Remove a bank account in three steps from your PayPal wallet
Go to your PayPal account settings, select Wallet, find the bank account you want to remove, and click the delete or remove option next to it. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the account is disconnected from your PayPal profile immediately, though any pending transfers may still process. You cannot remove a bank account if money is currently being transferred to or from it — you have to wait for that transaction to finish first.
Removing a bank account does not close your PayPal account or affect your ability to receive payments. You can still use PayPal to send and receive money; you just won't be able to transfer funds to that specific bank account anymore. If you want to add a different bank account later, you can do that at any time through the same Wallet section.
Key Takeaways
- Bank accounts are removed through Wallet settings, and the disconnection happens immediately after you confirm.
- You cannot remove a bank account while a transfer to or from it is in progress — wait for the transaction to complete first.
- Removing a bank account does not close your PayPal account or stop you from receiving payments.
- If you remove your only bank account, you can still use PayPal balance or other payment methods, but you cannot transfer money out to a bank.
When you might need to remove a bank account
You remove a bank account from PayPal when you close that account at your bank, switch to a different bank, or no longer want PayPal linked to a particular account. You might also remove it if the account information changes — for example, if your routing number or account number changes due to a merger or restructuring at your bank.
Another common reason is security. If you suspect fraud or unauthorized access to your PayPal account, removing the bank account prevents someone from transferring your money out. You can then add it back once you have secured your account, or add a different account instead.
Step-by-step: Finding and removing the account
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. On a computer, click your name or profile icon in the top right, then select Account Settings. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to Settings.
Once in settings, look for Wallet or Payment Methods — the exact label depends on whether you are on the website or app. Click or tap it. You will see a list of all payment methods linked to your account: bank accounts, debit cards, credit cards, and any other sources. Find the bank account you want to remove and look for a delete, remove, or trash icon next to it. Click or tap that icon.
PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the account. Read the confirmation message to make sure you are removing the right account — PayPal usually shows the last four digits of the account number. Click or tap Confirm or Remove. The account is now disconnected from your PayPal wallet.
What happens if a transfer is pending
If you try to remove a bank account and PayPal tells you it cannot be removed, a transfer is likely in progress. This includes transfers you initiated, transfers PayPal made on your behalf (such as a refund), or transfers that are scheduled for a future date. You have to wait for that transfer to complete before you can remove the account.
Check your Activity or Transaction History to see if any transfers involving that bank account are still pending. Transfers to a bank account usually take one to three business days. Once the transfer shows as complete, go back to Wallet and remove the account. If a transfer is scheduled for the future, you may be able to cancel it first, which would then let you remove the account immediately.
Removing your only bank account
If the bank account you are removing is the only one linked to your PayPal account, you can still use PayPal — you just cannot transfer money out to a bank. You can still receive payments from other people, make purchases using your PayPal balance, or pay with a credit or debit card if you have one linked.
If you need to transfer money out of PayPal later, you will have to add a bank account back before you can do so. You can add a new account at any time through the Wallet section. Keep in mind that if you remove your only bank account and then want to withdraw money, you will need to wait for the new account to be verified — this usually takes a few days.
Removing a bank account does not affect pending payments
If someone has sent you money through PayPal and it is still pending in your account, removing a bank account does not change that. The money stays in your PayPal balance until you transfer it out or spend it. You can transfer it to a different bank account once you add one, or you can leave it in PayPal and use it to make purchases or send money to others.
Similarly, if you have a scheduled payment set up through PayPal (such as a subscription or recurring bill), removing the bank account may affect how that payment is processed. If the payment was set to come from that specific bank account, PayPal may try to use a different payment method on file, or the payment may fail. Check your scheduled payments in your account settings to see if any are tied to the bank account you are removing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a bank account and add it back later?
Yes. You can remove a bank account at any time and add it back whenever you want. If you add the same account back, PayPal may ask you to verify it again, which usually takes a few business days. There is no limit to how many times you can add and remove accounts.
What if I remove a bank account by mistake?
You can add it back through the Wallet section. Go to Add a Bank Account, enter the routing number and account number, and follow the verification steps. If you verify it quickly, the process may take only a few days. PayPal does not charge a fee to add or remove accounts.
Does removing a bank account close my PayPal account?
No. Removing a bank account only disconnects that one payment method. Your PayPal account stays open and active. You can still receive money, use your PayPal balance, and link other payment methods.
Will PayPal refund money if it transfers after I remove the account?
If a transfer completes before you remove the account, the money goes to the bank account as scheduled. If you remove the account before a transfer processes, PayPal will not be able to send the money and will hold it in your PayPal balance. You can then transfer it to a different bank account or leave it there.
Can I remove a bank account if I have a PayPal Credit line?
Yes. Your PayPal Credit account is separate from your bank account. Removing a bank account does not affect your credit line or your ability to use it. However, if you have set up automatic payments for your PayPal Credit balance using that bank account, removing it may stop those payments — check your settings to confirm.