You can link your bank account to PayPal and transfer money in either direction
To send money from your bank to PayPal, you link your bank account to your PayPal account, then initiate a transfer through PayPal's website or app. PayPal verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it, which you confirm back in PayPal. Once verified, transfers from your bank to PayPal typically take one to three business days, though the exact timeline depends on your bank and PayPal's processing schedule.
You do not need to use this method to pay someone through PayPal — you can send money directly from your bank account using PayPal's transfer feature, or you can keep a balance in PayPal itself. But if you want to build up a PayPal balance to use for multiple payments, or if you prefer to fund PayPal before making a purchase, a bank transfer is the standard way to do it.
Key Takeaways
- Linking your bank account requires PayPal to verify two small deposits it makes to your account, which you confirm in the PayPal app or website within 30 days.
- Once verified, transfers from your bank to PayPal take one to three business days and are free.
- You can transfer money back to your bank from PayPal using the same linked account, though PayPal may charge a fee depending on your account type.
- If verification fails or you do not see the deposits, check that your bank account number and routing number are correct, and contact your bank to confirm the deposits arrived.
How to link your bank account to PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on the website or app. Go to Wallet (on the website) or Tap your profile icon (on the app), then select Linked banks and cards or Add a bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and your routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; you can find it on a check, by calling your bank, or by searching your bank's name plus "routing number" online.
After you enter this information, PayPal will tell you it will deposit two small amounts into your account within one to two business days. These deposits are how PayPal confirms you own the account — it proves you can access the bank account you claimed. Do not close the PayPal window or navigate away yet; write down the reference number PayPal gives you, or take a screenshot. You will need it when the deposits arrive.
Check your bank account in one to two business days for the two deposits. They will appear as small credits, usually under $1 each, with a reference code in the description. Once you see them, return to PayPal, go back to Linked banks and cards, and select the account you just added. PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts of the two deposits. Type them in, and PayPal will confirm the account is verified. You now have one to two weeks to complete this step before PayPal cancels the verification attempt.
What to do if the verification deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the two deposits after three business days, first double-check that you entered your account number and routing number correctly in PayPal. Log back into PayPal, go to Linked banks and cards, and review the account details. If the number is wrong, delete the account and start over with the correct information.
If the details are correct, contact your bank directly. Tell them you are expecting two small deposits from PayPal and ask whether they arrived but were held or filtered. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious or route them to a separate pending folder. Your bank can confirm whether the deposits were received and help you locate them. If your bank says the deposits never arrived, return to PayPal and delete the account, then try adding it again — sometimes a second attempt succeeds where the first failed.
How to transfer money from your bank to PayPal
Once your bank account is verified, transferring money is straightforward. On the PayPal website, go to Wallet, then Transfer money, then Transfer to PayPal balance. On the app, tap your profile icon, then Tap your balance, then Transfer money, then From your bank. PayPal will show you the linked bank account and ask how much you want to transfer. Enter the amount and confirm. The transfer is free and will take one to three business days to appear in your PayPal balance.
You can transfer as much or as little as you want, as often as you want, as long as you have the funds in your bank account. PayPal does not charge a fee for transfers from your bank to PayPal. However, your bank may charge a fee if you make an unusually high number of transfers in a short period — most banks allow several transfers per month without penalty, but check your bank's terms if you plan to transfer frequently.
Transferring money back to your bank from PayPal
If you have money in your PayPal balance and want to move it back to your bank, the process is similar but may involve a fee. On the website, go to Wallet, then Transfer money, then Transfer to your bank. On the app, tap your profile icon, then Tap your balance, then Transfer money, then To your bank. Select the linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm.
Standard transfers from PayPal to your bank take one to three business days and are free if you have a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account. If you have a regular PayPal account (often called a Premier or Business account depending on when you created it), PayPal may charge a fee — typically $1.50 to $2.00 per transfer. You can check your account type by going to Settings and looking at your account information. If you transfer frequently, upgrading to PayPal Cash or Cash Plus may save you money, though these accounts have their own terms and fees.
Security and fraud protection when linking your bank
PayPal uses encryption to protect your bank account information, and your bank account number and routing number are not shared with merchants or other PayPal users when you make a payment. However, if someone gains access to your PayPal account, they can transfer money from your linked bank account to PayPal and then send it elsewhere. To protect yourself, use a strong, unique password for PayPal, enable two-factor authentication (go to Settings, then Security, then Two-step verification), and review your linked accounts regularly to make sure no unauthorized bank accounts have been added.
If you notice an unauthorized transfer, contact PayPal immediately through the Resolution Center or by calling the number on the back of your PayPal statement. PayPal will investigate and may reverse the transfer. You should also contact your bank and report the unauthorized transfer; your bank may be able to reverse it on their end as well. Federal law (Regulation E) protects you against unauthorized electronic transfers from your bank account, so your bank has a responsibility to investigate and may refund you even if PayPal does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify my bank account?
The two verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once you see them and enter the amounts into PayPal, your account is verified immediately. The entire process typically takes two to four business days from start to finish.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to a different bank account than the one I linked?
No. PayPal only transfers money back to the bank account you used to verify your identity. If you want to transfer to a different account, you will need to remove the current linked account and add the new one, then go through verification again.
What if I do not have a checking account, only a savings account?
You can link a savings account to PayPal. When you add the account, select Savings instead of Checking when PayPal asks for your account type. The verification and transfer process is the same.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer from my bank to PayPal?
PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to all users. Your limit depends on your account history, how long you have been verified, and PayPal's internal assessment of your account. If you try to transfer more than your limit, PayPal will tell you the maximum amount you can transfer. Limits typically increase over time as you use your account.
Can I set up automatic transfers from my bank to PayPal?
PayPal does not offer automatic recurring transfers from your bank to your PayPal balance. You must initiate each transfer manually. However, you can set up automatic payments from your bank account to merchants who accept PayPal, which is different from transferring money to your PayPal balance first.