You can delete a bank account from PayPal in your account settings, but the process depends on whether the account is still linked to active transactions or holds
To remove a bank account from PayPal, go to your account settings, find the bank account in your wallet, and select the option to delete or unlink it. The speed of removal depends on your account status: if the account has no pending transfers or holds, deletion is immediate. If PayPal is holding funds there or waiting to confirm the account, you may need to wait for those processes to finish first.
PayPal does not let you delete a bank account while a transfer is in progress to or from it, or while the account is still being verified. If you see a message saying you cannot delete the account, check whether PayPal is still confirming the account with small test deposits, or whether a transfer is pending.
Key Takeaways
- Log into PayPal, go to Wallet or Settings, find your bank account, and select Delete or Unlink to remove it immediately if no transfers are pending.
- PayPal may hold a bank account for verification or pending transfers, and you cannot delete it until those processes complete.
- If you see an error message when trying to delete, wait for any pending transfers to finish or contact PayPal to check for holds on the account.
- Deleting a bank account from PayPal does not close your PayPal account or affect your transaction history.
- You can add the same bank account back to PayPal later if you change your mind, though you may need to verify it again.
Step-by-step: removing a bank account from PayPal
Start by logging into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. On a computer, click on the gear icon or your account name in the top right, then select Wallet or Settings depending on your account type. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then go to Wallet.
Find the bank account you want to remove in the list of payment methods. Click or tap on it to open the account details. Look for a Delete, Remove, or Unlink button — the exact wording varies by account type and region. Select that button and confirm when PayPal asks you to verify the deletion.
The account should disappear from your wallet immediately. If it does not, or if you see an error message, refresh the page or close and reopen the app. If the account is still there after a refresh, PayPal is likely holding it for a reason — see the section below on why deletion might be blocked.
Why PayPal might not let you delete a bank account
PayPal blocks deletion of a bank account in three main situations. The first is pending verification: when you first add a bank account, PayPal sends two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to confirm you own the account. Until you confirm those deposits in your PayPal settings, you cannot delete the account. Go to your bank's website or app, find the deposit amounts, then return to PayPal and enter them to complete verification.
The second reason is a transfer in progress. If you have initiated a transfer from PayPal to that bank account, or from that account into PayPal, the account is locked until the transfer completes. Transfers to a bank account typically take one to three business days. You must wait for the transfer to finish before you can delete the account.
The third reason is a hold or reserve on the account. PayPal sometimes places a temporary hold on a linked bank account if your account has had disputes, chargebacks, or unusual activity. Holds can last from a few days to several weeks. You cannot delete the account while a hold is active. Contact PayPal directly to ask whether a hold exists and when it will be released.
What happens to your money when you delete a bank account
Deleting a bank account from PayPal does not move or remove any money. Any balance in your PayPal account stays in PayPal. If you had scheduled a transfer to that bank account, the transfer is cancelled, and the money remains in your PayPal balance.
If PayPal had already sent money to the account before you deleted it, that money has already arrived at your bank and cannot be recalled through PayPal. Contact your bank directly if you need to reverse a deposit that has already posted.
Adding the same bank account back later
You can re-add a bank account to PayPal after deleting it. Go back to your wallet, select Add a Bank Account or Link a Bank Account, and enter the account details again. PayPal will send verification deposits again, so you will need to confirm those deposits before you can transfer money to or from that account.
If you deleted the account very recently, PayPal may remember it and skip the verification step. If not, plan for one to three business days for the test deposits to arrive at your bank.
Deleting a bank account versus closing your PayPal account
Removing a bank account from your wallet is not the same as closing your PayPal account. Deleting the bank account only removes that one payment method. Your PayPal account, your transaction history, and any balance in your PayPal wallet remain active.
If you want to close your entire PayPal account, that is a separate process. You would go to your account settings, find the option to close or deactivate your account, and follow PayPal's steps. Closing your account is permanent and cannot be undone, so make sure you have withdrawn any remaining balance first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a bank account if I have a pending transfer to it?
No. PayPal locks the account while a transfer is in progress. Wait for the transfer to complete — usually one to three business days — then try deleting again. If the transfer is stuck or delayed, contact PayPal to check the status.
What if I deleted a bank account by mistake?
You can add it back immediately by going to your wallet and selecting the option to link a bank account. Enter the same account details. PayPal may ask you to verify the account again with test deposits, which takes one to three business days.
Will deleting a bank account affect my PayPal balance or transaction history?
No. Your PayPal balance and all past transactions remain in your account. Deleting a bank account only removes that payment method from your wallet.
Do I need to notify my bank when I delete a bank account from PayPal?
No. Deleting the account from PayPal does not affect your bank account itself. Your bank account remains open and active. You only need to contact your bank if you want to revoke PayPal's permission to access your account, which is a separate step in your bank's settings.
How long does it take to delete a bank account from PayPal?
If there are no pending transfers or holds, deletion is immediate — the account disappears from your wallet as soon as you confirm. If PayPal is verifying the account or processing a transfer, you must wait for those to complete first, which can take one to three business days.