PayPal does not have a routing number

PayPal is not a bank and does not issue routing numbers. A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union branch in the U.S. banking system. PayPal operates as a payment processor and money services business, not as a depository institution, so it does not participate in the routing number system.

If you are trying to wire money from PayPal or receive a wire transfer into PayPal, you will need different information than a routing number. The process depends on whether you are sending money out or receiving it, and what your underlying bank account is.

Key Takeaways

  • PayPal itself has no routing number because it is not a bank; routing numbers belong only to banks and credit unions.
  • To wire money out of PayPal, you must first transfer funds to your linked bank account, then initiate the wire from that bank directly.
  • To receive a wire into PayPal, you provide the sender with your bank account number and routing number — the routing number of the bank that holds your account, not PayPal.
  • PayPal's own transfer methods (PayPal transfer, instant transfer to a debit card) are faster and cheaper than wires for most situations.

Sending money out of PayPal by wire

If you want to wire money from your PayPal account to someone else's bank account, you cannot do it directly through PayPal. Instead, you must transfer the money from PayPal to your own bank account first, then use your bank's wire transfer service.

The steps are: (1) Log into PayPal and go to your Wallet. (2) Select "Transfer Money." (3) Choose "Transfer to your bank" and enter the amount. (4) PayPal deposits the funds into your linked bank account, usually within one to three business days. (5) Once the money is in your bank account, log into your bank's website or app and initiate a wire transfer from there. Your bank will ask for the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number — not PayPal's information.

This two-step process is slower than sending money directly through PayPal. If the recipient also has PayPal, sending a PayPal transfer is faster and free. If they do not have PayPal but have a bank account, a wire through your bank works but takes longer and may cost $15 to $30 in wire fees.

Receiving a wire into PayPal

You cannot receive a wire transfer directly into PayPal. If someone wants to send you money by wire, they must send it to your bank account, not to PayPal.

To receive a wire, give the sender your bank account number and the routing number of the bank that holds your account. This is the routing number printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it by calling your bank or looking it up on your bank's website. Once the wire arrives in your bank account, you can then transfer the money into PayPal if you want to.

Why PayPal transfers are often better than wires

Wire transfers are designed for large sums, urgent situations, or transfers to people who do not have online payment accounts. They are also irreversible once sent, which makes them risky if you send money to the wrong person.

PayPal offers faster alternatives for most situations. A PayPal transfer to another PayPal user is instant and free. An instant transfer from PayPal to a linked debit card takes minutes and costs $0.25 to $2.00 depending on the amount. Both are cheaper and quicker than a wire, and both can be reversed if there is a problem. If the recipient does not have PayPal, they can create an account in minutes and you can send them money that way.

What information you actually need for PayPal transfers

To send money through PayPal itself, you do not need routing numbers at all. You need the recipient's email address or phone number linked to their PayPal account. That is the entire requirement.

To transfer money out of PayPal to your own bank account, you need your bank account number and routing number — but you enter this information once when you link your bank account to PayPal. After that, PayPal stores it and you do not have to enter it again.

If you see a request for PayPal routing information

If someone has asked you for a PayPal routing number, they may be confused about how PayPal works, or they may be attempting a scam. Scammers sometimes pose as PayPal or as someone who needs to send you money, and they ask for banking information under false pretenses.

PayPal will never ask you for your routing number via email, text, or phone call. If you receive such a request, do not respond. Instead, log into your PayPal account directly (do not click a link in the message) and check your account activity. If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, report it to PayPal's Resolution Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a routing number from PayPal?

No. PayPal is not a bank and does not issue routing numbers. Routing numbers are issued only by banks and credit unions that are part of the Federal Reserve system. If you need to wire money, you must use the routing number of your own bank, not PayPal.

What is PayPal's bank routing number?

PayPal does not have a bank routing number. However, PayPal does partner with banks to hold customer funds. If you need banking details for a wire transfer, contact your bank directly — not PayPal.

How do I wire money from PayPal to a bank account?

Transfer the money from PayPal to your own bank account first (this takes one to three business days), then use your bank's wire transfer service to send it to the recipient. Your bank will provide the wire form and will ask for the recipient's bank routing number and account number.

Is there a faster way to send money from PayPal?

Yes. If the recipient has PayPal, a PayPal transfer is instant and free. If they have a debit card, an instant transfer takes minutes and costs a small fee. Both are faster and cheaper than a wire transfer.

What if someone asks me for my PayPal routing number?

Do not give it to them. PayPal does not use routing numbers. If someone claims to be from PayPal and asks for banking information, it is likely a scam. Log into your PayPal account directly and report the contact to PayPal's Resolution Center.