How to disconnect your bank account from PayPal
To disconnect a bank account from PayPal, log into your account, go to Wallet, select the bank account you want to remove, and click Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. The account is then disconnected and PayPal can no longer pull money from it or deposit refunds to it. The process takes effect immediately, though any pending transfers may still complete.
You can remove a bank account at any time, even if you have an active balance or a scheduled payment. PayPal will not let you remove your only payment method if you have an outstanding balance, so you will need to add another card or bank account first, or pay off what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a bank account from PayPal happens in the Wallet section and takes effect right away, though pending transfers may still go through.
- If you have an outstanding balance on your PayPal account, you cannot remove your only payment method until you add another one or pay the balance.
- Disconnecting a bank account does not close your PayPal account or affect any completed transactions.
- If you want to stop receiving direct deposits from PayPal (like seller payouts), you must remove the bank account before the next scheduled transfer.
Steps to remove a bank account on desktop
Open PayPal in a web browser and log in with your email and password. Click your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account Settings.
From the Account Settings page, click Wallet in the left menu. You will see a list of all payment methods linked to your account—credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Find the bank account you want to remove and click on it to open its details.
Click the Remove button. PayPal will show a confirmation message asking if you are sure. Click Remove again to confirm. The account is now disconnected and will no longer appear in your Wallet.
Steps to remove a bank account on the PayPal app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Wallet.
Scroll down to find the bank account you want to remove. Tap on it to open the account details. Tap Remove, then confirm when PayPal asks you to verify the removal.
If you do not see a Remove button, the account may be set as your primary payment method or you may have an outstanding balance. Try adding a different payment method first, or pay any balance owed on your account.
What happens after you disconnect a bank account
Once you remove a bank account, PayPal cannot pull money from it for new purchases or send money to it for refunds. However, any transfer that was already scheduled or pending before you removed the account may still complete. Check your bank account for a few days after removal to confirm no unexpected transfers arrive.
If you are a seller or use PayPal for work, removing your bank account stops automatic payouts to that account. Your PayPal balance will remain in your account, but you will need to add a new bank account or request a manual transfer if you want to move money out.
Disconnecting a bank account does not close your PayPal account, delete your transaction history, or affect any payments you have already received. You can still use PayPal with any remaining payment methods.
If you cannot remove a bank account
PayPal will not let you remove a bank account if it is your only payment method and you have an outstanding balance. This is a safety measure to ensure PayPal can recover the money owed. To remove the account, add a credit card, debit card, or another bank account first. Then you can remove the original account.
If you see an error message when trying to remove an account, log out of PayPal completely, clear your browser cache, and log back in. Try the removal again. If the problem persists, contact PayPal Support through the Help Center or the app.
If your bank account has been compromised or you believe it was added to your PayPal account without your permission, remove it immediately and change your PayPal password. Then contact your bank to report the unauthorized access.
Removing a bank account versus closing your PayPal account
Removing a bank account and closing your PayPal account are two different actions. Removing a bank account simply disconnects that one payment method—your PayPal account stays open and active. Closing your PayPal account shuts down the entire account, cancels all payment methods, and prevents you from sending or receiving money.
If you only want to stop using one specific bank account, remove it from your Wallet. If you want to stop using PayPal altogether, you will need to close your account separately through Account Settings. PayPal requires your account balance to be zero before you can close it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a bank account if I have a pending transfer?
You can remove the account immediately, but any transfer that was already scheduled before removal may still complete. Check your bank account for a few days after removal to confirm no money arrives unexpectedly.
Will removing my bank account affect my PayPal balance?
No. Your PayPal balance stays in your account. Removing a bank account only disconnects that payment method. You will need to add a different bank account or request a manual transfer if you want to move the balance out.
What if I removed my bank account by mistake?
You can add it back anytime by going to Wallet and clicking Add a Bank Account. You will need to verify the account again, which usually takes one to two business days.
Do I need to tell my bank that I removed the account from PayPal?
No. Removing the account from PayPal does not affect your bank account itself. Your bank will not know the account was disconnected from PayPal. However, if you are concerned about security, you can contact your bank directly.
Can I remove a bank account if PayPal owes me money?
Yes. If PayPal has a credit balance in your favor (money owed to you), you can remove a bank account. However, you will need to add a different payment method before you can receive the payout, or request a manual transfer to a new account.