Your PayPal account number is in your account settings, not on your homepage
PayPal does not display your account number prominently on your dashboard or in emails. To find it, log into your PayPal account, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Account from the left menu. Your account number appears under Account Information as an 8 to 12 digit code. Write it down or take a screenshot—you will need it for certain transactions and customer service calls.
Some people confuse their account number with their email address or phone number linked to PayPal. Those are login credentials, not your account number. Your account number is a separate identifier that PayPal assigns when you create your account and never changes.
If you cannot find the account number in Settings, check your original PayPal confirmation email from when you first signed up. That email contains your account number. You can also call PayPal's customer service line and provide your email and phone number to verify your identity—they will give you your account number over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is found in Settings > Account > Account Information, not on your main dashboard.
- Your account number is different from your email address, phone number, or PayPal username.
- You will need your account number when disputing transactions, contacting customer service, or linking PayPal to certain financial institutions.
- Your account number never changes and appears on your original PayPal signup confirmation email.
When you actually need your PayPal account number
Most everyday PayPal transactions—sending money to friends, paying for online purchases, receiving payments—do not require your account number. You log in with your email and password, and that is enough.
You will need your account number when you contact PayPal customer service about a dispute or problem with your account. Having it ready speeds up verification and gets you to the right department faster. You may also need it if you are linking PayPal to a bank account or third-party app that specifically asks for it, though most apps only ask for your email.
Some tax situations require your account number. If you receive regular payments through PayPal and need to report income to the IRS, PayPal may ask for your account number to match records. Keep it in a safe place alongside your other financial account numbers.
How to find your account number on mobile
The process is the same on the PayPal mobile app as on the website. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap Settings. Select Account, then scroll to Account Information. Your account number displays there.
If you use the mobile app and cannot locate Settings, look for your profile icon or initials in the top left or right corner of the screen. Tap it, then look for Settings or Account options in the menu that appears. The exact placement varies slightly between iOS and Android, but the path is always Settings > Account > Account Information.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you are locked out of your PayPal account or cannot log in, you cannot retrieve your account number from Settings. Call PayPal's customer service line at 1-888-221-1161 (the number for the United States; other countries have different numbers listed on PayPal's website). Have your email address, phone number, and the last four digits of any card or bank account linked to your account ready.
PayPal will verify your identity using this information and provide your account number over the phone. They may also help you regain access to your account if it has been compromised or if you forgot your password. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Protecting your account number
Your account number is not as sensitive as your password or Social Security number, but you should still treat it as private information. Do not share it in emails, text messages, or over the phone unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are speaking to PayPal directly.
Scammers sometimes pose as PayPal and ask for your account number to "verify" your account or "unlock" it. PayPal will never ask for your account number unsolicited. If someone contacts you claiming to be from PayPal and asking for your account number, do not provide it. Instead, hang up or close the message, then log into your PayPal account directly and check your account status yourself.
Difference between account number and transaction ID
Your account number identifies you as a PayPal user. A transaction ID is a separate code that identifies a single payment or transfer you made or received. Transaction IDs are much longer (usually 17 characters) and appear in your transaction history or receipt for that specific payment.
If you are disputing a payment, you will need the transaction ID, not your account number. If you are having trouble with your account itself—like a login problem or a billing issue—you will need your account number. Knowing which one to provide saves time when you contact customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my customer ID?
PayPal uses "account number" and "customer ID" interchangeably. They refer to the same 8 to 12 digit code. You will see both terms in PayPal's help articles and customer service conversations, but they mean the same thing.
Can I change my account number?
No. Your account number is permanent and assigned when you create your account. It cannot be changed, reset, or reassigned. If you want a fresh start, you would need to close your current account and create a new one, which would give you a new account number.
What if I see multiple numbers in my account settings?
You may see your account number, a reference ID for a specific transaction, or a code related to a linked bank account or card. Your account number is the one labeled "Account Number" or "Customer ID" under Account Information. If you are unsure which number is which, call PayPal customer service and they will clarify.
Do I need my account number to receive money from someone?
No. People can send you money using only your email address or phone number linked to PayPal. Your account number is not part of the payment process for most transactions. You only need it for account management and customer service issues.
Will PayPal ever email me my account number?
PayPal includes your account number in your original signup confirmation email, but does not send it in routine emails afterward. If you receive an email asking you to confirm or provide your account number, it is likely a scam. Log into your account directly to check any alerts instead of clicking links in emails.