How PayPal verifies your bank account
PayPal confirms your bank account is real and belongs to you by sending two small deposits—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—to that account. You then log into your PayPal account and enter the exact amounts of those deposits. Once you confirm the amounts correctly, PayPal knows the account is yours and removes the deposits. The whole process typically takes three to five business days from when you first link the account.
You need a verified bank account to withdraw money from PayPal, send money to other people's bank accounts, and raise your transaction limits. Without verification, PayPal will let you receive money and make purchases, but you cannot move funds out to your bank.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal sends two small test deposits to your bank account; you confirm the amounts in your PayPal account to complete verification.
- The deposits arrive within three to five business days, and you have up to 30 days to confirm them before they are removed.
- You need a U.S. bank account in your own name, and the account holder's name must match your PayPal account name.
- If deposits do not arrive, check your bank's pending transactions, contact your bank to confirm the account is active, and then contact PayPal support with your bank's confirmation.
What you need before you start
Your bank account must be in your own name and held at a U.S. bank or credit union. The name on your PayPal account must match the name on your bank account exactly—if your bank account says "James Robert Smith" and your PayPal says "James Smith," PayPal will reject the link.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. 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—the routing and account numbers are listed there. Some banks also print these numbers on statements.
Your bank account must be active and able to receive deposits. If your account is frozen, closed, or flagged for fraud, the test deposits will not arrive and verification will fail.
Step-by-step: linking and verifying your account
Step 1: Log into PayPal and go to your wallet. On the PayPal website or app, click "Wallet" (on mobile, tap the menu icon and select "Wallet"). You will see any cards or bank accounts already linked.
Step 2: Select "Link a bank account." Look for the option to add a new bank account. PayPal will ask whether you want to link your account manually or through your bank's website. The manual route (entering your routing and account number) is faster and works immediately. The bank-connection route (signing into your bank through PayPal) is more secure but takes longer because your bank has to confirm the link.
Step 3: Enter your bank details. Type your routing number and account number into the fields PayPal provides. Double-check both numbers against your checks or bank website—a single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail. Confirm your name matches your bank account name.
Step 4: Wait for the deposits. PayPal will tell you the deposits are on the way. Check your bank account in three to five business days. The deposits will show as small amounts from "PayPal" or "PAYPAL INST XFER." Do not spend or transfer these amounts—you need to confirm them in PayPal.
Step 5: Confirm the amounts in PayPal. Once you see the deposits in your bank account, log back into PayPal, go to your wallet, and find the bank account you linked. PayPal will ask you to enter the two deposit amounts. Type them exactly as they appear in your bank (for example, $0.47 and $0.83). Click confirm. PayPal will remove both deposits within one to two business days.
What to do if the deposits do not arrive
If five business days have passed and you do not see the test deposits, first check your bank's pending transactions. Some banks hold deposits for a day or two before posting them. Log into your bank's website or app and look for a "pending" or "processing" section. If the deposits are there, wait for them to post before confirming in PayPal.
If the deposits are not pending or posted, contact your bank directly. Tell them you are expecting two small deposits from PayPal and ask them to confirm your account is active and able to receive transfers. Ask whether there are any holds, fraud flags, or blocks on your account. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date.
Once your bank confirms the account is active, contact PayPal support through the PayPal website. Go to Help > Contact Us and describe the problem. Tell PayPal that your bank has confirmed the account is active and ask PayPal to resend the deposits. Provide the name of the bank employee you spoke to and the date of that conversation. PayPal may resend the deposits or may ask you to verify through an alternative method.
Using the instant verification option
If you linked your account through your bank's website (rather than entering your routing and account number manually), PayPal may verify your account instantly without sending test deposits. This happens when your bank and PayPal have a direct connection and your bank confirms ownership on the spot.
Not all banks support instant verification. If your bank does, you will see a message saying your account is verified immediately after you complete the bank connection. If your bank does not support it, you will fall back to the two-deposit method.
What happens after verification is complete
Once PayPal confirms your deposits, your bank account is verified. You can now withdraw money from your PayPal balance to your bank account—transfers usually arrive within one to three business days. You can also send money directly from your PayPal account to other people's bank accounts, and your transaction limits will increase.
PayPal may ask you to verify additional information later, such as your Social Security number or a photo ID, depending on how much money you move through your account. This is separate from bank verification and follows PayPal's standard security process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I verify with a joint bank account?
PayPal requires the account to be in your name. If the account is jointly held, only the first account holder's name will match your PayPal account. Contact PayPal support to discuss your situation; some cases may be handled as exceptions, but there is no may provide.
What if I enter the wrong deposit amounts?
PayPal will tell you the amounts are incorrect and let you try again. You have up to 30 days from the date the deposits arrive to enter the correct amounts. After 30 days, PayPal removes the deposits and you must start the process over.
Do I need to verify if I only receive money?
No. You can receive payments and make purchases without a verified bank account. Verification is only required if you want to withdraw money to your bank or send money to someone else's bank account.
How long does verification take if I use my bank's website?
Instant verification through your bank's website can happen immediately, but some banks take one to three business days to confirm the connection. After that, your account is verified and you can withdraw money right away.
Can I verify multiple bank accounts?
Yes. You can link and verify more than one bank account to a single PayPal account. Follow the same process for each account. You can choose which account to withdraw to each time you transfer money.