How to Delete Your PayPal Account: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Whether you're switching to a better payment platform, concerned about privacy, or simply done with PayPal, deleting your account is a decision thousands of people make every day. However, it's not as simple as clicking one button. There are important steps you need to take before, during, and after the deletion process to make sure you don't lose money, miss pending transactions, or run into unexpected complications.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about permanently closing your PayPal account — including how to do it on desktop and mobile, what to check before you close, what happens after deletion, and the best alternatives to consider.

Why People Choose to Delete Their PayPal Account

Before diving into the steps, it's worth understanding why so many users are walking away from PayPal. While it remains one of the most widely used payment platforms globally, user frustration has grown steadily over the years.

Common reasons for closing a PayPal account include:

Unexpected account freezes or limitations — PayPal has a well-known reputation for freezing funds without warning, especially for small business owners and freelancers.
High transaction fees — Fees for receiving payments, currency conversions, and international transfers can add up quickly.
Privacy concerns — PayPal collects and shares a significant amount of user data, which bothers privacy-conscious users.
Switching to a better platform — Alternatives like Wise, Stripe, Venmo, Cash App, and Payoneer often offer lower fees and better support.
Inactive account — Some users simply no longer need the service and prefer a clean digital footprint.
Poor customer service — Disputes and chargebacks can be notoriously difficult to resolve through PayPal's support system.

Whatever your reason, this guide has you covered.

Important Things to Do BEFORE You Delete Your PayPal Account

Rushing into account deletion without preparation can lead to lost funds, unresolved disputes, or problems with linked subscriptions. Make sure you complete the following checklist before initiating the closure process.

1. Withdraw All Your PayPal Balance

This is the most critical step. Once your account is closed, any remaining balance becomes extremely difficult — and sometimes impossible — to recover.

Log in to your PayPal account.
Go to your Wallet tab.
Click Transfer Money or Withdraw Funds.
Transfer the full balance to your linked bank account.
Wait for the transfer to complete (usually 1–3 business days for standard transfer, or instant with a small fee).

Pro Tip: Use PayPal's instant transfer option if you're in a hurry. It typically costs 1.75% of the transfer amount (capped at a maximum fee).

2. Cancel All Active Subscriptions and Recurring Payments

Many services — from Netflix to Spotify, gym memberships, software tools, and more — use PayPal as a recurring billing method. Deleting your account without cancelling these first will not automatically stop charges, and it may cause service interruptions or billing issues.

In PayPal, go to Settings → Payments → Manage Automatic Payments.
Review the full list of merchants and subscriptions.
Cancel each active subscription individually.
Then go to those third-party services and update your payment method to avoid any disruption.

Reference: Learn how to manage automatic payments at PayPal's Help Center

3. Resolve All Pending Transactions and Disputes

You cannot close your PayPal account if there are:

Pending payments or transfers
Open disputes or claims
Unresolved chargebacks
Holds on your account

Log in and navigate to Activity to review your recent transactions. Look for anything marked Pending, On Hold, or In Review. Wait for these to fully clear or resolve before proceeding.

4. Remove Linked Bank Accounts and Cards

While not strictly required, it's a good security practice to unlink your bank accounts and credit/debit cards before closing. This prevents any accidental future charges and ensures your financial data is removed.

Go to Wallet in your PayPal account.
Click on each linked bank account or card.
Select Remove to unlink them.

5. Download Your Transaction History

Once your account is closed, you lose access to your transaction history permanently. If you need records for tax purposes, accounting, or personal reference, download them now.

Go to Activity in your PayPal account.
Click Statements or use the Download option.
Export your transaction history as a CSV or PDF file.
Save it to your computer or cloud storage.

How to Delete Your PayPal Account on Desktop (Web Browser)

Once you've completed the pre-deletion checklist, follow these steps to permanently close your PayPal account using a desktop browser.

Step 1: Log In to Your PayPal Account

Visit www.paypal.com and sign in with your email address and password. Complete any two-factor authentication if prompted.

