PayPal does not have a routing number for wire transfers
PayPal is not a bank, so it does not have a routing number. A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union — the financial institution that holds your actual account. PayPal holds your money in a PayPal account, not in a traditional bank account, which is why you cannot wire money directly to PayPal using a routing number.
If you want to move money into or out of PayPal using a wire transfer, you need to connect PayPal to a real bank account first. The wire then goes to that bank account, not to PayPal itself. That bank account is what has a routing number.
This matters because it changes how you set up the wire. You are not wiring to PayPal — you are wiring to the bank that holds your linked account.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal has no routing number because it is not a bank; routing numbers belong only to banks and credit unions.
- To wire money to a PayPal account, you must link a bank account to PayPal first, then wire to that bank account instead.
- The routing number you need comes from your bank or credit union, not from PayPal.
- PayPal can send wire transfers out of your account, but the receiving bank's routing number is what you provide, not PayPal's.
- If you are trying to wire money into PayPal, confirm with your bank that they allow wires to PayPal-linked accounts, since some banks restrict this.
How to link a bank account to PayPal for wire transfers
Before you can receive a wire to your PayPal account, you need to connect a bank account. Log into your PayPal account, go to Wallet, and select Link a bank account. PayPal will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).
PayPal will then make two small test deposits to that bank account — usually within one to two business days. You will see the amounts in your bank statement. Go back to PayPal, enter those two amounts, and PayPal will confirm the link. Once confirmed, that bank account is now connected to PayPal, and wires can be sent to it.
The routing number you enter during this step comes from your bank, not from PayPal. You can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Where to find your bank's routing number
Your bank's routing number appears in three places. The easiest is usually your bank's website — log in and look for account details or a section labeled "routing number" or "bank information." You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for the routing number for wire transfers.
If you have a physical check from your account, the routing number is the first nine digits in the lower left corner of the check. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or for different types of transfers, so if you are setting up a wire, confirm with your bank that you have the correct one for wire transfers specifically.
Sending a wire transfer out of PayPal
If you want to send money from PayPal to someone else's bank account via wire, you do not need PayPal's routing number — you need the receiving bank's routing number. Go to your PayPal wallet, select Transfer Money, and choose Transfer to your bank or Send money to a bank account depending on your PayPal version.
PayPal will ask you for the recipient's bank account details: their routing number, account number, account type, and the amount. Enter the receiving bank's routing number, not PayPal's. PayPal then sends the wire on your behalf to that bank account. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
PayPal charges a fee for outgoing wire transfers — the amount varies by country and transfer size. Check the fee before you confirm the transfer.
Why some banks block wires to PayPal accounts
Some banks and credit unions have policies that prevent customers from wiring money to PayPal-linked accounts. They do this because they consider PayPal a third-party payment service, not a traditional bank account, and they want to limit the risk of fraud or unauthorized transfers.
If you are trying to wire money into your PayPal account and the wire is rejected, contact your bank to ask whether they allow wires to PayPal. If they do not, you have two options: use a different bank account that does allow it, or transfer money to PayPal using a different method, such as a debit card, ACH transfer, or direct deposit.
Alternative ways to move money to and from PayPal
Wire transfers are not the only way to move money. You can link a debit card or credit card to PayPal and transfer money that way, though this is usually slower and may carry higher fees. You can also set up an ACH transfer, which is an electronic bank-to-bank transfer that is cheaper than a wire and takes one to three business days.
If your employer or a government agency offers direct deposit, you can have money deposited directly into your PayPal account using your PayPal routing number — wait, that is not quite right. PayPal does provide a routing number and account number for direct deposit purposes only. This is different from the routing number used for wire transfers. Ask PayPal for your direct deposit details if you want to set up payroll or benefit deposits.
For most everyday transfers, ACH is faster and cheaper than wire. Wire transfers are best when you need the money to arrive the same day or the next business day, or when you are sending a large amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give someone my PayPal routing number to wire me money?
No. PayPal does not have a routing number for receiving wires. You would need to give them your linked bank account's routing number instead. That means the wire goes to your bank, not directly to PayPal, but the money will show up in your PayPal account once it arrives at the bank.
Does PayPal have a routing number for direct deposit?
Yes, but only for direct deposit. PayPal provides a separate routing number and account number that you can use if your employer or a government agency wants to deposit money directly into your PayPal account. This is different from the routing number used for wire transfers. Log into PayPal and look under direct deposit settings to find these numbers.
What if I wire money to the wrong routing number?
Contact your bank right away. If the wire went to a routing number that does not belong to your bank, your bank may be able to recall it, but this depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery. Do not wait.
Can I wire money from PayPal to another PayPal account?
No. PayPal does not allow wire transfers between PayPal accounts. You can send money to another PayPal user using PayPal's built-in money transfer feature, which is free for friends and family in most cases. If you need to send a wire, it must go to a bank account, not to another PayPal account.
How long does a wire transfer to PayPal take?
Once the wire arrives at your linked bank account, it usually shows up in PayPal within one to three business days. The wire itself may take one to two business days to reach the bank, depending on the sending bank and the time of day the wire is sent. Wires sent after 3 p.m. on a Friday may not arrive until Monday.