Yes, you can unlink your bank account from PayPal at any time
You can disconnect a bank account from your PayPal account in a few minutes through your account settings. PayPal does not charge you to remove it, and removing it does not close your PayPal account or affect any money already in your PayPal balance. Once unlinked, PayPal can no longer pull money directly from that bank account, though you can link a different one later if you want to.
The main reason people unlink a bank account is security — if you think your account information was compromised, removing the link stops new transactions from that bank. Others unlink because they closed the bank account, switched banks, or straightforward do not want PayPal connected to their checking anymore.
Key Takeaways
- You can unlink a bank account through PayPal's Wallet settings without closing your PayPal account or losing your balance.
- Unlinking takes effect when ready and stops PayPal from being able to withdraw money from that bank account.
- If you have a pending transfer to that bank account when you unlink it, the transfer may fail or be delayed.
- You can link a different bank account to PayPal at any time after unlinking the first one.
The steps to unlink your bank account
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal mobile app. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Wallet" from the menu. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to "Wallet."
In your Wallet, you will see a list of all payment methods linked to your account — bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards. Find the bank account you want to remove and click or tap on it. A menu will appear with options. Select "Unlink" or "Remove" (the exact wording depends on whether you are on the website or app). PayPal will ask you to confirm. Click "Yes" or "Confirm," and the bank account is unlinked when ready.
If you have multiple bank accounts linked, you can unlink one while keeping others connected. PayPal will not let you unlink your only payment method if you have an outstanding balance or a pending transaction, so you may need to wait for those to clear first.
What happens to money already in your PayPal balance
Unlinking a bank account does not touch any money sitting in your PayPal balance. That balance stays in your PayPal account whether or not a bank account is linked. You can still send that money to other PayPal users, use it to pay for things on PayPal, or transfer it to a different bank account later.
If you want to move your PayPal balance to a bank account after unlinking, you will need to link a different bank account first. Then you can transfer your balance to that new account. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
When unlinking might cause problems
If you have set up automatic payments or recurring transfers to that bank account, unlinking it will stop those payments. PayPal will not automatically switch them to a different bank account — you will need to update those payments manually by linking a new account and resetting the recurring transfer.
If you initiated a transfer to that bank account and it has not completed yet, unlinking may cause the transfer to fail. Check your transaction history before unlinking to see if any transfers are still pending. If one is, wait for it to finish before you unlink.
If you unlink the only bank account connected to your PayPal account and you have a balance you want to withdraw, you will need to link a new bank account before you can transfer that money out.
Relinking the same bank account later
If you unlink a bank account and then want to reconnect it, you can do so through the Wallet settings. Go to "Add a Bank Account" and enter the routing number and account number again. PayPal will verify the account the same way it did the first time — usually by depositing two small amounts into the account and asking you to confirm the amounts.
This verification process takes a few business days. During that time, you cannot use the bank account to transfer money, though you can still receive transfers to your PayPal balance. Once verified, the account works the same as before.
Unlinking does not close your PayPal account
Removing a bank account is different from closing your PayPal account. When you unlink, your PayPal account stays open and active. You can still log in, receive money, and use any other payment methods you have linked. You can also link new bank accounts whenever you want.
If you want to close your PayPal account entirely, that is a separate process. You would go to your account settings, find the "Close Your Account" option, and follow those steps. But unlinking a single bank account does not do that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PayPal charge me to unlink my bank account?
No. Unlinking a bank account is free. PayPal does not charge for adding, removing, or changing payment methods.
Can I unlink my bank account if I have a pending transfer?
PayPal usually blocks you from unlinking if a transfer to that account is still processing. Wait for the transfer to complete, then unlink. If the transfer fails after you unlink, contact PayPal support to see if they can recover it.
What if I unlink my bank account by mistake?
You can relink it when ready by going to Wallet and selecting "Add a Bank Account." Enter the same routing and account number. PayPal will verify it again, which takes a few business days. Your PayPal balance and transaction history are not affected.
Do I need to unlink my bank account if I close my bank account?
It is a good idea to unlink it from PayPal before your bank closes the account. If you do not, PayPal may try to process a transfer to a closed account, which will fail. Unlinking prevents that confusion.
Can I unlink a bank account if it is my only payment method?
If you have no balance in PayPal and no pending transactions, you can unlink your only bank account. Your PayPal account will stay open but will have no linked payment methods. You can link a new one anytime.