The basic steps to fund your PayPal account from your bank
To send money from your bank account to PayPal, you link your bank account to your PayPal account first, then transfer the amount you want. PayPal calls this a "bank transfer" or "add funds" — it moves money from your checking or savings account into your PayPal balance, where you can then spend it, send it to someone else, or leave it sitting there.
The process takes a few minutes to set up the first time, then becomes a one-click action afterward. Most transfers arrive within one to two business days, though some take up to three. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number — both are on the bottom left of your checks, or you can log into your bank's website to find them.
PayPal does not charge you to transfer money from your bank account into your PayPal balance. Your bank might charge a fee if you have a checking account with monthly fees, but the transfer itself is free on PayPal's end.
Key Takeaways
- Link your bank account to PayPal by entering your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's website.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from your bank into your PayPal balance in seconds, and the money usually arrives within one to two business days.
- PayPal does not charge a fee to transfer money from your bank account, but your bank may charge a fee if your account has monthly fees.
- You can only transfer money into your PayPal balance if your account is verified — PayPal will ask for your Social Security number or tax ID the first time you try.
How to link your bank account to PayPal for the first time
Start by logging into your PayPal account on the website or app. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Wallet" or "Account Settings." On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and look for "Wallet" or "Settings."
Look for a button or link that says "Link a bank account" or "Add bank account." PayPal will ask you to choose between checking and savings, then enter your routing number and account number. If you do not have a check handy, log into your bank's website, find your account details, and copy the numbers from there.
PayPal will then ask you to verify the account by making two small deposits — usually under $1 each — into your bank account. This takes one to two business days. Once the deposits arrive, PayPal will ask you to enter the exact amounts. After you do, your bank account is linked and ready to use.
Transferring money from your bank account into PayPal
Once your bank account is linked, transferring money is straightforward. On the website, go to your Wallet, find the linked bank account, and click "Transfer money" or a similar button. On the app, tap the menu, select "Wallet," find your bank account, and tap the transfer option.
Enter the amount you want to transfer and confirm. PayPal will show you the expected arrival date — usually one to two business days. The money leaves your bank account right away, but it does not show up in your PayPal balance until it arrives.
If you transfer money regularly, you can set up a recurring transfer — for example, $50 every Friday. This saves you from having to do it manually each time, though you can pause or cancel it whenever you want.
What happens if the transfer takes longer than expected
Most transfers arrive within the timeframe PayPal shows you. If yours does not, check your bank account first to make sure the money actually left. If it did, log into PayPal and look for a notification or message about the transfer — sometimes PayPal will flag a transfer for review if it looks unusual.
If you see a message asking you to confirm the transfer, follow the steps PayPal provides. If you do not see any message and the money has not arrived after three business days, contact PayPal's support team through the app or website. Have your bank account number and the transfer amount ready when you reach out.
In rare cases, your bank may reject the transfer. This usually happens if your account is flagged for fraud, if you entered the wrong account number, or if your account does not allow transfers from outside sources. Your bank will send you a notice explaining why, and you can contact them to fix it.
Verification requirements before you can transfer money
PayPal requires you to verify your identity before you can transfer money from your bank account. The first time you try to transfer, PayPal will ask for your full name, date of birth, and either your Social Security number or tax ID. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering.
If you do not have a Social Security number — for example, if you are not a U.S. citizen — you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You can get an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you do not owe taxes.
Once PayPal verifies your identity, you will not have to do it again. If PayPal cannot verify you right away, it will tell you why and what to do next — usually uploading a photo of your ID or waiting a few business days for a manual review.
Alternatives if you cannot link your bank account
If your bank will not let you link to PayPal, or if you do not have a bank account, you have other options. You can add money to PayPal using a debit card or credit card instead — the process is the same as linking a bank account, but faster because there is no verification step. The downside is that PayPal may charge a fee for card transfers, depending on your account type.
You can also ask someone to send you money through PayPal if they have an account. They can transfer money directly to your PayPal email address, and it arrives when ready if both accounts are verified. This does not add money from your bank, but it gets money into your PayPal balance.
If you are trying to move money out of PayPal and into your bank account instead, the process is similar — you link your bank account, then request a withdrawal. That usually takes one to three business days and is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When you link your account, PayPal asks whether it is checking or savings. Both work the same way — the money transfers in one to two business days and there is no fee. Some banks charge their own fees for frequent transfers out of savings accounts, so check your account terms if you plan to do this regularly.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
PayPal will usually catch the error and reject the transfer before it leaves your account. If it does not, your bank will send the money back, and it will return to your PayPal balance within a few business days. You can then try again with the correct number.
How much money can I transfer at once?
PayPal does not publish a single transfer limit — it depends on your account history, how long you have been verified, and your bank's own limits. Your first transfer may be smaller than later ones. If PayPal blocks a transfer, it will tell you why and what the limit is.
Do I need to verify my bank account every time I transfer?
No. You verify once when you first link the account — PayPal deposits two small amounts and you confirm the exact numbers. After that, transfers are automatic and do not require re-verification.
Can I transfer money from PayPal back to my bank account?
Yes. The process is the same in reverse — go to your Wallet, select your linked bank account, and choose "Withdraw" or "Transfer to bank." The money takes one to three business days to arrive and is free.