Connect your bank account in three steps
PayPal connects to your bank account through a verification process that takes two to three business days. You start by entering your routing number and account number in PayPal's settings, then PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account. You log into your bank, find those deposits, and enter the amounts back into PayPal to confirm you own the account. After that, you can send and receive money directly from your bank.
The entire setup happens inside the PayPal app or website — you do not need to contact your bank or fill out separate forms. Most banks work with PayPal, though a small number of smaller or regional banks may not appear in PayPal's system.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm the exact dollar figures, which takes two to three business days.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on the bottom left of your checks or in your bank's online portal.
- Once verified, you can transfer money from PayPal to your bank account for free, though the transfer itself takes one to three business days depending on your bank.
- Linking a bank account is different from linking a debit or credit card — a bank account connection lets you move money out of PayPal, while a card lets you fund PayPal transactions.
Find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number identifies your specific bank branch, and your account number identifies your account within that bank. Both appear together on the bottom left of any check you have written — the routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display both numbers there.
Do not confuse your account number with your card number. Your debit card number is different and will not work for this step. If you cannot find the numbers online, call your bank's customer service line — they can read them to you over the phone.
Enter your bank details into PayPal
Open PayPal on your phone or computer and go to Settings (the gear icon on mobile, or Account Settings on desktop). Select Wallet or Banks and Cards, then choose Add a Bank Account. Enter your bank's name, your routing number, and your account number in the fields provided. PayPal will ask whether the account is checking or savings — select the correct type.
Review the information before you submit. If you enter the wrong routing number or account number, the verification deposits will go to the wrong account and you will have to start over. Once you submit, PayPal shows you a confirmation screen with the last four digits of your account number.
Confirm the two verification deposits
PayPal deposits two small amounts into your bank account within two to three business days. These are real deposits — they will appear in your bank account just like any other deposit. The amounts are random and usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. Check your bank account online or through your bank's app to find them.
Once you see both deposits, go back to PayPal and return to the bank account you just added. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact dollar amounts of the two deposits. Type them in and submit. PayPal confirms the account is yours and removes the verification deposits from your account within one to two business days — you do not need to do anything else.
What happens if verification fails
If PayPal does not receive confirmation from your bank within thirty days, the bank account link expires and you have to start over. This usually happens when you enter the wrong routing or account number the first time. Delete the failed account from your PayPal wallet and add it again with the correct information.
If the verification deposits land in the wrong account, contact your bank and ask them to reverse the deposits. Then contact PayPal support through the Help Center and explain what happened. PayPal can manually verify your account in some cases, though this takes longer than the standard two-deposit method.
Transfer money from PayPal to your bank
Once your bank account is verified, you can move money out of PayPal whenever you want. Open PayPal, go to your Wallet, and select Transfer Money. Choose Transfer to Your Bank, select the bank account you linked, enter the amount, and confirm. PayPal processes the transfer immediately, but your bank takes one to three business days to deposit the money into your account — this depends on your specific bank, not on PayPal.
PayPal does not charge a fee for transfers to a linked bank account. Some banks may charge their own fees for incoming transfers, though most do not. If you need the money faster, PayPal offers an instant transfer option for a small fee (usually $0.25 to $1.50 depending on the amount), which deposits the money within thirty minutes on weekdays.
Difference between linking a bank account and a card
A linked bank account lets you move money out of PayPal and into your bank. A linked debit or credit card lets you fund PayPal transactions — you can send money or make purchases using the card as the payment source. You can have both at the same time. Most people link a bank account so they can cash out their PayPal balance, and link a card so they can spend money if their PayPal balance runs low.
Linking a card is faster — it takes seconds and does not require verification deposits. Linking a bank account takes longer but gives you a way to move money out of PayPal without paying a fee. If you plan to receive money from other people through PayPal, linking a bank account is the most practical way to access it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to PayPal?
The verification deposits arrive within two to three business days. Once you confirm the amounts, the account is linked immediately. Total time is usually three to five business days from start to finish, depending on your bank's processing speed.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to PayPal?
Yes. You can add as many bank accounts as you want, though you can only transfer to one at a time. When you request a transfer, PayPal lets you choose which account to send the money to.
What if my bank is not showing up in PayPal's list?
Some smaller or regional banks do not appear in PayPal's dropdown menu. Try typing your bank's name in the search field — if it still does not appear, contact your bank to confirm they support PayPal transfers. If they do not, you can link a debit card instead and use that to move money out.
Is it safe to give PayPal my routing and account number?
Yes. PayPal is encrypted and does not store your full account number after verification is complete. The verification deposits prove you own the account, which is PayPal's way of confirming the information is correct before allowing transfers.
Can I unlink my bank account later?
Yes. Go to Settings, select Wallet or Banks and Cards, find the linked account, and choose Remove or Delete. You can re-link the same account anytime by repeating the verification process.