What you need to create a PayPal account

You need an email address, a valid government ID, and either a bank account or debit card. PayPal will verify your identity before you can send or receive money, so have your ID ready when you start. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, though full verification can take a few days.

PayPal offers two account types: Personal and Business. A Personal account is free and lets you send money to friends, pay for things online, and receive payments. A Business account costs nothing to open but charges fees when you receive payments—useful if you're selling items or running a side business. You can start with Personal and upgrade later.

Key Takeaways

  • You'll need an email address, a government-issued ID, and a bank account or debit card to create a PayPal account.
  • PayPal verifies your identity before you can move money, which usually takes a few days but sometimes happens instantly.
  • Personal accounts are free and have no transaction fees when you send money to friends; Business accounts charge fees on received payments.
  • After you link a bank account or card, you can start sending money immediately, though receiving money may require additional verification.

Step 1: Go to PayPal and enter your email

Visit paypal.com and click "Sign Up" in the top right corner. Choose whether you want a Personal or Business account. Enter your email address—this becomes your PayPal login, so use one you check regularly. PayPal will send a confirmation link to that email, so you must be able to access it right away.

If you already have a PayPal account linked to that email, PayPal will tell you and ask if you want to log in instead. If you've forgotten your password, click "Having trouble logging in?" to reset it rather than creating a duplicate account.

Step 2: Create a password and add your name

PayPal requires a password at least 8 characters long, with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Write it down somewhere safe—you'll need it every time you log in. Then enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your government ID. PayPal uses this to verify your identity later.

You'll also enter your date of birth and country. PayPal uses this information to comply with financial regulations in your area. If you're under 18, you may not be able to complete verification or link a bank account, depending on your country.

Step 3: Confirm your email address

PayPal sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the confirmation link. This step proves you own the email address and can receive messages from PayPal. If you don't see the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder—confirmation emails sometimes land there.

If the link has expired or you can't find the email, go back to paypal.com, click "Sign Up" again, and enter your email. PayPal will offer to send a new confirmation link. You only need to confirm once; after that, you can log in with your email and password.

Step 4: Link a bank account or debit card

After you confirm your email, PayPal asks you to add a payment method. You can link a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Debit and credit cards are fastest—PayPal usually verifies them instantly. Bank accounts take longer because PayPal deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account, then asks you to confirm those amounts to prove you own the account.

To link a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). To link a bank account, enter your routing number and account number—you can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website. PayPal does not charge you to link either one.

Step 5: Verify your identity

PayPal may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your government ID—a driver's license, passport, or national ID card. Take a clear photo of the front and back, making sure all text is readable. Upload both images through the PayPal app or website. PayPal reviews these within a few days, though sometimes verification happens instantly.

Until PayPal verifies your identity, you can send money to friends but may not be able to receive payments or withdraw money to your bank account. Once verified, you have full access. If PayPal rejects your ID, you can upload a different one or contact PayPal support to ask why.

What happens after you finish setup

Once your account is active, you can send money to anyone with an email address or phone number. If you're sending to a friend's personal account, there's no fee. If you're sending to a business account or using a credit card to send money, PayPal charges a fee—usually a percentage of the amount plus a flat fee, which varies by country.

You can also use your PayPal account to pay for things online at any store that accepts PayPal. When you check out, you just log in with your email and password instead of entering your card details each time. Your bank account or card stays linked to PayPal, so you don't have to re-enter it every time you make a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PayPal without linking a bank account?

Yes. You can link only a debit or credit card and still send money and make purchases. However, if someone sends you money, PayPal holds it in your PayPal balance until you link a bank account to withdraw it. Most people link both a card and a bank account for flexibility.

How long does PayPal verification take?

Identity verification usually takes 1 to 3 business days, though it sometimes happens instantly. Bank account verification takes longer because PayPal waits for the two small deposits to appear in your account, which can take 3 to 5 business days. You can use your account while verification is pending, but some features may be limited.

What if PayPal asks for more information during setup?

PayPal may ask follow-up questions about your address, phone number, or the source of your funds. Answer honestly and completely. If you're having trouble, contact PayPal support through the Help Center on their website—they can walk you through the process or explain why your account needs additional review.

Can I have more than one PayPal account?

PayPal's terms say one account per person. If you need both a Personal and Business account, you can upgrade your Personal account to Business instead of creating a second one. If PayPal discovers duplicate accounts, it may close both.

Is it safe to link my bank account to PayPal?

PayPal uses encryption and fraud detection to protect your account. Your bank account number is not shared with sellers—they only see that you paid through PayPal. If someone fraudulently uses your PayPal account, PayPal's Buyer Protection covers unauthorized transactions up to a certain amount, depending on your country.