Unlink your bank account in Stripe's settings
To unlink a bank account from Stripe, log into your Stripe Dashboard, go to Settings, then select Bank Accounts under the Payouts section. Find the account you want to remove and click the trash icon or "Remove" button next to it. Stripe will confirm the deletion—once you confirm, the account is unlinked immediately and Stripe will no longer send payouts to that account.
The process takes less than a minute. You do not need to contact Stripe support unless the account is locked or you cannot see the remove option. If you have only one bank account linked and you remove it, Stripe will pause payouts until you add a new one.
Key Takeaways
- Unlink a bank account by going to Stripe Dashboard > Settings > Bank Accounts, then clicking the trash icon next to the account you want to remove.
- Removing an account stops future payouts to that bank but does not affect transactions already processed or pending payouts.
- If you remove your only linked account, Stripe will hold payouts until you add a new bank account.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to Stripe and switch which one receives payouts without unlinking the others.
- Stripe keeps a record of removed accounts for your own reference, but they are no longer active in your account.
What happens to pending and past payouts when you unlink
Unlinking a bank account does not reverse or cancel payouts that have already been sent. If Stripe initiated a payout to that account before you removed it, the money will still arrive. Payouts that are already in progress cannot be stopped by unlinking the account.
Payouts that have not yet been sent will be held in your Stripe balance until you add a new bank account or change your payout schedule. The timing depends on your payout frequency—if you have daily payouts enabled, Stripe will attempt to send money to your new account the next business day after you link it.
Linking a different bank account after unlinking
After you remove a bank account, you can add a new one at any time through the same Bank Accounts section in Settings. Click "Add Bank Account" and enter the routing number, account number, and account holder name. Stripe will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the account within one to two business days.
You will need to confirm those two deposits by entering the amounts back into Stripe to complete verification. Until verification is complete, Stripe will not send payouts to the new account. Once verified, payouts will resume on your normal schedule.
When you might need to unlink an account
Common reasons to unlink a bank account include closing the account at your bank, switching to a different bank, removing an old business account, or separating finances after a business change. If the account is still active but you simply want to use a different one for payouts, you can link the new account first and then unlink the old one—this prevents any gap in payouts.
If your bank account has been compromised or you suspect fraud, unlink it immediately and contact your bank. Then link a new account to Stripe. Stripe does not store your full account number after verification, so unlinking removes the connection but does not change what your bank has on file.
Troubleshooting: account won't unlink or remove button is missing
If you cannot see a remove option next to your bank account, the account may be locked by Stripe due to a failed payout, a chargeback, or a compliance issue. In this case, you will need to contact Stripe support through your Dashboard to unlock it before you can remove it. Stripe support can usually resolve this within one business day.
If the remove button appears but clicking it does nothing, try clearing your browser cache and logging back in. If the problem persists, use a different browser or device. If you still cannot remove the account after trying these steps, contact Stripe support with a screenshot of the issue.
Keeping multiple bank accounts linked to Stripe
You do not have to unlink an old account to add a new one. Stripe allows you to link multiple bank accounts and choose which one receives payouts. This is useful if you want to keep a backup account active or split payouts between accounts for different purposes.
To switch which account receives payouts without unlinking, go to Settings > Payouts and select a different bank account from the dropdown. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payout. You can change your payout account as often as you need without removing any linked accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unlinking a bank account affect my Stripe transactions or customer payments?
No. Unlinking only stops payouts to that bank account. Your customers can still pay you normally, and Stripe will continue to process transactions. The money stays in your Stripe balance until you link a new bank account or change your payout settings.
How long does it take for Stripe to stop sending money to an unlinked account?
Immediately. Once you confirm the removal, Stripe will not send any new payouts to that account. If a payout was already in progress when you unlinked, it will still complete, but no future payouts will go there.
Can I unlink a bank account if there is a pending payout?
Yes. Unlinking does not stop a payout that is already in progress. The pending payout will still reach the account. Only payouts scheduled after you unlink will be held or sent to a different account.
What if I unlink my only bank account by mistake?
Link a new account as soon as possible. Until you do, Stripe will hold your payouts in your balance. Once you add and verify a new account, payouts will resume on your normal schedule. There is no penalty for temporarily having no linked account.
Do I need to tell Stripe I am closing my bank account?
No. You only need to unlink it from Stripe. Your bank handles the account closure separately. Unlinking from Stripe does not close your bank account, and closing your bank account does not automatically unlink it from Stripe—you must do both.