You can remove a bank account from PayPal in a few steps, but the account must not have a pending transfer
To delete a bank account from PayPal, log into your account, go to your wallet, find the bank account you want to remove, and select the option to delete it. The process takes less than a minute. However, PayPal will not let you delete an account if money is currently moving to or from it — you have to wait for any pending transfers to finish first.
The steps are the same whether you use PayPal on a computer or phone, though the exact location of buttons differs slightly between the two. If you run into trouble, it is usually because a transfer is still in progress, not because of a technical problem.
Key Takeaways
- You must wait for any pending transfers to complete before you can delete a bank account from PayPal.
- Log into PayPal, open your wallet, find the bank account, and select delete — the whole process takes under a minute.
- If PayPal will not let you delete the account, check your transaction history to see if a transfer is still pending.
- Deleting a bank account from PayPal does not close your PayPal account or affect your bank account itself.
Step-by-step: removing a bank account on a computer
Start by logging into PayPal on a web browser. Once you are logged in, look for the wallet icon or link — it is usually in the top navigation menu or in the left sidebar. Click on it to open your wallet.
In your wallet, you will see a list of payment methods: credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Find the bank account you want to remove and hover over it. A menu should appear with options including "Edit" and "Delete" or "Remove". Click on "Delete" or "Remove".
PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to delete this account. Click the confirmation button. The account is now removed from your PayPal wallet. You will no longer be able to send money from that bank account through PayPal, and PayPal will no longer be able to pull money from it.
Step-by-step: removing a bank account on a phone or tablet
Open the PayPal app and log in if you are not already logged in. Tap the menu icon — usually three horizontal lines in the bottom right or top left corner — and look for "Wallet" or "Payment Methods".
Tap on the bank account you want to remove. A details screen will open showing the account number (usually partially hidden) and other information. Look for a menu icon, often three dots or lines, and tap it. Select "Delete" or "Remove" from the menu that appears.
Confirm the deletion when PayPal asks. The account is now removed from your wallet on your phone. If you use PayPal on multiple devices, the change will show up on all of them within a few minutes.
Why PayPal might not let you delete an account
The most common reason PayPal blocks deletion is a pending transfer. If you recently sent money from that bank account or requested a withdrawal to it, the transfer may still be processing. Bank transfers typically take one to three business days, and you cannot delete the account until the transfer is complete.
To check for pending transfers, go to your PayPal transaction history and look for any entries marked "pending" or "in progress" that involve the bank account you want to delete. Once the transfer shows as "completed" or "received", you can delete the account.
Less commonly, PayPal may temporarily lock the account if there has been unusual activity or a dispute. If you cannot delete the account and there are no pending transfers, contact PayPal support through the app or website to ask why the account is locked.
What happens to your money and your bank account
Deleting a bank account from PayPal does not touch the money in that bank account. Your actual bank account at your bank remains unchanged and still has all your money. You are only removing PayPal's permission to access it.
Any money already in your PayPal balance stays in PayPal. If you want to move that money to a bank account after deleting your only linked account, you will need to add a different bank account first, then request a withdrawal.
Deleting a bank account also does not close your PayPal account itself. You can still use PayPal with a credit card, debit card, or your PayPal balance. You can also add a new bank account later if you change your mind.
When you might want to delete a bank account
You may want to remove a bank account if you closed that account at your bank, switched to a different bank, or no longer want PayPal to have access to it. Some people delete old accounts to keep their wallet clean and reduce the number of payment methods PayPal can choose from.
If your bank account was compromised or you suspect fraud, deleting it from PayPal is a good first step. However, you should also contact your bank directly to report the issue and ask them to monitor the account or issue a new card.
If you are closing your PayPal account entirely, you do not need to delete individual bank accounts first — closing the account will remove all linked payment methods automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a bank account if money is being transferred right now?
No. You must wait for the transfer to finish. Check your transaction history to see when it will complete, then try deleting the account again. Transfers usually take one to three business days.
Will deleting a bank account from PayPal close my bank account?
No. Deleting it from PayPal only removes PayPal's access to it. Your bank account stays open with all your money still in it. You can contact your bank if you want to close the account yourself.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong bank account?
You can add it back. Log into PayPal, go to your wallet, and select the option to add a new bank account. Enter the same routing number and account number. PayPal will verify it in one to two business days.
Do I need to delete a bank account before closing PayPal?
No. When you close your PayPal account, all linked payment methods — including bank accounts — are removed automatically. You can close the account without deleting individual methods first.
Can I delete a bank account if I have a PayPal balance?
Yes. Your PayPal balance is separate from your linked bank accounts. You can delete the bank account and keep your balance. If you want to move that balance to a bank later, you will need to add a different bank account first.