Step 2: Go to Your Account Settings

Once logged in, click on the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the page. This opens your Account Settings panel.

Step 3: Navigate to "Account Options"

In the left-hand menu of the Settings page, you will see several options including:

Profile
Security
Notifications
Payments
Account Options ← Click this one

Step 4: Click "Close Your Account"

Inside the Account Options section, scroll down and look for the Close Your Account link. It is usually listed near the bottom of the page.

If you don't see the "Close Your Account" option, it may mean there is still a pending transaction, unresolved dispute, or remaining balance. Resolve these issues first.

Step 5: Confirm the Closure

PayPal will show you a final confirmation screen that:

Reminds you what closing the account means
May offer you alternatives (like temporarily suspending your account)
Asks you to confirm by clicking a Close Account button

Click Close Account to proceed. PayPal may ask you to re-enter your password or complete an additional security check.

Step 6: Confirmation Email

After successful closure, PayPal will send a confirmation email to your registered address. Keep this email as proof that your account has been closed.

How to Delete Your PayPal Account on Mobile (iOS & Android)

The process on mobile is slightly different depending on whether you're using the PayPal app or a mobile browser. Here's how to do it through the official PayPal app.

Step 1: Open the PayPal App

Launch the PayPal app on your iPhone or Android device. Sign in if you're not already logged in.

Step 2: Tap Your Profile Icon

At the top-left (or bottom navigation bar depending on your app version), tap your profile icon or your name/initials to open the account menu.

Step 3: Go to Settings

Scroll down and tap on the Settings (gear icon) or look for an option labeled Account Settings.

Step 4: Select "Account" or "Account Options"

Navigate to the Account section within settings. This may also be listed under Profile depending on your app version.

Step 5: Find "Close Account"

Scroll down within the Account section and tap Close Account.

Note for Mobile Users: Some users find that the "Close Account" option is not available in the app and must be done through the mobile or desktop website instead. If you can't find it in the app, visit paypal.com via your mobile browser.

Step 6: Follow the Confirmation Prompts

PayPal will walk you through a confirmation process. Follow the prompts and confirm your account closure.

What Happens After You Delete Your PayPal Account?

Understanding what happens after deletion helps set proper expectations and avoids surprises.

Your Account Is Permanently Closed

Once closed, your PayPal account cannot be reactivated. All your account information, history, and preferences are removed from the active system. This includes your linked payment methods, saved addresses, and account preferences.

Your Email Address Is Released

Your email address is released from the deleted account. This means you can use that same email to create a brand new PayPal account in the future if you ever change your mind. However, it will start completely fresh — no prior history.

Transaction Records Are Deleted (From Your Access)

You will no longer be able to log in to view or download past transaction records. This is why it's essential to download your history before closing. Note that PayPal may retain certain records internally for legal and regulatory compliance.

Pending Transactions May Be Affected

If, somehow, a transaction slips through after closure (such as a late-arriving payment), it could become complicated to recover. Always make sure there are zero pending transactions before closing.

Subscriptions You Forgot to Cancel May Still Charge You

If you missed canceling any automatic billing agreements, the merchant's system may still attempt to charge you. However, since the PayPal account is gone, the charges will likely fail — but it's best to cancel them manually to avoid service disruption.

Your PayPal Credit Is Cancelled

If you had a PayPal Credit (Buy Now, Pay Later) balance, that still needs to be paid off. Closing your PayPal account does NOT eliminate any outstanding PayPal Credit debt. You'll need to contact Synchrony Bank (the lender behind PayPal Credit) separately to manage any remaining balance.

Troubleshooting: Why Can't I Close My PayPal Account?

Many users run into roadblocks when trying to delete their account. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

Problem 1: "You Have a Remaining Balance"

Fix: Transfer all your funds to your linked bank account before attempting to close. Navigate to Wallet → Transfer Funds and complete the transfer. Wait 1–5 business days for the transfer to complete.

