Go to your wallet settings and delete the account in three steps
To remove a bank account from PayPal, log in to your account, go to Wallet, find the bank account you want to remove, and click the delete or remove option next to it. PayPal will ask you to confirm the deletion. The account is gone immediately, though any pending transfers tied to that account may still process.
You do not need a reason to remove a bank account. You can remove it whether or not money is currently linked to it, and you can add a different bank account whenever you want. If you are removing the account because it is compromised or you suspect fraud, report it to PayPal support at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Bank accounts are removed from the Wallet section of your PayPal account, not from settings or profile pages.
- Deletion takes effect immediately, but transfers already scheduled to that account will still go through unless you cancel them separately.
- You can remove a bank account even if you have a pending transfer or balance waiting to be sent to it.
- If the account is compromised or you no longer recognize it, contact PayPal support to report fraud at the same time you delete it.
The exact steps to delete a bank account
Open PayPal and sign in with your email and password. If you use two-factor authentication, enter the code sent to your phone or email.
Click Wallet at the top of the page. On mobile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and then Wallet. You will see a list of all payment methods linked to your account: credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts.
Find the bank account you want to remove. It will show the last four digits of the account number and the bank name. Click or tap the three dots (menu icon) next to the account, or look for a Remove or Delete link. Click it.
PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the account. Click Remove or Confirm. The account is deleted from your wallet immediately.
What happens to money already sent to that account
If you have scheduled a transfer to that bank account and have not yet confirmed it, you can still cancel it before it processes. Go to your Activity or Transaction History, find the pending transfer, and look for a Cancel option. Once a transfer has been sent (status shows "completed" or "processing"), it cannot be stopped—the money will arrive at the bank account even though you have removed it from PayPal.
If you removed the account by mistake and a transfer is on its way, contact your bank to see if they can reverse it. Contact PayPal support if you need help locating a transfer or if you believe the transfer was unauthorized.
Removing an account that shows a balance or pending activity
PayPal will let you remove a bank account even if there is a pending transfer or balance waiting to be sent to it. However, if you remove the account before the transfer completes, the money may be returned to your PayPal balance instead of going to the bank. Check your PayPal balance after deletion to see if funds were returned.
If you are trying to remove an account because you want to change where your money goes, add the new bank account first, then remove the old one. This prevents any confusion about where pending transfers will land.
If the account is compromised or you do not recognize it
If you see a bank account in your wallet that you did not add, or if you believe someone else has linked their account to your PayPal, remove it immediately and then contact PayPal support. Do not wait—unauthorized accounts can be used to move money out of your PayPal balance.
When you contact support, tell them the date you noticed the account, the bank name, and the last four digits. PayPal can review your account activity to see if any unauthorized transfers were made. If money was moved without your permission, they can investigate and may be able to recover it. Report the fraud as soon as you notice it; the longer you wait, the harder it is to reverse.
Removing a bank account when you are closing your PayPal account
If you are closing your PayPal account entirely, you do not have to remove the bank account first—PayPal will disconnect all payment methods when you close the account. However, it is safer to remove the bank account before you close, so that no payment method remains linked to your account after it is gone.
To close your PayPal account, go to Settings, find Account Closure or Close Your Account, and follow the prompts. You will need to confirm that your balance is zero and that you have no pending transactions. Remove your bank account and any other payment methods first if you want them completely disconnected.
Why PayPal might not let you remove an account
PayPal may prevent you from removing a bank account if a transfer to that account is currently processing. Wait for the transfer to complete, then try again. If the account is set as your primary payment method for automatic transfers (for example, if you have set up automatic withdrawals), you may need to change the primary method first before you can delete it.
If you get an error message when you try to delete, try again in a few minutes. If the error persists, contact PayPal support. They can remove the account for you if there is a technical issue on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a bank account if I have a pending transfer to it?
Yes, you can remove the account, but the pending transfer may still go through. If the transfer has not yet been sent, cancel it first through your Activity page. If it has already been sent, it will arrive at the bank even though you removed the account from PayPal.
Will removing a bank account affect my PayPal balance?
No. Removing a bank account only disconnects it from your wallet. Your PayPal balance stays the same. If you had a pending transfer to that account, the money may return to your PayPal balance instead of being sent to the bank.
How long does it take to remove a bank account?
Removal is instant. Once you confirm the deletion, the account is gone from your wallet immediately. You will not be able to send money to it or use it for any PayPal transaction.
Can I remove a bank account and add it back later?
Yes. You can remove a bank account and add it again whenever you want. When you add it back, PayPal may ask you to verify it again by confirming small deposits or entering your account details.
What should I do if I see a bank account I did not add?
Remove it immediately and contact PayPal support to report unauthorized access. Tell them when you first noticed it and ask them to review your account for any unauthorized transfers. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovering any money that was moved.