How to cancel your PayPal account
You can close your PayPal account through your account settings, but PayPal will not let you delete it if money is still moving through it. You must resolve any pending transactions, refunds, or disputes first, empty any balance to your bank account, and wait for any holds to lift. Once the account is truly clear, you go to Settings, find the Close Account option, and confirm the closure. PayPal will send you a confirmation email.
The account cannot be reopened after closure — if you need PayPal again later, you will have to create a new one. This is different from deactivation, which temporarily turns off your account but leaves it in PayPal's system so you can reactivate it by logging in again.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal will not close an account with an active balance, pending transactions, or unresolved disputes, so you must settle everything first.
- Transfer any remaining balance to your linked bank account or request a check from PayPal if no bank account is linked.
- The closure process happens in Settings under Account Information, and PayPal sends a confirmation email once it is complete.
- Closed accounts cannot be reopened, so if you think you might use PayPal again, consider deactivating instead of closing.
- If you have an active PayPal Credit or PayPal Working Capital loan, you must pay it off before closing the account.
Check for money, disputes, and holds before you start
Open your PayPal account and look at your balance. If it shows any amount — even a few cents — you cannot close the account until that money is gone. Go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and transfer the balance out. This usually takes one to two business days to appear in your bank account.
Next, check for any transactions that are still in progress. Look at your Activity or Transaction History for anything marked as pending, unclaimed, or awaiting action. If someone sent you money and you have not accepted it, you must either accept or decline it. If you sent money and it is still pending, wait for it to complete or cancel it if the option is available.
Search your account for any open disputes or claims. If a buyer or seller has filed a dispute against you, PayPal will not let you close until it is resolved. Go to the Resolution Center to see if anything is waiting. If a refund is in progress, wait for it to finish before attempting closure.
PayPal sometimes places a temporary hold on accounts — usually after a large transaction or if there has been unusual activity. If your account shows a hold, you must wait for it to expire. PayPal will tell you the date when you check your account settings.
Pay off any PayPal Credit or loan balance
If you have a PayPal Credit account or took out a PayPal Working Capital loan, you must pay the full balance before closing. Log in and check your Credit or loan section to see what you owe. Make a payment through PayPal or set up a payment from your bank account.
PayPal will not close the account while you still owe money on credit or a loan. Once the balance reaches zero, wait for the payment to post — usually one to two business days — before moving to the closure step. If you have questions about your balance, PayPal Support can tell you the exact amount owed and the deadline for payment.
Go to Settings and select Close Account
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. On a computer, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to Settings.
Look for Account Information or Account Settings. Scroll down until you see an option that says Close Account, Deactivate Account, or Close Your Account — the exact wording varies by region and account type. Click or tap it.
PayPal will ask you why you are closing the account. You can select from a list of reasons or leave it blank. This is optional and does not affect whether your account closes. Read the confirmation message carefully — PayPal will remind you that the account cannot be reopened and that any linked cards or bank accounts will be disconnected.
Click the button to confirm closure. PayPal will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes. Do not attempt to log in again during the next few days, as the system needs time to fully process the closure across all of PayPal's databases.
What happens to your data after closure
PayPal keeps your transaction history and account information for up to seven years for tax and legal reasons, even after you close the account. You cannot access this information through your account anymore, but PayPal retains it in case of disputes, chargebacks, or tax inquiries. If the IRS or another agency requests your records, PayPal can still provide them.
If you need a record of your transactions before closing, download your transaction history from the Activity section. You can export it as a CSV file or PDF and save it to your computer. This is especially important if you use PayPal for business and need records for tax purposes.
Any saved payment methods — credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts — are disconnected from PayPal when the account closes. Those payment methods themselves are not deleted from your bank or card issuer; they remain active for other uses. You can still use those cards or accounts with other services.
Deactivate instead of close if you might return
PayPal offers a deactivation option that is different from closure. A deactivated account can be reactivated later by logging in again, whereas a closed account is permanent and cannot be brought back. If you are unsure whether you will need PayPal in the future, deactivation is the safer choice.
To deactivate instead of close, look for a Deactivate Account option in Settings. The steps are similar to closure, but the account remains in PayPal's system and can be turned back on. Reactivation is instant — just log in with your email and password, and your account will be active again. You do not have to create a new account or go through any verification process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my PayPal account if I have a pending refund?
No. You must wait for the refund to complete and post to your account before closing. Check your Activity section to see the refund status and expected date. Once it arrives, transfer any balance out and then close the account.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to close the account?
Use the Forgot Password link on the PayPal login page to reset it. You will need access to the email address associated with the account. If you no longer have access to that email, contact PayPal Support through the Help Center to verify your identity and regain access.
Will closing my PayPal account hurt my credit score?
Closing the account itself does not affect your credit score. However, if you have an unpaid PayPal Credit balance, that debt will still be reported to credit bureaus and will hurt your score until it is paid off.
Can I close my account if I have a buyer or seller dispute open?
No. You must wait for the dispute to be resolved. Once PayPal makes a decision and the case is closed, you can then proceed with account closure. Check the Resolution Center to see the status of any open cases.
How long does it take for PayPal to fully close my account?
The closure is usually instant once you confirm it, and you will receive a confirmation email right away. However, it can take a few days for all systems to fully process the closure. Do not attempt to log in during this time, as it may cause delays.