PayPal closes your account when you request it, but the process takes time and leaves a record
You can delete your PayPal account yourself through the account settings menu. The deletion is permanent — you cannot undo it — but PayPal keeps records of your transactions for their own compliance and fraud prevention. The account closure typically takes a few business days to complete, and you will not be able to use the account during that time.
Before you delete, settle any outstanding balance, cancel any active subscriptions or recurring payments, and withdraw any remaining money in your account. If you have a business account, the process is slightly different and may take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a zero balance and no active subscriptions before PayPal will close your account.
- The deletion request goes through in the account settings under "Close Your Account," not through customer service.
- PayPal keeps transaction records even after closure, so your payment history remains on file for their records.
- If you have a business account, you may need to contact PayPal directly because the self-service closure option is not always available.
- Once deleted, you cannot reopen the same account, but you can create a new one with the same email address after 6 months.
Steps to close your account through settings
Log into your PayPal account and go to the Settings menu (the gear icon in the top right). Select "Account" from the left sidebar, then scroll down to find "Close Your Account." PayPal will show you a summary of what happens when you close: your account will be permanently deleted, you will lose access to any PayPal Credit or PayPal Working Capital offers, and your transaction history will remain in PayPal's system.
Click the button to proceed. PayPal will ask you to confirm your decision and may ask why you are closing the account — this is optional feedback. After you confirm, the closure request is submitted. You will receive an email confirmation that your account is scheduled for deletion.
The account remains accessible for a short window (usually 24 to 48 hours) in case you need to cancel the request. After that period, the account is locked and the deletion process completes over the next few business days.
What you must do before requesting closure
Your PayPal balance must be zero. If you have money in your account, transfer it to your linked bank account or debit card first. Go to "Wallet" in the menu, select your funding source, and choose "Transfer Money." The transfer usually arrives within one to three business days depending on your bank.
Cancel any active subscriptions or recurring payments. These show up under "Settings" > "Payments" > "Manage Automatic Payments." If you have any active subscriptions (like a streaming service or membership billed through PayPal), you must cancel them through the merchant's website or app, not through PayPal. PayPal will not let you close the account if automatic payments are still scheduled.
If you have an outstanding balance — money you owe PayPal or a merchant — you must pay it before closure. Check under "Activity" to see if there are any pending charges or disputes.
Business accounts and merchant services
If you have a PayPal Business account, the self-service closure option may not appear in your settings. Business accounts sometimes require you to contact PayPal directly to close because of merchant agreements or processing history. Call PayPal's business support line or use the "Contact Us" option in your account settings.
If you process payments through PayPal (as a merchant or through PayPal Checkout), closing the account may affect any pending payouts or settlement funds. PayPal will hold or redirect these funds according to your agreement. Ask about the timeline for any remaining payouts before you request closure.
What happens to your transaction history
PayPal keeps records of all transactions you made through the account, even after deletion. You will not be able to see these records in your own account, but PayPal retains them for compliance with financial regulations and fraud investigation. If a dispute or chargeback arises after you close the account, PayPal can still access the transaction details.
If you need a record of your transactions before closing, download your transaction history. Go to "Activity," select the date range you want, and use the download option to save a file. This gives you a copy for your own records.
Reopening an account after closure
Once your account is deleted, you cannot reopen it. However, you can create a new PayPal account using the same email address, but you must wait at least 6 months after the closure. If you try to sign up sooner, PayPal will block the registration.
If you want to use PayPal again before 6 months have passed, you will need to use a different email address to create a new account. Keep this in mind if you are closing because of a temporary issue you plan to resolve.
If you cannot find the close account option
Some account types — such as those with active disputes, pending refunds, or restricted access — do not show the self-service closure button. If you do not see "Close Your Account" in your settings, contact PayPal's customer service through the "Contact Us" link in your account.
Explain that you want to close your account and ask what is preventing the self-service option from appearing. PayPal will either remove the block (such as resolving a dispute) or walk you through a manual closure process. This usually takes longer than the self-service route, sometimes 5 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel the account closure after I request it?
Yes, but only during the first 24 to 48 hours after you submit the request. Log back into your account (if it is still accessible) and look for an option to cancel the closure request. After that window closes, the account is locked and you cannot reverse the deletion. You would need to contact PayPal to ask if they can restore it, though this is not may provide.
What if I have a pending refund when I close my account?
You cannot close your account while a refund is pending. Wait for the refund to complete first. If the refund is taking longer than expected, contact the merchant or PayPal to check the status. Once the refund is processed and your balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.
Will closing my PayPal account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a PayPal account does not affect your credit because PayPal is not a credit provider unless you used PayPal Credit (their buy-now-pay-later product). If you have an active PayPal Credit balance, pay it off before closing the account.
Can someone else close my account for me?
No. Only the account owner can request closure through the settings menu. If you have given someone else access to your account (such as a business manager), they cannot close it on your behalf. You must log in yourself and submit the request.
What happens to my linked bank account or card after I close PayPal?
Your bank account and card remain open and unaffected. Closing PayPal simply removes the connection between those accounts and PayPal. Any future transactions will not route through PayPal, but your bank account itself is not closed.