Go to your wallet, find the bank account, and delete it
Open PayPal on a web browser (the mobile app works too, but the web version is clearer). Sign in, then click Wallet in the top menu. Find the bank account you want to remove under "Linked bank accounts" and click the three dots next to it. Select Remove, then confirm. The account is gone from PayPal immediately, though it may take a day or two for the change to show everywhere in the system.
If you have pending transfers to or from that account, PayPal will warn you before you delete it. You can still remove the account — the transfer will go through to whichever account PayPal has on file, or it will pause until you link a new one. Check your activity first if you are not sure whether money is in flight.
Removing the account from PayPal does not close the bank account itself or affect anything on your bank's side. Your bank will not know you removed it from PayPal unless you tell them. The connection is only broken on PayPal's end.
Key Takeaways
- Sign into PayPal on the web, click Wallet, find your bank account, click the three dots, and select Remove.
- The account disappears from PayPal right away, though the system may take a day to fully sync the change.
- If you have money moving to or from that account, PayPal will alert you before deletion; the transfer may pause or reroute.
- Removing the account from PayPal does not close your actual bank account or notify your bank.
- You can add the same bank account back later if you change your mind, but you will have to verify it again.
Why you might want to remove a bank account
The most common reason is that you are closing the bank account itself. If the account is being shut down, removing it from PayPal first prevents PayPal from trying to pull money from a dead account later, which can trigger failed-transfer fees at your bank.
You might also remove an account because you no longer use it, you are switching banks, or you want to limit which accounts PayPal can access. Some people remove old accounts just to keep their wallet clean and reduce the number of places their banking information is stored.
If your bank account was compromised or you suspect fraud, removing it from PayPal is a quick step, though you should also contact your bank directly and consider changing your PayPal password.
What happens to money already in your PayPal balance
Removing a bank account does not touch your PayPal balance. Money sitting in your PayPal wallet stays there. You can still spend it on purchases, send it to other PayPal users, or transfer it to a different bank account later.
If you remove your only linked bank account and you want to move money out of PayPal, you will need to add a new bank account first. The process takes a few minutes, and verification usually happens within one to two business days.
Removing the account if you no longer have access to it
If the bank account no longer exists or you cannot access it, you can still remove it from PayPal using the same steps. You do not need permission from the bank or access to the account itself — PayPal only needs your PayPal login.
If you are locked out of your PayPal account and cannot sign in to remove the account, contact PayPal Support through the Help Center. You will need to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions. PayPal can remove the account for you once they confirm you own the account.
Adding the account back later
If you delete a bank account and then want to use it with PayPal again, you can add it back. Go to Wallet, click Link a bank account, and enter the routing number and account number again. PayPal will verify it the same way it did the first time — usually by depositing two small amounts (under a dollar each) and asking you to confirm the amounts.
Verification takes one to two business days. Until it is complete, you cannot transfer money to or from that account, though you can still use other linked accounts or your PayPal balance.
Removing a bank account on the PayPal mobile app
The steps are nearly identical on the app. Open PayPal, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then tap Wallet. Find your bank account under "Linked bank accounts," tap the three dots, and select Remove. Confirm the deletion.
Some users find the web version slightly easier to navigate, especially if you have many linked accounts, but the app works just as well. The result is the same either way.
If PayPal is holding your money or limiting your account
Occasionally PayPal restricts an account or holds funds for review. Removing a bank account will not lift a restriction or release held money. If your account is limited, you need to contact PayPal Support directly and follow their steps to resolve the issue — usually providing documentation or answering questions about your account activity.
If you are trying to remove an account because PayPal is taking unauthorized transfers from it, stop and contact your bank immediately. Your bank can block PayPal from pulling money and may reverse recent transfers. Then contact PayPal Support to dispute the charges and explain what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a bank account from PayPal close the bank account?
No. Removing the account from PayPal only breaks the connection between PayPal and your bank. Your actual bank account stays open and active. If you want to close the account, you have to contact your bank separately.
Can I remove a bank account if money is being transferred to it right now?
PayPal will warn you if a transfer is in progress, but you can still delete the account. The transfer may pause, complete to a different linked account, or fail depending on the timing. Check your activity and pending transfers before you delete to avoid confusion.
What if I remove my only linked bank account?
Your PayPal balance is not affected. You can still use money in your wallet to make purchases or send it to other PayPal users. To move money out of PayPal later, you will need to add a new bank account first.
How long does it take for the account to be removed?
It disappears from your wallet immediately after you confirm. The change may take a day or two to sync across PayPal's full system, but you will not be able to use it for transfers right away.
Do I have to verify the account again if I add it back?
Yes. If you remove a bank account and later add it back, PayPal will ask you to verify it again, usually by confirming two small test deposits. The process takes one to two business days.