PDF download Download Article
Add PayPal to your bank account and start shopping right away with this quick tutorial
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to verify your PayPal account by connecting your bank account or a card. Linking your bank account to PayPal is enough to verify your account.[1] If you don't have a bank account but want to use PayPal to hold, send, and receive funds, you'll need to confirm your identity by providing identifying documents to PayPal.

Link Your Bank Account to Verify Your PayPal Account

  1. Go to your PayPal wallet online or in the mobile app.
  2. Click or tap Link a card or bank or Add new.
  3. Click or tap Link a bank account or Banks.
  4. Search for your bank.
  5. Log in with your username.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Linking on a Computer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/money/ in a web browser. You can use any web browser to log in to PayPal and link a bank account.
  2. It's in the top left corner of your web browser.
    Advertisement
  3. Since you already had to show certain documents to verify who you are when you opened a bank account, PayPal skips this formality by using your linked bank account.
  4. You can browse the list to find your bank, or you can search for it in the search bar at the top of the list.
  5. You might be able to instantly link your bank account. If prompted, log into your bank with your username and password. If not, you can manually enter your bank details, like your account and routing numbers.
  6. If connecting automatically doesn't work for you, you can still link manually. Click Link your bank another way when you add an account, then enter the deposit amounts from PayPal made to your bank. After you confirm these deposits, your bank account will be connected to PayPal![3]
  7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Linking on a Phone or Tablet

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the blue icon with a white "P" in your app list.
    • If you don't have a bank account, you can still verify your account by providing proof of identity. To do so, go to http://www.paypal.com/policydashboard/process/compliance/cip in a web browser, sign in (if you aren't already), and enter the requested information. This allows you to use your PayPal account to send, receive, and hold money even without a bank account.
    • If you're not already signed in, follow the on-screen instructions to do so now.
  2. It's in the bottom right corner of your screen.
  3. It's in the top menu near the top of your screen.
    • Alternatively, tap Add new next to "Banks and cards."
  4. It's the first icon in the list of a building with pillars in front.
  5. Search for the name of your bank, and then select it from the list. If you don't see your bank, tap Enter Your Bank Details instead.
    • If you can't find your bank, tap Link another way. Select your bank account type (Checking or Savings), and then enter both the routing number and account number. You can find this information on a check or in your banking statement. Then, tap Agree and Link to continue.
      • Within 3 business days, you'll receive 2 small deposits into your bank account from PayPal. When you receive those deposits, write down or remember the amounts, visit your PayPal wallet in a web browser, sign in to your PayPal account, and follow the on-screen instructions to enter the amounts. Once confirmed, your account will be verified.
    • If you link a bank account using your banking username and password, then the account is automatically verified.
    • If you type in your banking account's account and routing numbers, you have to confirm the deposit amounts to verify your account.
  6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What does it mean to have a verified PayPal account?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    A verified PayPal account means that the account is free of the restrictions placed on non-verified accounts, such as lower sending amounts and higher fees. You can get this status on your account by providing your bank details (account, credit or debit card) to PayPal.
  • Question
    Can I use my PayPal account without verifying it?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can use a PayPal account without verifying it to receive payments. Without verification though, you’ll be limited in how much money you can withdraw from the account to your bank account (how much this limit is depends on the policy applicable to your country). Also, verified PayPal users pay fewer fees and have fewer other restrictions than accounts that don't get verified.
  • Question
    How long does it take for a PayPal account to be verified?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Verification for a PayPal account will take around 2 to 3 days. If it takes longer than this, contact PayPal help in your country, for more advice.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you can't verify your account or identity, you won't be able to send or receive money through PayPal.[4]
  • PayPal requires proof of identity if you are unable to verify a bank account or debit card. Acceptable identity documents are a passport, driver's license, or government-issued ID. You'll also need proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, motor vehicle registration, or bank statement.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Hide Your Real Name on PayPal Hide Your Real Name on PayPal (Using a Business Account)
Contact PayPal Contact PayPal: 4 Quick Ways to Get Help With Your Account
Set Up a PayPal Account Sign Up for a PayPal Account & Add a Payment Method
Find PayPal Username Find Your Own PayPal Username or Look Up Someone Else's
Transfer Money from PayPal to a Bank Account Withdraw or Move Money from Your PayPal Account
Make a Paypal Payment Link Send Your PayPal.Me Link: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Cancel a PayPal Subscription Cancel a Subscription in PayPal
Add Money to PayPalAdd Money to PayPal
Connect Sweatcoin to PayPalConnect Sweatcoin to PayPal
Use PayPalGet Started with PayPal: How It Works, Signing Up & More
Pay for Netflix with PayPal2 Easy Ways to Pay for Netflix with PayPal
Delete a PayPal Account Delete Your PayPal Account Through the Website or Mobile App
Find out if a PayPal Account is Still ActiveFind out if a PayPal Account is Still Active
PayPal to Apple PayPayPal to Apple Pay: Easy Tricks to Access Your PayPal Balance
Advertisement

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 1,538,983 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 40
Updated: March 18, 2024
Views: 1,538,983
Categories: PayPal
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,538,983 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement