Edit your PayPal bank account in three steps

Go to your PayPal account settings, select Wallet, then Banks and Cards. Find the bank account you want to change and click the pencil icon next to it. Update the routing number, account number, or account holder name as needed, then save. PayPal will verify the changes within one to two business days by depositing two small amounts into your account—you'll need to confirm those amounts in your PayPal settings to complete the process.

If you're removing an old account entirely rather than editing it, you can delete it from the same menu. PayPal won't let you delete your only bank account on file, so you'll need to add a new one first if that's your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your bank account settings through Wallet > Banks and Cards, where you can edit routing numbers, account numbers, or the account holder's name.
  • PayPal verifies changes by depositing two small amounts into the new or edited account, and you must confirm those amounts in your settings to activate the changes.
  • Verification typically takes one to two business days, though it can take longer during weekends or holidays.
  • You cannot delete your only bank account on file—add a replacement account first if you want to remove the old one.
  • If you're moving money to a different bank, update your account before initiating a withdrawal to avoid delays.

Why you might need to edit your bank account

You may need to update your bank account information for several reasons: you switched banks, your account number changed after a merger or fraud incident, you made a typo when you first added the account, or you want to direct future PayPal transfers to a different account. The process is the same regardless of the reason.

If your bank account is linked to PayPal and you haven't used it in a while, PayPal may flag it as inactive. Editing the account—even if you only confirm the existing information—can reactivate it. This is especially common if you've been using PayPal Balance or a linked card instead of direct bank transfers.

Step-by-step: editing your account details

Step 1: Log in and navigate to Wallet. Sign into your PayPal account on a computer or through the mobile app. Tap or click Wallet at the top of the page (on mobile, this may be labeled as a menu icon). Select Banks and Cards from the options that appear.

Step 2: Find and open the account you want to edit. PayPal displays all linked bank accounts and cards in this section. Locate the account you want to change. If you have multiple accounts, PayPal labels them by bank name and the last four digits of the account number. Click or tap the pencil icon next to the account.

Step 3: Update the information. You can edit the routing number, account number, or the name on the account. Make your changes and click Save. PayPal will then initiate verification by sending two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to the account within one to two business days.

Step 4: Confirm the deposit amounts. Once the deposits arrive in your bank account, log back into PayPal and return to Wallet > Banks and Cards. Click on the account again and enter the two deposit amounts PayPal sent. This confirms you control the account and completes the verification process.

Verification timing and what to expect

PayPal's verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, but timing depends on your bank and whether the change occurs during a weekend or holiday. Some banks process deposits faster than others; credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes take longer than large national banks.

Once you confirm the deposit amounts, your account is active immediately. You can then withdraw money to that account or set it as your default for future transfers. If you don't see the deposits after three business days, check your bank's spam or pending transactions folder, or contact your bank to confirm the account is set up to receive ACH transfers.

If you need to withdraw money before verification is complete, you can use PayPal Balance or a linked debit or credit card instead. The unverified bank account simply won't be available as a withdrawal option until you confirm those deposit amounts.

Removing an old bank account

To delete a bank account from PayPal, open Wallet > Banks and Cards, find the account, and click the trash or delete icon. PayPal will ask you to confirm the deletion. The account is removed immediately and PayPal will no longer attempt to process transfers to it.

You cannot delete your only linked bank account. If you want to remove an old account and have no other bank account on file, add a new one first, verify it, and then delete the old one. This prevents you from being locked out of bank transfers entirely.

Deleting an account does not affect any past transactions. PayPal keeps a record of transfers you've already made to that account, but future withdrawals will go to whichever account you designate as your default.

Troubleshooting common editing problems

PayPal won't let you save changes: This usually means the routing number or account number format is incorrect. Double-check both numbers against your bank statement or your bank's website. Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary by bank but are typically 10 to 12 digits. If the numbers are correct and PayPal still rejects them, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and set up to receive ACH transfers.

Verification deposits don't arrive: Wait three to five business days before assuming there's a problem. If the deposits still haven't shown up, log into your bank account and search for any pending transactions from PayPal. Some banks hold ACH deposits for a day or two. If you find them pending, they'll post automatically. If you don't see them anywhere, contact PayPal support with your bank account number and the date you made the change—they can resend the verification deposits or investigate whether your bank rejected them.

You entered the wrong deposit amounts: PayPal typically allows two or three attempts to confirm the amounts correctly. If you've used up your attempts, you'll need to delete the account and add it again, which triggers a new verification cycle. This is frustrating but uncommon—most people get the amounts right on the first try.

Security considerations when editing bank information

Always make changes from a secure device and network. Avoid editing your bank account on public WiFi or a shared computer. PayPal uses encryption to protect the information you send, but the device itself matters.

If someone else has access to your PayPal account, they can change your linked bank account and redirect your money. Enable two-factor authentication on your PayPal account if you haven't already—this requires a code from your phone or email whenever you log in from a new device. You can set this up in Settings > Security.

After you edit your bank account, review your recent activity in the Activity section to confirm no unauthorized changes were made. If you see an edit you didn't make, change your PayPal password immediately and contact PayPal support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to verify a new or edited bank account?

PayPal sends verification deposits within one to two business days, and you typically see them in your bank account within the same timeframe. After you confirm the deposit amounts, the account is active immediately. The entire process usually takes three to five business days from start to finish, though it can be longer if your bank processes ACH transfers slowly or if the change occurs over a weekend.

Can I use my bank account before PayPal verifies it?

No. You cannot withdraw money to an unverified bank account. You can use PayPal Balance or a linked debit or credit card to send money while verification is in progress. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, the account becomes available for withdrawals right away.

What if I edit my account and then change my mind?

If you haven't confirmed the verification deposits yet, you can delete the edited account and re-add your original one. PayPal will send new verification deposits, and you'll go through the confirmation process again. If you've already confirmed the new account, you can delete it and re-add the old one, but you'll need to verify the old account again if it's been deleted from your wallet.

Do I need to edit my account if I just want to change which account receives my money?

No. If you have multiple verified bank accounts linked to PayPal, you can choose which one receives each withdrawal without editing anything. During the withdrawal process, PayPal asks you to select the destination account. You only need to edit if the account information itself has changed—the routing number, account number, or account holder's name.

What happens to money I've already sent to an old account after I delete it?

Deleting an account does not affect past transfers. Any money PayPal already sent to that account stays there. Deleting the account only prevents future transfers to it. If you need to access money sent to a deleted account, you'll need to contact your bank or the financial institution that holds that account.