The steps to disconnect a bank account from PayPal
To remove a bank account from PayPal, log into your account, go to Wallet, select the bank account you want to remove, and choose the delete or remove option. PayPal will ask you to confirm. The account is then disconnected and PayPal can no longer access it for transfers or payments.
The process takes about two minutes. You can remove a bank account at any time, whether or not you have pending transfers. If you have money in your PayPal balance, it stays there — removing the bank account does not touch your PayPal funds.
You can add the same bank account back later if you change your mind. PayPal does not penalise you for disconnecting and reconnecting accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a bank account from PayPal takes about two minutes and happens entirely within your account settings under Wallet.
- Your PayPal balance is not affected when you disconnect a bank account — only the link between PayPal and your bank is severed.
- You can reconnect the same bank account later without starting over, as long as you still own that account.
- If you have a pending transfer to or from that bank account, check the status before removing it to avoid confusion about where your money is.
Why you might disconnect a bank account
The most common reason is security. If you suspect your bank account information has been compromised, or if you no longer use that bank, removing it from PayPal stops PayPal from being a pathway to that account. You are not closing the bank account itself — you are just telling PayPal to stop having access to it.
Another reason is simplification. If you have linked multiple bank accounts to PayPal and only use one, removing the others reduces clutter and the number of places you have to monitor for fraud.
Some people disconnect a bank account temporarily while they sort out a dispute with their bank or while they are switching banks. Once the new account is set up and verified, they can reconnect or link the new one instead.
What happens to pending transfers
If you have a transfer in progress — money moving from PayPal to your bank account, or from your bank account to PayPal — do not remove the bank account until that transfer is complete. Removing the account while a transfer is pending can cause the transfer to fail or get stuck.
Check your transaction history before you disconnect. Look for any transfers marked as "pending" or "processing". If you see one, wait for it to finish (usually one to three business days) before removing the account.
If a transfer does fail after you have removed the bank account, the money returns to your PayPal balance if it was coming from PayPal, or it stays in your bank account if it was coming from your bank. You can then reconnect the account and try again.
How to find your linked bank accounts in PayPal
Open PayPal and log in. At the top right, click your name or the menu icon. Select Account Settings or Settings (the exact wording varies by device and whether you are on mobile or desktop).
Look for Wallet or Banks and Cards. This section shows every bank account and card linked to your PayPal account. Each one will have a label like "Primary" or "Backup", and you will see the last four digits of the account number.
If you do not see a Wallet section, try looking under Financial Information or Payment Methods. The layout differs slightly between the PayPal website and the mobile app, but all linked accounts appear in one of these sections.
The exact steps on desktop and mobile
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After you confirm, PayPal removes the account when ready. You will see it disappear from your Wallet. There is no waiting period or reversal window — the disconnection is final unless you add the account again later.
What to do if you cannot find the remove option
If the bank account is marked as your primary payment method, PayPal may not let you remove it until you set a different account as primary. To change your primary account, go to Wallet, find another bank account or card, and look for an option to make it primary. Once you do, the original account becomes removable.
If you still cannot find a remove button, the account may be linked to an active subscription or recurring payment. PayPal blocks removal in this case to prevent the subscription from breaking. Cancel the subscription first, wait a few hours, then try removing the account again.
If neither of those applies and you still cannot remove the account, contact PayPal support. Explain which account you want to remove and that the remove button is not appearing. They can disconnect it on your behalf.
What happens after you disconnect
Once the bank account is removed, PayPal can no longer initiate transfers to or from it. If someone sends you money through PayPal, it goes to your PayPal balance, not directly to your bank. You would have to manually transfer it from PayPal to a different linked bank account if you want it in your bank.
The disconnection does not affect your PayPal balance or your ability to send and receive money through PayPal itself. You can still use PayPal to pay for things online, send money to other people, or receive payments — you just cannot move money between PayPal and that specific bank account anymore.
If you reconnect the same bank account later, PayPal will ask you to verify it again. This usually means confirming two small deposits that PayPal sends to the account, or verifying your bank login. The process takes a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my bank account if I have a PayPal balance?
Yes. Your PayPal balance is separate from your linked bank accounts. Removing a bank account does not touch the money in your PayPal balance. You can keep the balance there, or transfer it to a different linked bank account before you disconnect.
Will removing a bank account close my PayPal account?
No. Removing a bank account only disconnects that one payment method. Your PayPal account stays active, and you can still use it to send and receive money. You can add a different bank account or card whenever you want.
What if I remove the account by mistake?
You can add it back when ready. Go to Wallet, select the option to add a bank account, and enter the same account details. PayPal will ask you to verify it again, which usually takes a few days. There is no penalty for removing and reconnecting.
Does PayPal charge a fee to remove a bank account?
No. Disconnecting a bank account is free. PayPal does not charge for adding, removing, or changing payment methods.
Can I remove a bank account if there is a dispute or chargeback?
PayPal may block removal if the account is involved in an active dispute or chargeback investigation. Wait until the dispute is resolved, then try removing it. If PayPal still will not let you, contact support to explain the situation.