Deactivating your PayPal account removes it from active use, but the account itself stays in PayPal's system
PayPal offers two ways to stop using your account: deactivation (temporary, reversible) and permanent closure (irreversible after 180 days). Most people who want to leave PayPal actually want permanent closure, which deletes your account data and severs all ties. Before you close, you must have a zero balance, no open disputes, no pending transactions, and no active subscriptions or recurring payments tied to that account.
The process takes a few minutes to start, but PayPal holds your account in a "closing" state for 180 days before it becomes truly permanent. During those 180 days, you can reopen it by logging in. After 180 days, the account and all its history are gone for good.
Key Takeaways
- You must cancel all subscriptions, recurring payments, and linked services before PayPal will let you close your account.
- Your account balance must be exactly zero — transfer any remaining money to your bank account first.
- Permanent closure takes 180 days to finalize; you can reopen during that window by logging in, but after 180 days the account is gone.
- If you have an open dispute or chargeback, you cannot close until it is resolved.
- Deactivation is temporary and keeps your account in the system; permanent closure is what most people actually want.
Step-by-step process to close your account
Log into your PayPal account and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Select Account, then scroll down to find Close your account. PayPal will show you a checklist of things that must be done before closure is allowed: zero balance, no open disputes, no active subscriptions, no pending transactions.
If any of these items are incomplete, PayPal will tell you exactly what to fix. Cancel any recurring payments by going to Settings > Payments > Manage automatic payments. Transfer any remaining balance to your linked bank account by clicking Transfer Money and selecting your bank. Wait for any pending transactions to clear — this usually takes one to three business days.
Once the checklist is clear, return to Close your account and click the button to confirm. PayPal will ask you why you are leaving (optional) and then show a final confirmation. Click to confirm closure. Your account enters the 180-day closing period immediately.
What happens to money still in your account
PayPal will not let you close if you have any balance remaining. Before you start the closure process, transfer all money to your bank account. Go to Wallet, select your bank account, and click Transfer Money. Choose the amount and confirm. The transfer usually arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
If you have money in a PayPal Cash or PayPal Cash Plus account (rather than just a linked bank account), you must transfer it out the same way. PayPal does not send you a check or process a refund — you have to move it yourself before closure.
Cancelling subscriptions and recurring payments before closure
Any subscription or recurring payment tied to your PayPal account will block closure. This includes gym memberships, streaming services, app subscriptions, or any merchant set up to charge you automatically. Go to Settings > Payments > Manage automatic payments to see the full list.
Click each subscription and select Cancel. Some merchants let you cancel directly through their website or app instead — if you do that, PayPal will still show it until the merchant updates their records, which can take a few days. To be safe, cancel from both sides if possible. Once all subscriptions are gone from your PayPal list, you can proceed with closure.
Resolving disputes and chargebacks before you close
If you have an open dispute, claim, or chargeback, PayPal will not let you close your account until it is resolved. Check your Resolution Center (under Settings > Resolution Center) to see if anything is pending. If a buyer or seller has filed a claim against you, you will need to respond and let it reach a final decision before closure is possible.
If you are waiting for a refund from a seller, that counts as a pending transaction and will also block closure. Contact the seller to speed up the refund, or wait for the transaction window to close (usually 180 days from purchase). Once all disputes are resolved and no transactions are pending, you can close.
What happens during the 180-day waiting period
After you confirm closure, your account enters a 180-day holding period. During this time, your account is inactive and you cannot log in to use it, but it is not yet permanently deleted. PayPal keeps your data in case you change your mind.
If you want to reopen your account during these 180 days, simply log in with your email and password. Your account will reactivate immediately, and you can use it normally again. After 180 days pass without you logging in, PayPal permanently deletes your account, transaction history, and all associated data. At that point, reactivation is impossible.
Deactivation versus permanent closure
Deactivation temporarily hides your account from view but keeps it in PayPal's system. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in. Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break but might return later. Permanent closure is what most people mean when they say "delete my account" — it removes your account entirely after 180 days.
If you only deactivate, your account still exists and PayPal can still contact you about past transactions or disputes. Permanent closure is the only way to fully sever your relationship with PayPal. Choose permanent closure if you do not plan to use PayPal again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending refund?
No. PayPal treats pending refunds as open transactions and will block closure until the refund is complete. Contact the seller to speed up the process, or wait for the transaction window to close. Once the refund arrives or the window expires, you can close.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log in?
Use PayPal's password reset tool on the login page. Enter your email address and follow the reset link sent to your inbox. If you no longer have access to that email, contact PayPal support through the Help Center to verify your identity and regain access before you can close the account.
Will closing my PayPal account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a PayPal account does not appear on your credit report and has no impact on your credit score. PayPal is a payment processor, not a credit provider, so account closure is not a credit event.
Can I close my account if I have a seller dispute open?
No. You must wait for the dispute to be resolved. If you are the seller and a buyer has filed a claim, respond to it and let it reach a final decision. Once the claim is closed, you can proceed with account closure.
What happens to my transaction history after I close?
After 180 days, your transaction history is permanently deleted along with your account. PayPal will not be able to retrieve it. If you need records for tax or legal purposes, download your transaction history before you close. Go to Activity, select the date range, and download the report as a CSV or PDF file.