Change your default payment method in PayPal's settings in under two minutes
Your default payment method is the card, bank account, or balance PayPal uses first when you send money or make a purchase. To change it, log into your PayPal account, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), select Wallet, then Update next to the payment method you want to use instead. PayPal will move that method to the top of your list and use it for all future transactions unless you pick a different one at checkout.
The process is the same whether you use PayPal on a computer or the mobile app. If you have not added the payment method you want to use yet, you will need to add it first before you can set it as default.
Key Takeaways
- Your default payment method is what PayPal charges first when you send money or pay for something, unless you change it at checkout.
- To change your default, log in, go to Settings, select Wallet, and click Update next to the method you want to use instead.
- You can only set a payment method as default if it is already saved in your account; new methods must be added before they can be set as default.
- Changing your default does not affect past transactions or any automatic payments you have set up — those continue to use their original payment sources.
Step-by-step: changing your default on desktop
Open PayPal in your browser and log in with your email and password. Once you are on your account dashboard, look for the gear icon in the top right corner and click it. This opens your Settings menu.
From the Settings page, click Wallet on the left side. You will see a list of all the payment methods you have saved — cards, bank accounts, and your PayPal balance. Find the one you want to use as your default and click the Update button next to it. PayPal will confirm the change immediately, and that method moves to the top of your list.
If the method you want is not listed, you will need to add it first. Click Link a debit or credit card or Link your bank account depending on what you want to add, enter the details, and wait for PayPal to confirm it. Then follow the steps above to set it as default.
Changing your default on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings. From there, tap Wallet to see all your saved payment methods.
Find the method you want to use as your default and tap it. You will see an option to Set as default or Make primary depending on your app version. Tap that option, and PayPal will move it to the top of your list. The change takes effect immediately for your next transaction.
What happens to automatic payments when you change your default
Automatic payments — like subscriptions, recurring bills, or standing transfers — continue to use the payment method they were originally set up with. Changing your default payment method does not affect them. If you want to change the payment source for a specific automatic payment, you need to edit that payment separately in your PayPal settings.
To change the payment method for an automatic payment, go to Settings, click Payments, then Manage automatic payments. Find the payment you want to change, click it, and select a different payment method. Save the change, and that automatic payment will use the new method going forward.
Why you might want multiple payment methods saved
Saving more than one payment method gives you options at checkout. If your default card is declined or has reached its limit, PayPal can try your second method automatically — though this depends on your account settings. You can also override your default at any time during checkout by clicking Change and picking a different saved method.
Some people keep a backup method saved for this reason. Others save multiple cards or a card plus a bank account so they can choose which one to use depending on the transaction. You can save as many payment methods as you want, but only one can be your default.
Removing a payment method from your account
If you want to delete a payment method entirely, go to Settings, click Wallet, find the method you want to remove, and click the trash or delete icon next to it. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Once deleted, you cannot use that method to pay unless you add it again.
You cannot delete your default payment method without setting a different one first. If you try to delete your default, PayPal will prompt you to pick a new default before the deletion goes through. This prevents you from being left without any way to pay.
Troubleshooting: payment method won't update
If the Update button is grayed out or not responding, try logging out of PayPal completely and logging back in. Sometimes a browser cache issue prevents the button from working. Clear your browser cookies or try a different browser if the problem continues.
If you are using the mobile app and the option to set a default is not appearing, make sure you are on the latest version. Go to your device's app store, search for PayPal, and update if a newer version is available. Older app versions sometimes lack this feature or have bugs that prevent it from working.
If you added a payment method recently and it is not showing up in your Wallet yet, wait a few minutes. PayPal sometimes takes a moment to process new methods. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app. If it still does not appear after 10 minutes, the method may not have been saved correctly — try adding it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a different default payment method for different types of transactions?
No. PayPal uses one default payment method for all transactions unless you change it at checkout. You can pick a different method each time you pay, but you cannot create separate defaults for different purposes or recipients.
What if I delete my default payment method by accident?
PayPal will not let you delete your default without setting a new one first. If you somehow end up with no payment methods saved, you will need to add one before you can send money or make purchases again. Add a card or bank account through Settings > Wallet, and it will automatically become your default.
Does changing my default payment method affect my PayPal credit or financing options?
No. Your default payment method is separate from PayPal Credit or PayPal's installment plans. Those are financing products with their own terms and settings. Changing your default card or bank account does not change how those products work or which account they pull from.
Can I set my PayPal balance as my default payment method?
Yes, if you have a balance in your PayPal account, you can set it as your default. PayPal will use your balance first, then move to your next saved payment method if your balance is not enough to cover the full transaction.
How long does it take for a new default payment method to start working?
The change is immediate. As soon as you click Update or Make Primary, PayPal uses that method for your next transaction. You do not need to wait or confirm anything else.