Connect your bank account in three steps
To link a bank account to PayPal, you log into your account, go to Wallet, select Link a bank account, and enter your routing number and account number. PayPal will then make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to two business days. You return to PayPal, confirm the amounts of those deposits, and the account is live.
Once linked, you can send money to other PayPal users, pay bills, or withdraw your PayPal balance directly to that bank account. The bank account becomes your default funding source unless you change it later.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes one to two business days.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a check or in your online banking portal.
- Linking a bank account does not charge you a fee, but sending money to other PayPal users from a linked bank account may have a small cost depending on the transaction type.
- Once linked, you can withdraw your PayPal balance to that bank account, and the money usually arrives within one to three business days.
What information you need before you start
Gather your bank account details before opening PayPal. You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information—most banks display both numbers there.
Make sure the name on the bank account matches the name on your PayPal account. If they do not match, PayPal will reject the link. You will also need access to that bank account's email or online login during the verification step, because you will need to confirm the two test deposits PayPal sends.
The step-by-step process on desktop or mobile
On desktop, log into PayPal.com, click Wallet in the top menu, then click Link a bank account. On mobile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Wallet, and tap Link a bank account. Either way, you will see a form asking for your routing number and account number.
Enter both numbers carefully—a typo will cause the verification to fail. PayPal will ask you to confirm your bank's name and the account type (checking or savings). Review this information and click Link Bank Account. PayPal will then tell you that two small deposits are on the way, usually arriving within one to two business days.
Check your bank account (online or by calling your bank) once those deposits arrive. Return to PayPal, click Confirm next to the bank account you just linked, and enter the exact amounts of the two deposits. Once you confirm, the account is fully linked and ready to use.
Why PayPal sends two small deposits
The two deposits are PayPal's way of confirming that you own the bank account and that the routing and account numbers are correct. If someone enters a wrong number by mistake, the deposits will fail and PayPal will tell you to try again. If someone enters your account number without permission, you will see deposits you did not authorize and can report them to PayPal immediately.
The deposits are real money—usually between 20 cents and 99 cents each—and they stay in your account. You do not have to send them back. Some banks may charge a small fee for the deposits if your account has a limit on the number of transactions per month, but most do not.
What happens after your bank account is linked
Once verified, your bank account becomes a funding source for PayPal transactions. When you send money to another PayPal user, you can choose to pay from your bank account, your PayPal balance, or a linked credit or debit card. Sending money from a linked bank account to another PayPal user is usually free if both accounts are in the United States.
You can also withdraw your PayPal balance to your linked bank account at any time. Go to Wallet, click Transfer Money, select Transfer to your bank, enter the amount, and confirm. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank. PayPal does not charge a fee for standard transfers, but some banks may charge a fee on their end.
Unlinking or changing your bank account
If you want to remove a linked bank account, go to Wallet, find the account in your list, and click the menu icon next to it. Select Remove or Unlink. You can unlink at any time, and it takes effect immediately. Any pending transfers to that account will still go through.
To change which bank account is your default, go to Wallet, click the menu icon next to the account you want to make primary, and select Make primary. You can link multiple bank accounts to the same PayPal account, and you can switch between them whenever you send money or request a transfer.
Troubleshooting a failed link
If PayPal rejects your routing or account number, double-check both numbers against a check or your bank's website. Typos are the most common reason for rejection. If the numbers are correct, contact your bank to confirm that your account is set up to receive ACH transfers (the electronic method PayPal uses). Some accounts, particularly business accounts or very new accounts, may have ACH transfers blocked by default.
If the verification deposits arrive but you cannot confirm them because you do not remember the amounts, log into your bank account and look at the transaction history. The deposits will show the exact amounts PayPal sent. If you still cannot find them after two business days, contact PayPal support with your bank account number and the date you linked the account—they can resend the deposits or verify the account manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does linking a bank account to PayPal cost money?
No. PayPal does not charge you to link a bank account. The two verification deposits are real money that stays in your account. Some banks may charge a fee if your account has a transaction limit, but PayPal itself charges nothing.
Can I link a bank account that is not in my name?
No. The name on the bank account must match the name on your PayPal account. If the names do not match, PayPal will reject the link during verification.
How long does it take to link a bank account?
The deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once you confirm the amounts, the account is linked immediately. The entire process typically takes two to four business days from start to finish.
What if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
Unlink it immediately by going to Wallet, clicking the menu next to the account, and selecting Remove. Any pending transfers to that account will still complete, but no future transactions will go to it. Then link the correct account.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. PayPal accepts both checking and savings accounts. During the linking process, you will select the account type. The verification process is the same for both.