To add a bank account to PayPal, log in and go to your Wallet. Click "Link a card or bank" or "Link a bank account" to start the process.
How to add a bank account to PayPal
Log in to your access my PayPal account and navigate to your Wallet. You will see an option to "Link a card or bank" or "Link a bank account." Click it, then search for your bank or select it from the list provided. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your bank details.
Instant bank verification vs. manual deposits
PayPal offers two ways to link and confirm your bank account. For instant bank verification, you enter your online banking login through PayPal's secure connection. PayPal uses a third-party provider for this and does not store your login information. If your bank supports this option, your account is confirmed immediately. If instant verification is not available or you prefer not to use it, you can choose manual verification. For manual verification, you enter your bank account and routing numbers. PayPal then sends two small, random deposits (between $0.01 and $0.99 USD) to your bank account within 1 to 3 business days.
How to confirm your bank account with manual deposits
Once you see the two small deposits on your bank statement, return to your PayPal Wallet. Click the bank account you want to confirm, then enter the exact amounts of the two deposits. Entering the correct amounts completes the verification and links the account.
Important rules and limits for linking a bank account
The name on your bank account must exactly match the name on your PayPal account. For business accounts, the bank account must be registered in the business's name. Each bank account can only be linked to one PayPal account at a time, and a single bank account cannot be linked to more than 3 PayPal accounts over its lifetime. You can link up to 8 bank accounts to your PayPal account at once. The bank account must be with a bank located in the same country as your PayPal account and in the local currency, though some countries allow U.S. bank accounts. Some online-only or prepaid bank accounts may not be compatible with PayPal. If you want to use PayPal credit, you will need a linked bank account to manage payments. Similarly, to put money in a PayPal account, a linked bank account is the primary method for adding funds. Be aware of the PayPal instant transfer fee if you plan to move money quickly, as instant transfers have a maximum limit of $25,000 per transaction.
Troubleshooting common bank linking problems
If your bank is not supported, check that it is located in the same country as your PayPal account. A U.S. bank account will not work with a non-U.S. PayPal account unless your country specifically allows it. If you enter the wrong deposit amounts during manual verification three times, your bank account will be disabled and permanently removed from your PayPal account. For instant transfers, remember the $25,000 limit per transaction. If you encounter other errors, double-check that your bank details are correct and that your bank is not an incompatible online-only or prepaid account.
