Where to find your PayPal account number
Your PayPal account number is a unique identifier tied to your account, separate from your email address or phone number. You can find it in your account settings on the PayPal website or mobile app. The fastest route is to log in, go to Settings (the gear icon), then Account, and look for the section labeled Account Information or Account Details. Your account number will be displayed there as a long string of numbers.
If you use the PayPal mobile app, the path is similar: tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Settings, then Account. Scroll down until you see your account number listed. The number itself does not change unless you close and reopen your account, so you can write it down or take a screenshot for your records.
Some users confuse their account number with their transaction ID (which appears on individual receipts) or their routing and account numbers for bank transfers. Your PayPal account number is the permanent identifier for your entire account, not tied to any single transaction or bank connection.
Key Takeaways
- Your PayPal account number appears in Settings > Account > Account Information on both the website and mobile app.
- Your account number is different from your email address, phone number, transaction IDs, and bank routing numbers.
- The account number stays the same for the life of your account unless you close it and create a new one.
- You may need your account number when contacting PayPal support or linking your account to third-party services.
- PayPal does not display your full account number in emails or receipts for security reasons.
Why you might need your account number
PayPal customer service sometimes asks for your account number to verify your identity during a support call or chat. This is a security measure to confirm you own the account before discussing sensitive details like transaction disputes or account changes. Having the number ready speeds up the process.
Some third-party services—payment processors, accounting software, or business platforms—may ask for your PayPal account number to link to your account. Before providing it to any outside service, confirm that the request is coming from a legitimate company and that they have a clear reason for needing it. PayPal itself will never ask for your account number via email or unsolicited phone call.
What your account number does and does not show
Your PayPal account number identifies your account in PayPal's system, but it does not reveal your bank account details, credit card numbers, or balance. It is safe to share with PayPal support or with a business you are intentionally working with. However, treat it like you would treat a username—do not post it publicly or share it with people you do not know.
Your account number is not the same as your routing number or account number for bank transfers. If you are setting up a direct deposit or withdrawing money to your bank, PayPal will provide separate routing and account numbers specific to that bank connection. Those numbers are different each time you link a new bank account.
If you cannot find your account number
If you log into your account and do not see the account number in Settings > Account, your account may be very old or set up under different terms. Some legacy PayPal accounts display account information differently. Try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.
If the number still does not appear, contact PayPal support directly through the Help section of your account. Click Contact Us, choose your issue type, and select the option to chat or call. A support agent can confirm your account number and explain why it may not be visible in your settings. Have your email address and a recent transaction ready to speed up verification.
Account number versus other PayPal identifiers
PayPal uses several different numbers and identifiers, and it is easy to mix them up. Your email address is what you use to log in. Your account number is a permanent identifier in PayPal's system. Your transaction ID is a unique code for each payment you send or receive. Your reference ID or invoice number is something you create when sending invoices.
When PayPal support asks for your account number, they are asking for the long string of digits in your Account Information section, not your email or a transaction ID. If you are unsure which number they want, ask them to clarify before you provide it.
Keeping your account number secure
Your account number is less sensitive than your password or the answers to your security questions, but it is still part of your account identity. Do not share it in public forums, social media, or with people you do not know. If someone contacts you claiming to be from PayPal and asks for your account number unsolicited, that is a red flag—PayPal support will never initiate contact this way.
If you believe your account has been compromised, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication in your security settings. You do not need to change your account number; it is tied to your account and cannot be changed by you or by a fraudster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PayPal account number the same as my email address?
No. Your email is your login credential. Your account number is a separate identifier that PayPal assigns to your account. You can change your email address linked to PayPal, but your account number stays the same.
Can I change my PayPal account number?
No. Your account number is permanent and assigned by PayPal when you create your account. It cannot be changed, transferred, or customized. If you close your account and create a new one, you will receive a different account number.
Do I need my account number to send or receive money?
No. You send and receive money using email addresses, phone numbers, or PayPal usernames. Your account number is mainly for support purposes or linking to third-party services, not for everyday transactions.
What should I do if I see an unfamiliar account number in my settings?
If you see a number you do not recognize, log out immediately and change your password. Then log back in and check again. If the number is still there and you did not create it, contact PayPal support right away—your account may have been accessed without your permission.
Can someone use my account number to access my PayPal account?
No. Your account number alone cannot be used to log in or access your funds. A person would need your email address and password, or your security answers, to gain access. Your account number is an identifier, not a credential.