2 Ways to Verify Your PayPal Account on Computer or Mobile

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Add PayPal to your bank account and start shopping right away with this quick tutorial

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: March 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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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]
X
Research source} 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

Go to your PayPal wallet online or in the mobile app.
Click or tap Link a card or bank or Add new.
Click or tap Link a bank account or Banks.
Search for your bank.
Log in with your username.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Linking on a Computer

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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.
- 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.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} The information necessary to verify your account varies by user and region.
It's in the top left corner of your web browser.

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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.
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.
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.
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]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Linking on a Phone or Tablet

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1
Open the PayPal app on your phone or tablet. 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.
It's in the bottom right corner of your screen.
3
Tap Add banks and cards. It's in the top menu near the top of your screen.
- Alternatively, tap Add new next to "Banks and cards."
It's the first icon in the list of a building with pillars in front.
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Link a bank account. 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.

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What does it mean to have a verified PayPal account?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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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.

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Can I use my PayPal account without verifying it?

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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.

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How long does it take for a PayPal account to be verified?

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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.

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If you can't verify your account or identity, you won't be able to send or receive money through PayPal.^{[4]
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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.

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