completing the link

Check your bank account online or by app after one to two business days. You will see two deposits from PayPal, each under $1, with descriptions like "PAYPAL VERIFICATION" or similar. Note both amounts exactly — they are usually random figures like $0.23 and $0.17, but the exact numbers matter.

Return to PayPal, go back to Wallet, and find the bank account you just linked. Select Confirm or Verify. Enter the two deposit amounts in the order PayPal asks for them. If you enter them correctly, PayPal will confirm the link immediately. Your bank account is now connected and ready to use.

If you enter the amounts wrong, PayPal will tell you and let you try again. You have up to 30 days to confirm the deposits before PayPal cancels the link and you have to start over.

Transferring money from PayPal to your bank

Once your bank account is linked, you can move money out of PayPal whenever you want. In the PayPal app or website, go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Transfer to your bank or Withdraw. Enter the amount and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date — usually one to three business days depending on your bank.

Standard transfers are free for most PayPal account types, but some business accounts or premium services charge a small fee. PayPal will tell you the fee (if any) before you confirm the transfer. Transfers do not arrive instantly, so if you need cash on a specific day, initiate the transfer at least three business days before.

Weekends and bank holidays slow down transfers. A transfer you start on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. Plan accordingly if you have a time-sensitive need.

Moving money from your bank into PayPal

You can also transfer money from your bank account into PayPal to fund purchases or send money to others. Go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Transfer from your bank or Add funds. Enter the amount and confirm. The money usually arrives in PayPal within one to three business days, though some banks process transfers faster.

Transfers from your bank to PayPal are also free. However, your bank may charge you a fee if you overdraft or if you are using a service like a check-cashing account that charges per transaction. Check your bank's fee schedule if you are unsure.

What to do if the link fails or the deposits do not arrive

If PayPal rejects your routing or account number, double-check both numbers against your check or bank portal. A single digit wrong will cause the link to fail. If the numbers are correct and PayPal still rejects them, your bank may not be in PayPal's system. Select I don't see my bank and enter the information manually, or contact PayPal support to confirm your bank is supported.

If the two verification deposits do not arrive after three business days, log into PayPal and check whether the link is still pending. If it shows as pending, wait another business day. If it has been more than five business days with no deposits, contact PayPal support — there may be a mismatch between your PayPal account name and your bank account name, or your bank may have blocked the deposits as suspicious.

If you see the deposits but cannot remember the exact amounts, check your bank statement or transaction history. Most banks show the full deposit amount in your online portal or app. Write down both amounts and enter them into PayPal exactly as they appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link more than one bank account to PayPal?

Yes. You can link multiple bank accounts and choose which one to transfer from or to each time you move money. Go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and repeat the process for each account. Each account must be verified separately with the two-deposit method.

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

Yes. PayPal is a regulated financial company and uses encryption to protect your information. The two-deposit verification method actually confirms that you own the account — PayPal cannot complete the link without access to your bank account, which proves ownership. Your bank account information is not shared with other PayPal users or merchants.

What if my bank account name does not match my PayPal name exactly?

The names must match for the link to work. If your PayPal account is under "John Smith" but your bank account is under "John Michael Smith" or "J. Smith", update one of them before linking. You can change your PayPal name in Settings or contact your bank to update your account name. Then try linking again.

How long does a transfer actually take?

PayPal says one to three business days, but the actual time depends on your bank. Some banks process PayPal transfers the same day; others take the full three days. Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays do not start processing until the next business day. If you need money by a specific date, transfer at least three business days before.

Can I unlink my bank account after I connect it?

Yes. Go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose Remove or Unlink. The account is removed immediately and you can no longer transfer money to or from it. You can link it again later by repeating the verification process.