Where to find and update your payment method
To change your payment method on PayPal, go to your account settings, select Wallet, and then choose the payment method you want to replace. You can add a new card, bank account, or other payment source before removing the old one, or remove it first and add a new one afterward. The steps are the same whether you're using PayPal on a computer or the mobile app.
PayPal keeps your payment methods in one central location so you can switch between them when you make a purchase, or set a default method that PayPal uses automatically. If you're changing the method because a card expired or a bank account changed, you'll want to update it before your next transaction to avoid a failed payment.
Key Takeaways
- Access your payment methods through Account Settings > Wallet on either the website or mobile app.
- You can add a new payment method before removing an old one, so you never lose access to funds mid-transaction.
- Set a default payment method so PayPal uses it automatically, or choose a different one each time you pay.
- If a payment fails because your method is outdated or invalid, update it immediately to prevent holds on your account.
- Removing a payment method does not affect past transactions or refunds tied to that card or account.
Steps to add a new payment method
Log into PayPal and click the gear icon in the top right corner (on desktop) or tap the menu icon (on mobile). Select Account Settings, then Wallet. You'll see a list of any payment methods already on file. Click or tap Link a debit or credit card or Link your bank account, depending on what you want to add.
For a card, enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and the cardholder's name and billing address. For a bank account, you'll provide your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). PayPal will verify the account by making two small deposits to your bank account, usually within one to two business days. You'll then enter those amounts in PayPal to confirm you own the account.
Once the new method is added and verified, you can use it immediately for payments. If you want PayPal to use it by default, click or tap the three dots next to the method and select Make this my primary payment method.
How to remove an old payment method
In your Wallet, find the payment method you no longer want to use. Click or tap the three dots next to it and select Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once you remove it, you cannot use that card or bank account for new payments, but the removal does not affect any past transactions or refunds that were processed to that method.
If the payment method you're removing is set as your default, PayPal will automatically assign the next payment method on your list as the new default. If you have no other methods on file, you'll need to add one before you can make your next payment.
What happens if a payment fails
If PayPal tries to charge a payment method and it fails—because the card expired, the account was closed, or the issuer declined the charge—PayPal will hold the transaction and send you an email. You have a limited time to update your payment method and retry the charge. If you don't, the transaction will be canceled and the seller (if there is one) will be notified.
A failed payment can also trigger a temporary hold on your account while PayPal investigates. To clear this, update your payment method as soon as you see the notification. If the transaction was a bill payment or subscription, you may also need to manually retry it after updating your method, depending on the biller.
Changing your default payment method
Your default payment method is the one PayPal uses automatically when you make a purchase and don't choose a specific method at checkout. To change it, go to Wallet, find the method you want to use by default, click or tap the three dots, and select Make this my primary payment method. The previous default will no longer be marked as primary.
You can still override your default at checkout by clicking or tapping a different payment method before you confirm the transaction. This is useful if you want to use a rewards card for most purchases but switch to a bank account for a large transaction, or vice versa.
Updating a payment method without removing it
If your card or bank account information changed but you want to keep using the same source—for example, your card was reissued with a new number but the same account—you can edit the method instead of removing and re-adding it. In your Wallet, click or tap the three dots next to the method and select Edit. Update the card number, expiration date, or other details as needed, and save the changes.
Editing is faster than removing and re-adding because you don't have to wait for verification again. However, if your bank account number changed or you switched to a different bank entirely, you'll need to remove the old account and add the new one.
Payment methods PayPal accepts
PayPal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit and credit cards. You can also link a U.S. bank account (checking or savings) directly to your PayPal account. If you have a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account, your PayPal balance itself counts as a payment method and will appear in your Wallet.
Some countries also allow payment through local methods—for example, iDEAL in the Netherlands or Bancontact in Belgium—but these vary by region. If you're outside the U.S., check your Wallet to see which methods are available in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a payment method on multiple PayPal accounts?
Yes, the same card or bank account can be linked to more than one PayPal account. However, each account must verify the method separately. If you're adding a card to a second account, PayPal may ask you to confirm the last four digits or the billing address to speed up verification.
What if I remove a payment method and then need it back?
You can add it again by going to Wallet and clicking or tapping Link a debit or credit card or Link your bank account. If it's a card, it will be recognized immediately. If it's a bank account, you'll need to verify it again with the two small deposits, which usually takes one to two business days.
Do I lose money if I remove a payment method?
No. Removing a payment method only disconnects it from your PayPal account. Any funds in your PayPal balance stay in your account. Past transactions and refunds tied to that method are not affected.
Why is PayPal asking me to update my payment method?
PayPal may ask you to update if your card expired, your bank account was closed, or the card issuer flagged the account as inactive. You may also see a prompt if PayPal detects unusual activity or if the payment method failed during a recent transaction. Update it as soon as you see the request to avoid delays on future payments.
Can I change my payment method during checkout?
Yes. At checkout, before you confirm the payment, you can click or tap Change or the payment method name to select a different card, bank account, or your PayPal balance. This does not change your default method—it only applies to that single transaction.