Alright, let's get your FNB account linked to your PayPal! It's a pretty straightforward process, but let's break it down into easy-to-follow steps. Have you already created a PayPal account? If not, that's our very first mini-step!
Getting Started: Ensuring You Have a PayPal Account
If you already have a PayPal account, fantastic! You can skip right to the next major step. However, if you're new to PayPal, you'll need to sign up first. Head over to the PayPal website (
Step 1: Navigating to the 'Banks and Cards' Section
Now that you have a PayPal account, let's get your FNB account connected.
Accessing Your PayPal Wallet
- Log in to your PayPal account. Go to the PayPal website and enter your email address and password.
- Locate your 'Wallet'. Once you're logged in, look for the 'Wallet' tab or option. This is usually located at the top of the page, often next to options like 'Summary' or 'Activity'. Click on 'Wallet'.
Finding the 'Banks and Cards' Link
- Identify the 'Banks and Cards' section. Within your 'Wallet', you should see options related to payment methods. Look for something like "Banks and Cards", "Link a bank or card", or simply "+ Link a bank or card". The exact wording might vary slightly depending on PayPal's interface updates, but it will be clearly related to adding payment sources.
- Click on 'Link a bank account'. You'll likely see options to link both debit/credit cards and bank accounts. Since we're focusing on your FNB bank account, make sure to select the "Link a bank account" option.
Step 2: Providing Your FNB Account Details
This is where you'll enter the specific information for your FNB account.
Locating Your Bank Details
- Find your FNB account number. This is the primary number that identifies your bank account. You can usually find this on your bank statements, through your online banking portal, or on your chequebook (if applicable).
- Identify your branch code. The branch code (sometimes called a sort code or bank code) is a unique number that identifies the specific branch of FNB where your account is held. This is crucial for PayPal to correctly identify your bank. You can usually find this information along with your account number on your bank statements or by contacting FNB directly.
Entering the Information into PayPal
- Select your country. PayPal will likely ask you to select the country where your bank is located. Make sure you choose "South Africa" (assuming that's where your FNB account is).
- Enter your branch code. You'll be prompted to enter your bank's branch code. Carefully type in the correct branch code for your FNB account.
- Enter your account number. Next, you'll need to enter your full FNB account number accurately. Double-check that you've entered it correctly to avoid any issues.
- Agree to PayPal's terms. Read the terms and conditions presented by PayPal and click the button to agree and link your bank account.
Step 3: Confirming Your Bank Account
For security reasons, PayPal usually requires you to confirm your bank account after you've linked it. This typically involves one of two methods:
Option 1: Instant Bank Verification (If Available)
- Follow the on-screen prompts. In some cases, PayPal might offer an instant bank verification option. This usually involves logging into your online banking through a secure interface provided by PayPal.
- Authorize the connection. If this option is available, follow the instructions to log in to your FNB online banking and authorize PayPal to access your account information for verification purposes. This is usually the quickest way to confirm your account.
Option 2: Micro-Deposits
- Wait for small deposits. If instant verification isn't available or you choose not to use it, PayPal will send two small deposits (usually a few cents each) to your FNB bank account. This process typically takes 2-3 business days.
- Check your bank statement. Once you receive these deposits, log in to your FNB online banking or check your bank statement to find the exact amounts of these two small deposits.
- Confirm the amounts on PayPal. Go back to your PayPal account and navigate to the 'Wallet' section. You should see your linked FNB account with a "Confirm bank" or similar option next to it. Click on this and enter the exact amounts of the two small deposits that PayPal sent.
- Confirmation complete. Once you've entered the correct amounts, your FNB bank account will be confirmed and ready to use with PayPal.
Step 4: Using Your Linked FNB Account
Once your FNB account is linked and confirmed, you can use it for various PayPal transactions.
Funding Payments
When you make a purchase using PayPal, you can choose your linked FNB account as the funding source. PayPal will then withdraw the funds directly from your bank account to complete the transaction.
Receiving Payments (Withdrawals)
You can also withdraw funds from your PayPal balance to your linked FNB account. To do this:
- Go to your PayPal 'Wallet'.
- Click on 'Withdraw Funds'.
- Select your linked FNB account.
- Enter the amount you want to withdraw.
- Review and confirm the withdrawal.
Keep in mind that there might be processing times and potential fees associated with withdrawals, so it's always a good idea to check PayPal's fee structure.
Important Considerations
- Accuracy of Information: Ensure that you enter your bank details (account number and branch code) correctly. Incorrect information can lead to delays or failed linking attempts.
- PayPal Limits: Be aware of any transaction limits that PayPal might have for linked bank accounts, especially for new accounts.
- Security: PayPal uses secure encryption to protect your financial information. However, always be cautious and avoid sharing your PayPal login details with anyone.
- Customer Support: If you encounter any issues during the linking process, don't hesitate to contact PayPal's customer support for assistance. You can usually find their contact information on the PayPal website.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to find my FNB branch code?
Your FNB branch code is usually printed on your bank statements. You can also find it through your FNB online banking portal or by contacting FNB directly via phone or in person at a branch.
How to know if my FNB account is successfully linked to PayPal?
Once linked, your FNB account will appear in the 'Banks and Cards' section of your PayPal 'Wallet'. If it says "Confirmed" next to it, then the linking process is complete.
How to change my linked FNB account on PayPal?
To change your linked bank account, you'll need to remove the existing one first (by clicking "Remove" next to it in your 'Wallet') and then go through the process of linking the new bank account.
How to remove my FNB account from PayPal?
Go to your PayPal 'Wallet', find your linked FNB account, and click the "Remove" option next to it. You might need to confirm the removal.
How to troubleshoot if my FNB account won't link to PayPal?
Double-check that you've entered the correct account number and branch code. Ensure your name on your bank account matches the name on your PayPal account. If issues persist, contact PayPal support.
How to use my linked FNB account to pay on PayPal?
During the checkout process on a website that uses PayPal, you can choose your linked FNB account as your funding source before confirming the payment.
How to withdraw money from PayPal to my FNB account?
Go to your PayPal 'Wallet', click "Withdraw Funds", select your linked FNB account, enter the withdrawal amount, and confirm.
How to check the status of a withdrawal to my FNB account?
You can check the status of your withdrawal in your PayPal 'Activity' or 'Transaction History'. It will usually show as pending and then completed once the funds have been transferred.
How to deal with errors when linking my FNB account?
Pay close attention to any error messages PayPal displays. These messages often provide clues about the issue (e.g., incorrect details). If you can't resolve it yourself, contact PayPal support with the specific error message.
How to ensure my FNB account details are secure on PayPal?
PayPal uses industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your financial information. Always use a strong, unique password for your PayPal account and enable two-factor authentication for added security.