You can delete a linked bank account from PayPal in your wallet settings, but the process depends on whether the account is your primary funding source
Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app, go to Wallet, then select Banks and Cards. Find the bank account you want to remove and click the three-dot menu next to it, then select Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. If the account is not your primary funding source, the removal is instant. If it is your primary account, you must first set a different bank account or card as primary before you can delete it.
The account disappears from your PayPal wallet immediately, but PayPal keeps a record of the connection for fraud and compliance reasons. You do not need to contact your bank—the removal only affects PayPal's access, not your actual bank account.
Key Takeaways
- You remove a bank account through Wallet > Banks and Cards, then tap the menu and select Remove.
- If the account is your primary funding source, you must assign a different payment method as primary before deletion is allowed.
- Removal from PayPal takes effect immediately and does not affect your actual bank account or its balance.
- PayPal retains records of removed accounts for compliance and fraud prevention, even though you can no longer use them.
- If you cannot remove an account because it is locked or flagged, contact PayPal support before trying again.
Why you might need to remove a bank account
People remove bank accounts from PayPal for several reasons: closing the account at the bank itself, switching to a different bank, reducing the number of payment methods on file, or cutting ties with PayPal altogether. If you are closing the bank account, removing it from PayPal first prevents PayPal from attempting failed transactions after the account no longer exists.
If you suspect fraud or unauthorized access to your PayPal account, removing the bank account is one layer of protection, though you should also change your PayPal password and review recent transactions. Removing the account does not undo past unauthorized charges—those require a separate dispute or claim through PayPal's Resolution Center.
Step-by-step removal on desktop and mobile
On desktop: Sign into PayPal.com. Click Wallet in the top navigation. Under Banks and Cards, locate the account you want to remove. Click the three-dot menu icon to the right of the account name. Select Remove. A confirmation window will appear—click Remove again to finish.
On the PayPal mobile app: Open the app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Wallet. Tap Banks and Cards. Swipe left on the account you want to remove (iOS) or long-press it (Android). Tap Remove and confirm.
If you do not see a three-dot menu or swipe option, the account may already be removed, or your app may need an update. Close the app completely and reopen it, or update it through your device's app store.
What to do if the account is your primary funding source
PayPal will not let you delete an account that is set as your primary payment method. You will see an error message saying the account cannot be removed. To proceed, you must first set a different payment method as primary.
Go to Wallet > Banks and Cards. Click or tap on a different bank account or credit card. Select Make Primary or Set as Default (the exact wording varies by app version). Once a new primary is active, return to the account you want to remove and follow the deletion steps above.
If you have no other payment methods on file, you will need to add one before you can remove the primary account. You can add a credit card, debit card, or another bank account through the same Banks and Cards menu.
What happens after you remove the account
The account disappears from your PayPal wallet within seconds. PayPal will no longer attempt to pull money from that bank account for purchases, transfers, or bill payments. Any pending transactions that were already authorized may still process—removal does not cancel transactions that are already in the system.
Your actual bank account is not affected. The bank account itself remains open and active; you have only disconnected it from PayPal. If you want to use that bank account with PayPal again in the future, you can re-add it by going to Wallet > Banks and Cards > Link a Bank Account and entering the routing and account numbers again.
PayPal keeps internal records of the removed account for up to seven years for compliance and fraud investigation purposes. This does not appear on your bank statement or credit report—it is internal to PayPal only.
If you cannot remove the account
Sometimes PayPal will not allow removal because the account is flagged, locked, or involved in a dispute. Common reasons include: a recent chargeback or claim filed against PayPal, an active investigation into the account, a failed verification, or a hold placed on the account for security reasons.
If you see an error message when you try to remove the account, note the exact message and contact PayPal Support through the Resolution Center. Go to Help > Resolution Center > Contact Us. Describe the error and ask why the account cannot be removed. PayPal support can sometimes unlock the account or remove it manually if there is a legitimate reason.
Do not attempt to remove the account repeatedly if you get an error—this can trigger additional security flags. Wait for support to respond instead.
Removing your bank account when closing your PayPal account
If you are closing your PayPal account entirely, you do not have to remove the bank account first—PayPal will disconnect all payment methods when you close the account. However, removing the account beforehand is a good security practice, especially if you are closing because of fraud or unauthorized access.
To close your PayPal account, go to Settings > Account Settings > Close Your Account. PayPal will ask you to confirm and may ask about the reason. Once closed, the account cannot be reopened, though you can create a new PayPal account with the same email address after 180 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing my bank account stop PayPal from charging it?
Yes. Once removed, PayPal cannot pull money from that account for any new transactions. However, charges that were already authorized before removal may still process. Check your bank statement for pending transactions and contact PayPal if you see unexpected charges after removal.
Can I remove a bank account if there is a pending transfer?
It depends on the transfer status. If the transfer is still pending (not yet sent to your bank), removal may cancel it. If the transfer has already been sent, removal does not affect it. Contact PayPal support if you are unsure whether a transfer is still pending.
Do I need to tell my bank that I removed the account from PayPal?
No. Your bank does not need notification. Removal only affects PayPal's access to the account. If you want to revoke PayPal's permission at the bank level, you can do that through your bank's settings, but it is not necessary.
What if I removed the account by mistake?
You can re-add it immediately by going to Wallet > Banks and Cards > Link a Bank Account. Enter your routing number and account number again. PayPal will verify the account, which usually takes one to two business days. There is no penalty for removing and re-adding an account.
Can PayPal still see my bank account after I remove it?
PayPal keeps a record of the connection for compliance and fraud prevention, but it cannot access or charge the account. The account is no longer active in your PayPal wallet and will not appear in your payment methods.