Remove a bank account in three steps
Go to your PayPal account settings, find the bank account you want to remove, and delete it. The account stays in your PayPal history but stops being available for transfers or payments. If you have a pending transfer to that account, you'll need to wait for it to complete or cancel it first.
The process takes less than a minute. PayPal doesn't charge you to remove an account, and you can add a different one anytime. If you're removing the account because of fraud or a mistake, report it to PayPal support at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- You remove a bank account from PayPal through your wallet settings, not through your bank.
- Pending transfers to that account must finish or be canceled before you can delete it.
- Removing an account does not close your PayPal account or affect other payment methods you have linked.
- If the account was added fraudulently or you suspect unauthorized access, contact PayPal support immediately.
Where to find the bank account removal option
Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. On the website, click your name or profile icon in the top right, then select Settings. On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to Settings.
Once in Settings, look for Wallet or Payment Methods depending on your account type. You'll see a list of all linked bank accounts, credit cards, and debit cards. Find the bank account you want to remove and click or tap on it to open the details.
What happens if you have a pending transfer
If you initiated a transfer to that bank account and it hasn't arrived yet, PayPal will not let you delete the account until the transfer is complete. Transfers from PayPal to a bank account usually take one to three business days, depending on your bank.
You have two options: wait for the transfer to finish, or cancel it. To cancel a pending transfer, go back to your transaction history, find the transfer, and select the option to cancel it. Once it's canceled or completed, you can remove the account immediately.
Removing the account permanently
After you've opened the bank account details, look for a Remove or Delete button. Click it, and PayPal will ask you to confirm. Select yes, and the account is removed from your wallet.
The account information stays in your PayPal record for security and tax purposes, but it's no longer active. You won't be able to transfer money to it, and it won't appear in your list of payment methods when you're making a purchase or sending money.
What to do if the account was added without your permission
If you see a bank account in your PayPal wallet that you didn't add, remove it immediately and then contact PayPal support. Go to the Help Center, select Contact Us, and report unauthorized account access. Have your account details and the name of the bank ready.
PayPal will review your account for signs of fraud and may freeze it temporarily while they investigate. If you've already lost money, report it right away—PayPal has a fraud protection program, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery. Do not transfer money out of your account while the investigation is ongoing.
Removing an account does not affect your PayPal balance
Your PayPal balance (money sitting in your account) stays exactly where it is. Removing a bank account only removes the link between PayPal and that specific bank. If you want to move money out of PayPal after removing the account, you'll need to add a different bank account or use another withdrawal method like a PayPal debit card.
You can add a new bank account anytime. PayPal will ask you to verify it by depositing small amounts (usually under $1) into the account, which takes one to two business days. Once verified, you can transfer money to it or use it for payments.
Removing an account linked to a credit or debit card
If you're trying to remove a credit card or debit card instead of a bank account, the process is identical. Go to your wallet, find the card, and click remove. There's no waiting period for cards the way there is for bank accounts with pending transfers.
If you've set up automatic payments or subscriptions using that card, removing the card will not cancel those payments. You'll need to go to the merchant's website or contact them directly to stop the subscription. PayPal will notify you if a payment fails because the card is no longer linked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a bank account if I have a pending refund going to it?
No. If a merchant or PayPal is sending a refund to that account, you must wait for it to arrive first. Check your transaction history to see the status. Once the refund completes, you can remove the account.
Will removing a bank account close my PayPal account?
No. Removing a bank account only removes that one payment method. Your PayPal account, balance, and transaction history remain active. You can still receive money and make purchases if you have other payment methods linked.
What if I accidentally removed the wrong account?
You can add it back anytime. Go to your wallet, select add a payment method, and enter the bank account details again. PayPal will ask you to verify it with small deposits, which takes one to two business days.
Does PayPal notify my bank when I remove an account?
No. Removing an account from PayPal does not send any message to your bank. The link is broken only on PayPal's side. Your bank account itself is unaffected.
Can I remove a bank account if it's my only payment method?
Yes, but then you won't be able to transfer money out of PayPal or make purchases until you add another payment method. You can still receive money into your PayPal balance.