The steps to delete a bank account from PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Wallet (or Account on older versions), then select Banks and Cards. Find the bank account you want to remove, click the three dots or menu icon next to it, and select Remove or Delete. PayPal will ask you to confirm; click yes, and the account is gone from your profile within seconds.
The account removal is instant on your end, but PayPal may take a few days to fully process the deletion in their system. If you had pending transfers to or from that account, they will still go through—removing the account does not cancel transactions already in motion. Any future transfers will need a different payment method.
If you cannot find the bank account in your Wallet, it may already be removed, or it might be listed under a different section if it was added as a backup payment method rather than a primary one. Check Resolution Center if you are looking for a transaction history tied to that account.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove a bank account from PayPal in under a minute by going to Wallet, selecting Banks and Cards, and clicking the delete option next to the account.
- Removing an account does not stop transactions already sent or pending—only future transfers need a new payment method.
- The deletion is instant in your account but may take a few days to fully clear from PayPal's backend system.
- If you cannot see the account in your Wallet, check whether it was added as a backup payment method or look in your transaction history.
Why you might want to remove a bank account
You may remove a bank account because you closed the account at your bank, switched to a different bank, or no longer want PayPal to have access to that account. Removing it prevents accidental transfers to a closed or inactive account and reduces the number of payment methods PayPal can use if you authorize a charge.
If your bank account was compromised or you suspect fraud, removing it from PayPal is a good first step, though you should also contact your bank directly. PayPal will not reverse unauthorized transfers if the account was legitimately linked to your profile—your bank is responsible for fraud investigation on their side.
What happens to pending transfers when you delete an account
If you have a transfer in progress to or from the bank account you are removing, the transfer will complete as scheduled. PayPal does not cancel pending transactions when you delete a payment method. The money will arrive at (or leave from) that account on the date PayPal originally scheduled it, even if the account is no longer visible in your Wallet.
If the bank account is already closed by the time the transfer arrives, the bank will reject it and return the funds to PayPal. PayPal will then hold the money in your account balance, and you can transfer it to a different bank account or keep it in PayPal for future use.
Removing a bank account that is linked to automatic payments
If the bank account you want to remove is set as the payment method for automatic bill payments or subscriptions, PayPal will warn you before deletion. You must either cancel those recurring payments or switch them to a different payment method before you can remove the account.
To change the payment method for an automatic payment, go to Settings, then Payments, then Manage automatic payments. Select the subscription or bill payment, click Edit, and choose a different bank account or card. Only after you have reassigned all automatic payments can you delete the original account.
Difference between removing and unlinking a bank account
PayPal uses the terms "remove" and "delete" interchangeably—they mean the same thing. The account is no longer connected to your PayPal profile and cannot be used for transfers. However, PayPal keeps a record of the account in your transaction history for accounting and dispute purposes, so you can still see past transfers to or from it.
If you want to add the same bank account back to PayPal later, you can do so by going to Wallet and selecting Link a Bank Account. PayPal will ask you to verify the account again, which usually takes one to two business days.
If PayPal will not let you remove the account
PayPal may block removal if the account is tied to an open dispute, a pending refund, or an unresolved transaction. Check your Resolution Center to see if there are any active cases. If there are, you must resolve them first—either by accepting a refund, disputing the transaction, or waiting for PayPal to close the case.
If there are no open disputes and PayPal still will not let you remove the account, contact PayPal Support through the app or website. Explain which account you want to remove and why. They can manually delete it if there is a legitimate reason, such as the account being compromised or the bank no longer existing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a bank account from PayPal close the account at my bank?
No. Removing the account from PayPal only disconnects it from your PayPal profile. Your bank account itself remains open and active. If you want to close the account, you must contact your bank directly.
Can I remove a bank account if I have a negative balance in PayPal?
PayPal may prevent removal if you owe money or have an outstanding balance. You must pay the balance first, either by transferring funds from another payment method or by waiting for PayPal to collect from a linked card. Once the balance is settled, you can remove the bank account.
How long does it take for a removed bank account to stop showing up in PayPal?
It disappears from your Wallet immediately, but PayPal's system may take two to three business days to fully process the deletion. If it still appears after that time, try logging out and back in, or clear your browser cache. If it persists, contact PayPal Support.
What if I accidentally removed the wrong bank account?
You can add it back by going to Wallet and selecting Link a Bank Account. Enter the account number and routing number again. PayPal will verify it, which usually takes one to two business days. Your transaction history with that account will still be visible even while it was removed.
Can I remove a bank account if PayPal has a pending withdrawal from it?
PayPal will warn you that a withdrawal is pending and may not allow removal until it completes. Wait for the withdrawal to finish, then remove the account. If you need to remove it urgently, contact PayPal Support to see if they can expedite the process.