The fastest way to move money from your bank to PayPal
Link your bank account to PayPal, then transfer money directly through the PayPal app or website. The transfer takes one to three business days, and PayPal does not charge you for it. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
PayPal verifies new bank accounts by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account within one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts in PayPal to prove you own the account. Once verified, you can transfer money immediately, though the funds will not appear in your PayPal balance until the business days have passed.
Key Takeaways
- Link your bank account by entering your routing number and account number, then confirm the two small test deposits PayPal sends to your bank.
- Transfers from bank to PayPal take one to three business days and cost nothing, but the money leaves your bank account right away.
- You can transfer money to PayPal as often as you want once your account is linked, with no daily or monthly limit from PayPal itself.
- If your bank declines the link, try entering your credentials manually instead of using your bank's login, or contact your bank to check for fraud blocks.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Open the PayPal app or go to PayPal.com and sign in. Tap or click your profile icon in the top right, then select Wallet or Settings depending on whether you use the app or website. Look for Link a Bank Account or Add Bank Account.
PayPal will ask whether you want to connect by logging in with your bank's username and password, or by entering your information manually. If you choose login, PayPal will redirect you to your bank's site (not PayPal's), you enter your credentials there, and PayPal receives permission to see your accounts. If you choose manual entry, type your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings).
After you submit, PayPal will send two deposits to your bank account within one to two business days. Check your bank statement, find those amounts (they will be labeled as PayPal deposits), and return to PayPal to enter them. Once confirmed, your account is linked and ready to use.
Starting a transfer from bank to PayPal
In the PayPal app, tap Wallet at the bottom, then tap Transfer Money. On the website, click Wallet in the top menu, then Transfer Money. Select Transfer to Your Bank — wait, that is the opposite direction. Instead, look for Add Money or Request Money, then choose Add Money from a Bank Account.
Enter the amount you want to transfer. PayPal will show you the linked bank account and ask you to confirm. Review the details, then tap or click Transfer Now. You will see a confirmation number. The money leaves your bank account immediately, but it will not show in your PayPal balance until one to three business days have passed.
If you do not see an Add Money option, your account may not have a linked bank account yet, or PayPal may have restricted transfers on your account. Check your linked accounts in Settings to confirm the bank is there, or contact PayPal Support if the option is missing.
What happens if your bank rejects the link
Some banks block PayPal's automatic login attempt as a fraud precaution. If you see an error message when you try to connect with your bank's username and password, go back and choose Enter Bank Details Manually instead. Type your routing number and account number by hand, and PayPal will skip the login step.
If manual entry also fails, your bank may have flagged PayPal as suspicious. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card or your statement) and tell them you are trying to link your account to PayPal. Ask them to remove any blocks on PayPal transactions, then try linking again.
A few banks do not allow third-party connections at all. If your bank is one of them, you can still move money to PayPal by transferring from your bank to PayPal's bank account directly (PayPal will provide the account details), but this takes longer and may cost a wire fee depending on your bank.
Transfer limits and timing
PayPal does not set a daily or monthly limit on how much you can transfer from your bank account. However, your bank may have its own limits on outgoing transfers, and PayPal may limit you if your account is new or if you have had disputes in the past. Check your bank's transfer limits in your account settings or by calling customer service.
The transfer always takes one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday will not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest. PayPal does not charge a fee for bank transfers, but your bank may charge you if you have exceeded your monthly transfer limit.
Confirming the transfer arrived
Check your PayPal balance in the Wallet section. If the transfer has not arrived after three business days, log into your bank account and look at your recent transactions to confirm the money left your account. If it did leave, PayPal received it, and you should contact PayPal Support with your transfer confirmation number.
If the money is still in your bank account after three business days, the transfer may have failed. PayPal will usually send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your PayPal account and the name on your bank account, or your bank rejecting the transfer for fraud reasons. If you see an error message in PayPal, follow the steps it suggests, or contact PayPal Support to retry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my bank to PayPal if I do not have a PayPal balance yet?
Yes. You do not need money in PayPal first. Link your bank account, start a transfer, and the money will move from your bank to PayPal. Once it arrives, it sits in your PayPal balance and you can spend it, send it to someone else, or transfer it back to your bank.
What if the name on my bank account does not match my PayPal name?
PayPal requires the names to match. If your bank account is under a different name (a spouse's name, a business name, or a nickname), you will need to either update your PayPal name to match, or link a different bank account that is in your name. Contact PayPal Support if you are unsure whether your names match closely enough.
Do I have to wait for the test deposits before I can transfer money?
Yes. You cannot transfer money until you confirm the two test deposits. This usually takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive at your bank, then you enter the amounts in PayPal. After that, transfers are instant to start (though the money takes one to three days to show up in PayPal).
What if I want to transfer money from PayPal back to my bank?
The process is similar but reversed. In PayPal, go to Wallet, then Transfer Money, then Transfer to Your Bank. Select the linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. The money leaves PayPal right away but takes one to three business days to arrive at your bank.
Can I use a debit card instead of a bank account to add money to PayPal?
Yes, but it works differently. You can link a debit card directly to PayPal without test deposits, and transfers from a debit card are usually instant. However, some banks treat debit card transfers as cash advances and may charge a fee. Linking your actual bank account is usually cheaper and just as fast.