PayPal doesn't give you a single "account number" the way a bank does
PayPal doesn't issue an account number like a checking account or credit card does. Instead, you have a PayPal account ID (a long string of numbers), an email address tied to your account, and a phone number if you added one. Which one you need depends on what you're trying to do — send money to someone, receive a payment, or connect PayPal to another service.
If someone asks for your "PayPal account number," they usually mean one of three things: your email address (the easiest way to send you money), your phone number (if you've verified it), or your account ID (for technical or business purposes). The first two are what most people use in everyday transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Your email address is the primary identifier for receiving money from other PayPal users — you don't need to share an account number.
- Your PayPal account ID is a long number visible in your account settings, but most peer-to-peer transfers only need your email.
- Your phone number can also receive payments if you've verified it in your account, and some services ask for it instead of an email.
- Never share your full account ID, password, or security codes with anyone — PayPal will never ask for these.
How to find your email address and phone number in PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on the website or app. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, then select "Account Settings." You'll see your registered email address at the top of the page — this is what other people use to send you money.
Scroll down to find "Phone" or "Mobile Number." If you've added and verified a phone number, it will appear here. If you haven't, you can add one now by clicking "Add" or "Update." PayPal will send you a code via text to confirm it. Once verified, other users can send you money using that phone number instead of your email.
How to find your PayPal account ID
Your account ID is a unique number PayPal assigns to your account. To find it, log in and go to Settings > Account Settings. Look for a section labeled "Account Information" or "Account Details." Your account ID will be listed there as a long string of numbers (usually 10 digits or more).
You can also find your account ID on transaction receipts or invoices PayPal sends you. It often appears at the bottom of the page or in the transaction details. If you're having trouble locating it, contact PayPal's support team through the Help Center — they can confirm your account ID over the phone or email after verifying your identity.
When you actually need to share your account information
For sending or receiving money between friends and family, share only your email address or verified phone number. The person sending money just needs to enter one of these into PayPal, and the payment goes through. You never have to give out your account ID for casual transfers.
If you're setting up PayPal as a payment method on another website (like a freelance platform, online store, or bill payment service), that site will usually ask for your email address, not your account ID. Some business or invoicing tools may ask for your account ID for technical integration, but they'll be clear about why they need it.
What not to share, and why
Never share your password, security codes, or the full details of your account ID with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. PayPal will never ask you for these in an email, text, or phone call. If someone claiming to be from PayPal asks for this information, it's a scam — hang up or delete the message and report it to PayPal directly.
If you're worried someone has your account ID and you want to be extra cautious, you can change your password and review your account activity. Go to Settings > Security and update your password. Check "Recent Activity" to see if anyone has accessed your account without permission. If you spot unauthorized activity, contact PayPal support immediately.
How to receive money if you don't want to share your email
If you prefer not to give out your email address, use your verified phone number instead. Anyone with your phone number can send you money through PayPal's app or website — they just enter the number the same way they would an email. This is especially useful if you're receiving money from someone who might not have your email on file.
You can also create a PayPal.me link, which is a custom URL you can share publicly. Anyone can click the link and send you money without needing your email or phone number. To set this up, go to Settings > PayPal.me and choose a username. You can then share the link (like paypal.me/yourname) with anyone who wants to pay you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PayPal account number the same as my email address?
No. Your email is your primary identifier for receiving money, but it's not your account number. Your account ID is a separate string of numbers PayPal assigns to you. For most peer-to-peer payments, people only need your email — the account number is rarely used in everyday transactions.
Can I change my PayPal account number?
No, your account ID is permanent and assigned when you create your account. You can't change it. However, you can change your email address, phone number, and password whenever you want through Settings > Account Settings.
What should I do if I think someone has my account information?
Change your password immediately through Settings > Security. Review your Recent Activity to check for unauthorized transactions. If you see anything suspicious, contact PayPal support and report the activity. PayPal can freeze your account temporarily while they investigate.
Do I need my account number to receive money from someone?
No. The person sending you money only needs your email address or verified phone number. Your account number is not required for standard transfers between PayPal users.
Where do I find my account number on a PayPal receipt?
Your account ID may appear on transaction receipts or invoices, usually at the bottom or in a "Details" section. If it's not visible, log into your account and check Settings > Account Settings to find it there.