How to close your PayPal account
To close your PayPal account, log in, go to Settings, select Account, then Resolution Center, and choose Close Account. PayPal will ask you to confirm and may require you to resolve any outstanding transactions first. The account closes immediately, but it takes about 90 days for PayPal to fully delete your personal data from their servers.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero—either withdraw the money or transfer it to your bank. If you have pending transactions, refunds, or disputes in progress, PayPal will not let you close until those are settled. If you owe PayPal money (from a chargeback or reversal), you must pay that balance before closing.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before PayPal will let you close your account.
- Withdrawing your remaining balance to your linked bank account takes one to three business days.
- If you have an active dispute, chargeback, or refund in progress, close the account only after those are resolved.
- After you close, you can create a new PayPal account with the same email address after 24 hours.
- Closing does not automatically cancel any subscriptions or recurring payments you set up through PayPal—you must cancel those separately.
Withdraw your balance before closing
PayPal will not close an account that holds money. Log in, click your balance at the top of the page, and select Transfer Money. Choose Transfer to Your Bank, enter the amount (or select all), and confirm. The transfer goes to the bank account you have on file and typically arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
If you do not have a bank account linked, add one before you withdraw. Go to Settings, select Wallet, and choose Link a Bank Account. You will need your routing number and account number. Once linked, you can transfer your balance immediately.
If your balance is very small (under $1 in some cases), PayPal may not allow a transfer. Contact PayPal Support to ask about your options—they can sometimes close the account with a small balance remaining, or they may donate it on your behalf.
Resolve pending transactions and disputes
If you have sent money that the recipient has not claimed, or if you are waiting for a refund, PayPal will hold your account open until that transaction settles. Check your Activity or Transaction History to see what is pending. Most unclaimed payments expire after 30 days and return to your account automatically.
If you have an open dispute, chargeback, or resolution case, you must wait for PayPal to close it before you can close your account. PayPal will not let you close while a case is active because they need to be able to contact you if new information comes in. Once the case is resolved, wait a few days for the system to update, then try closing again.
If you are owed a refund from a seller, contact the seller directly and ask them to process it. Once the refund posts to your account, withdraw it and then close.
Cancel subscriptions and recurring payments
Closing your PayPal account does not stop subscriptions or automatic payments you set up through PayPal. If you have a gym membership, streaming service, or other recurring charge tied to your PayPal account, that merchant will try to charge you after you close—and the charge may fail or trigger a dispute.
Before closing, go to Settings, select Payments, and choose Manage Automatic Payments. Review the list of merchants who have permission to charge you. Click each one and select Cancel or Remove. Confirm the cancellation with each merchant.
Alternatively, contact each merchant directly and ask them to remove your PayPal account from their system. This is the safest route because you can confirm the cancellation with them in writing.
The account closure process and timeline
Once you have withdrawn your balance, resolved disputes, and cancelled subscriptions, log in to PayPal, go to Settings, click Account, then Resolution Center, and select Close Account. PayPal will show you a confirmation screen listing any remaining issues. If there are none, click Close Account and confirm.
The account closes immediately and you will be logged out. You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal. Your account will no longer appear in any PayPal searches, and you cannot log in.
PayPal keeps records of your transactions for tax and legal reasons, but your personal data (name, address, phone number, email) is deleted from their active systems within 90 days. If you need a record of your transaction history for taxes or disputes, download it before you close.
Reopening or creating a new account after closure
If you close your account and change your mind, you can create a new one with the same email address after 24 hours. PayPal will treat it as a fresh account with no history of the previous one. Your old transaction records will not appear in the new account, but PayPal's internal systems will still have them for compliance purposes.
If you want to keep your transaction history accessible, do not close the account—simply stop using it. An inactive account does not cost you anything and you can reactivate it anytime by logging in.
What happens to your data and security after closure
After you close your account, PayPal removes your login credentials immediately. You cannot access the account or recover it. Your email address becomes available for someone else to use to create a new PayPal account, so if you want to prevent that, do not close—just leave it inactive.
If you are closing because of fraud or unauthorized access, contact PayPal Support before you close. They can flag your account and monitor it for suspicious activity even after closure. They can also help you secure any linked bank accounts or credit cards.
If you received a 1099-K or other tax document from PayPal for the year you are closing, keep a copy. PayPal will not resend it after the account is closed, and you may need it for your tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have money in it?
No. You must withdraw your entire balance first. Transfer it to your linked bank account, which takes one to three business days. Once the balance shows zero, you can close the account.
What if I have a pending payment I sent to someone?
Wait for the recipient to claim it or for it to expire (usually 30 days). Once it settles, the money returns to your account. Then withdraw it and close. If you need to close urgently, contact PayPal Support—they may be able to cancel the pending payment and return the funds immediately.
Will closing my PayPal account stop my subscriptions?
No. Subscriptions and recurring payments continue, and the merchant will try to charge you even after you close. You must cancel each subscription separately through the merchant's website or by contacting them directly before you close your PayPal account.
Can I use the same email address for a new PayPal account after I close?
Yes, but you must wait 24 hours after closing. After that, you can create a new account with the same email. The new account will have no connection to the old one, and your old transaction history will not appear in it.
What if I closed my account by mistake?
PayPal does not reopen closed accounts. You must create a new account with the same or a different email address. If you closed within the last 24 hours, contact PayPal Support immediately—they may be able to reverse the closure if you have not yet withdrawn your balance.