Remove a bank account in three steps

Go to your PayPal account settings, find the bank account you want to remove, and delete it. The account disappears from your payment methods immediately, though PayPal may keep a record of it for their own fraud and compliance purposes. You can add it back later if you change your mind.

The process takes less than a minute. You do not need to contact PayPal support unless the account is linked to a pending transaction or you cannot access your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can remove a bank account from PayPal through your account settings without calling support or waiting for approval.
  • If a transaction is pending to or from that account, you may need to wait for it to complete before deletion is possible.
  • Removing an account does not close your PayPal account or affect your transaction history.
  • You can add the same bank account back to PayPal at any time by going through the verification process again.

Step-by-step: deleting a bank account

Log into your PayPal account on a web browser or the mobile app. Go to Settings (the gear icon on the app, or the account menu on the website). Select Wallet or Payment Methods, depending on your account type.

Find the bank account you want to remove in the list. Click or tap the three dots next to it, then select Remove or Delete. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Click Yes, remove this account or the equivalent button. The account is now gone from your PayPal wallet.

If you do not see a remove option, the account may be linked to a transaction that has not yet cleared. Wait for the transaction to complete, then try again.

When PayPal won't let you remove an account

PayPal blocks deletion if money is moving to or from that account. This includes pending transfers, scheduled payments, or subscriptions that pull from that bank account. You must cancel or complete the transaction first.

If you have a subscription or recurring payment set to that account, go to Settings > Payments > Manage automatic payments. Find the subscription, click it, and select Cancel. Wait one business day, then try removing the account again.

If a single transfer is pending, you can cancel it from your transaction history. Go to Activity, find the pending transfer, and select Cancel. Once it is cancelled, the account can be removed.

What happens to your transaction history

Removing a bank account does not erase any past transactions. Your PayPal activity log keeps a record of every payment you made from or to that account, even after you delete it. You can still see those transactions under Activity or History.

If you need to dispute a past transaction or file a claim, the account removal does not affect your right to do so. PayPal can still trace the transaction to the bank account that processed it.

Adding the account back later

If you remove a bank account and later want to use it again with PayPal, you can add it back. Go to Wallet > Link a bank account and enter the routing number and account number again.

PayPal will verify the account by sending two small deposits to it, usually within one to two business days. You will need to confirm the amounts in your bank statement to complete the link. This is the same process as adding a new account for the first time.

Removing an account that is your primary payment method

If the account you want to remove is set as your primary payment method, PayPal will ask you to choose a different one before deletion. Select another bank account, credit card, or PayPal balance as your default, then remove the old account.

If you have no other payment methods linked, you will need to add one before you can remove the primary account. This prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out of your PayPal wallet.

Removing a bank account vs. closing your PayPal account

Deleting a bank account only removes that one payment method. Your PayPal account stays open and active. You can still send and receive money using other payment methods, your PayPal balance, or any credit cards you have linked.

If you want to close your entire PayPal account instead, that is a separate process. Go to Settings > Account > Close your account. PayPal will ask you to resolve any pending transactions or disputes first. Closing your account is permanent and cannot be undone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a bank account if I have a pending transfer?

No. You must wait for the transfer to complete or cancel it first. Go to your activity history, find the pending transfer, and select cancel. Once it clears, the account can be removed.

Will removing my bank account affect my credit score?

No. Removing a payment method from PayPal has no effect on your credit. PayPal does not report payment methods to credit bureaus.

What if I forget my PayPal password and can't access my account?

Go to the PayPal login page and select Forgot password? Enter your email address and follow the reset link sent to your inbox. If you cannot access that email, contact PayPal support through their help center to verify your identity.

Does PayPal keep information about accounts I remove?

Yes. PayPal retains records of deleted payment methods for fraud prevention and compliance. You cannot see these records, but they allow PayPal to detect suspicious activity if someone tries to add the same account to a different PayPal profile.

Can I remove a bank account on the PayPal mobile app?

Yes. The process is the same: open the app, go to Settings, select Wallet or Payment Methods, tap the three dots next to the account, and select Remove. Some older app versions may require you to use the website instead.