How to delete a bank account from PayPal
You can remove a bank account from PayPal in three steps: log in to your account, go to your wallet or financial information, find the bank account you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. PayPal will confirm the deletion immediately. The account stays removed unless you add it back later.
Removing a bank account does not close your PayPal account or affect any other payment methods you have on file. You can still use PayPal with a credit card, debit card, or another bank account if you have one linked. If the bank account you want to remove is your only payment method, PayPal will ask you to add a different one before it lets you delete it.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a bank account from PayPal takes about two minutes and happens immediately through your account settings.
- You cannot remove your only payment method, so you must add a credit card, debit card, or another bank account first.
- Removing a bank account does not affect pending transactions or close your PayPal account.
- If you have an active balance in your PayPal account, you can still withdraw it to a different bank account after deletion.
- You can add the same bank account back to PayPal later if you change your mind.
Step-by-step: removing a bank account on desktop
Open PayPal in a web browser and log in with your email and password. Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Account settings. On the left side, click Financial information or Wallet (the exact name depends on your account type). Look for the section labeled Bank accounts or Linked bank accounts.
Find the bank account you want to remove and click the three dots or menu icon next to it. Select Remove or Delete. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Click Yes, remove this account or the equivalent button. The account is now deleted and will no longer appear in your wallet.
Step-by-step: removing a bank account on mobile
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Settings, then Financial information or Wallet. Scroll to Bank accounts and tap the account you want to remove. Tap Remove or Delete and confirm when prompted.
If you do not see a remove option, the account may be set as your primary withdrawal method. In that case, tap another bank account and set it as primary first, then return to delete the original one.
What happens when you remove a bank account
PayPal stops showing the account in your wallet immediately. You cannot send money to that account or use it to fund new transactions. If you had set it as your primary withdrawal method, PayPal will automatically assign another linked payment method as primary, or ask you to choose one.
Any pending transactions that were supposed to go to that bank account will fail. If you had a scheduled transfer or automatic payment set up to that account, you will need to cancel it or update it to a different account. Check your transaction history and any recurring payments before you delete a bank account.
Your PayPal balance does not disappear. If you have money sitting in your PayPal account, you can still withdraw it to a different bank account, credit card, or debit card after deletion. The removal only affects that one bank account, not your ability to move money out of PayPal.
Why you might not be able to delete a bank account
PayPal requires at least one payment method on file at all times. If the bank account you are trying to remove is your only linked payment method, PayPal will block the deletion and ask you to add a credit card, debit card, or another bank account first. Add the new method, then return to delete the original account.
Some accounts have restrictions that prevent deletion temporarily. If you have a dispute, chargeback, or unresolved transaction involving that bank account, PayPal may lock it until the issue is resolved. Contact PayPal Support to ask whether a restriction is in place and what you need to do to lift it.
If you recently added the bank account, PayPal may require you to wait a few days before removing it. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. Try again after three to five business days if you see a message saying the account is too new to delete.
Adding the account back later
If you delete a bank account and later decide you want to use it again, you can add it back to PayPal. Go to Financial information or Wallet, click Add a bank account, and enter the routing number and account number again. PayPal will verify the account with two small deposits, which usually takes one to two business days.
You do not need to contact your bank or do anything on their end. The verification happens entirely within PayPal. Once the two deposits appear in your bank account, return to PayPal, confirm the amounts, and the account is active again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a bank account close my PayPal account?
No. Removing a bank account only removes that one payment method. Your PayPal account stays open and active. You can still send and receive money, and you can still use any other payment methods you have linked.
What if I delete a bank account by mistake?
You can add it back immediately by going to Financial information, clicking Add a bank account, and entering the routing and account numbers again. Verification takes one to two business days. There is no penalty for deleting and re-adding an account.
Can I delete a bank account if I have a pending transfer to it?
PayPal will not let you delete a bank account if a transfer is in progress. Wait for the transfer to complete first, then delete the account. If the transfer fails because you deleted the account, contact PayPal Support to ask about recovery options.
Do I need to contact my bank when I remove a bank account from PayPal?
No. Removing the account from PayPal does not affect your actual bank account. Your bank will not be notified. The deletion only stops PayPal from being able to send or withdraw money to that account.
What if PayPal says I cannot delete the account?
You likely have a restriction in place, such as an unresolved dispute or a recent addition. Add a different payment method first if the account is your only one. If you see an error message, contact PayPal Support with the exact message and they can tell you what is blocking the deletion.