You can remove a bank account from PayPal in three steps through your account settings
To delete a bank account from PayPal, log in to your account, go to Wallet, find the bank account you want to remove, and select the option to delete or unlink it. PayPal will ask you to confirm the removal. The account disappears from your wallet when ready, though any pending transfers may still process.
The process takes less than a minute. You do not need to contact PayPal support unless the account is locked or you cannot access your login credentials. If you have set up automatic transfers or bill payments from that bank account, those will stop working once you remove it.
Key Takeaways
- Bank accounts are removed through your Wallet settings, not through a separate cancellation process.
- Removing a bank account does not close your PayPal account or affect any other linked payment methods.
- Any pending transfers from that bank account will still complete even after you delete it from your wallet.
- If you have set up automatic payments or transfers using that account, you will need to update or cancel those separately.
Step-by-step removal process
Open PayPal and sign in with your email and password. On the home page or in the menu, select Wallet or My Money (the exact label depends on whether you are using the website or app). You will see a list of all linked payment methods — bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards.
Find the bank account you want to remove. Click or tap the three dots or menu icon next to it, then select Remove, Delete, or Unlink (the wording varies slightly by region and app version). PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove this account. Select Confirm or Yes. The account is now deleted from your wallet.
If you are using the PayPal app on your phone, the steps are the same: Wallet, find the account, tap the menu, and select remove. The confirmation happens on the same screen.
What happens to pending transfers and automatic payments
If you have a transfer in progress from that bank account to your PayPal balance, it will still complete. Removing the account from your wallet does not stop transfers that are already queued. Check your Activity or Transaction History before you delete the account if you are unsure whether a transfer is still pending.
If you have set up automatic transfers — for example, moving money from your bank to PayPal every week — those will stop working once you remove the account. You will not receive a warning before the next scheduled transfer fails. If you want to keep automatic transfers but use a different bank account, add the new account first, then set up the automatic transfer again before you delete the old one.
Bill payments or subscription payments that pull from that bank account will also fail on the next billing date. If you are paying a bill through PayPal using that account, update the payment method in your PayPal settings or with the biller before you remove the account.
Removing a bank account versus closing your PayPal account
Deleting a bank account from your wallet is not the same as closing your PayPal account. You are only removing one payment method. Your PayPal account stays open, and any other linked cards or bank accounts remain active. You can still send and receive money, make purchases, and use PayPal normally.
If you want to close your entire PayPal account, that is a separate process that requires you to resolve any outstanding balances, disputes, or holds first. Most people who remove a bank account are straightforward switching to a different one or cleaning up old payment methods they no longer use.
Why you might not be able to delete a bank account
PayPal sometimes prevents you from removing a bank account if it is involved in an active dispute, a pending transfer, or a hold. If you see an error message when you try to delete the account, check your Resolution Center to see whether there is an open case or claim. You may need to wait for the dispute to close before you can remove the account.
If your account is limited or restricted, you may not be able to delete payment methods until PayPal lifts the restriction. Contact PayPal support through the Help Center if you cannot remove an account and do not see a reason why in your account settings.
In rare cases, if you have not used PayPal in a long time or your account has been inactive, you may need to verify your identity before you can make changes to your wallet. PayPal will prompt you to do this if it applies to your account.
Adding a new bank account before removing the old one
If you are switching to a different bank account, add the new one to your wallet first. This way, if you have automatic transfers or bill payments set up, you can update them to use the new account before the old one is deleted. This prevents any missed payments or failed transfers.
To add a new bank account, go to Wallet, select Link a Bank Account, and follow the prompts. PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number. You may need to verify the account by confirming two small deposits PayPal sends to it, which usually takes one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a bank account from PayPal affect my credit score?
No. Removing a bank account from PayPal is an internal wallet change and does not report to credit bureaus. It has no effect on your credit score or credit history.
Can I remove a bank account if I have a negative balance in PayPal?
If you owe PayPal money, you may not be able to remove the account until the balance is paid. PayPal may hold the account as a way to recover the debt. Pay the balance first, then try to remove the account.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong bank account?
You can add the account back to your wallet at any time by going to Wallet and selecting the option to link a bank account. You will need your routing and account numbers again. If the account requires verification, you may have to wait for the verification deposits.
Will my bank know if I remove it from PayPal?
No. Removing a bank account from PayPal is a change only in PayPal's system. Your bank will not be notified. The account itself remains open and active at your bank.
Can I remove a bank account if it is my only payment method?
Yes, you can remove your only bank account. Your PayPal account will stay open, but you will not be able to transfer money to your bank or make purchases until you add another payment method. You can add a new account anytime.