Problem 2: "You Have Pending Transactions"

Fix: Go to Activity and wait for all pending transactions to either complete or be cancelled. You cannot close the account while any transaction shows a Pending status.

Problem 3: "There's an Open Dispute or Claim"

Fix: Resolve all open disputes before closing. If you're the buyer or seller in an active case, wait for PayPal's resolution center to finalize the outcome. This could take up to 30 days in some cases.

Reference: Learn about dispute resolution at PayPal Resolution Center

Problem 4: "My Account Is Limited or Frozen"

Fix: If your account has been limited, you'll need to lift the limitation first. Go to Settings → Account Limitations and follow the steps to restore full account access. This may require providing additional identity verification documents.

Problem 5: "I Can't Find the 'Close Account' Option"

Fix: This usually happens when one of the above issues is unresolved. Alternatively, try using the full desktop version of the website rather than the mobile app, as the option is more reliably available there.

Problem 6: "I Want to Close a Business PayPal Account"

Fix: Closing a business account follows the same steps as a personal account. However, if your account is linked to a business entity, you may also want to formally unlink or notify any business partners, payment processors, or merchants that use your PayPal business email address.

How to Temporarily Deactivate PayPal Instead of Permanently Deleting

Not ready to commit to a full deletion? PayPal offers a way to temporarily limit your account activity rather than permanently closing it. While there's no official "pause" feature, you can:

Remove all linked payment methods so no transactions can be made.
Change your email address so it's harder to accidentally access.
Disable notifications to reduce engagement.
Simply stop using the account without officially closing it.

However, be aware that inactive accounts are still subject to PayPal's terms, and in some regions, PayPal has historically charged inactivity fees on dormant accounts with a balance. Always check the current fee structure in your region.

Best PayPal Alternatives to Consider in 2025

If you're leaving PayPal for a better service, here are the top-rated alternatives worth considering:

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Best for international transfers and freelancers. Wise uses real mid-market exchange rates and charges transparent, low fees. It supports 70+ currencies and offers a multi-currency account with a debit card. 🔗 Visit Wise

2. Stripe

Best for online businesses and developers. Stripe offers powerful payment processing with extensive API support, easy integration, and competitive fees. It's ideal for e-commerce stores and SaaS platforms. 🔗 Visit Stripe

3. Venmo

Best for peer-to-peer payments in the US. Owned by PayPal but operating separately, Venmo is popular for splitting bills, paying friends, and small personal transactions. It has a social feed feature and is free for most transactions. 🔗 Visit Venmo

4. Cash App (by Block/Square)

Best for simple money transfers and investing. Cash App lets you send money, invest in stocks and Bitcoin, and even receive direct deposits. It's widely used in the US and UK. 🔗 Visit Cash App

5. Payoneer

Best for international freelancers and marketplaces. Payoneer is widely used by freelancers who work with international clients and platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon. It supports multiple currencies and offers a prepaid Mastercard. 🔗 Visit Payoneer

6. Skrill

Best for online gaming, gambling, and global transfers. Skrill is popular in industries where PayPal is restricted, and offers competitive fees for international transfers. 🔗 Visit Skrill

7. Google Pay

Best for everyday payments and Google ecosystem users. Google Pay is free, widely accepted, and integrates seamlessly with Android devices and Google services. 🔗 Visit Google Pay

8. Apple Pay

Best for Apple ecosystem users. If you're an iPhone user, Apple Pay offers seamless, secure contactless payments both in-store and online. No fees for standard transactions. 🔗 Visit Apple Pay

How to Protect Your Financial Data After Leaving PayPal

Deleting your PayPal account is just one part of securing your financial information. Here are additional steps to protect yourself after leaving:

Update All Services That Used PayPal

Make a list of every online store, subscription, or service that had your PayPal as a payment method. Log into each one and update your billing information with your new preferred payment method. Common places to check:

Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+
Amazon, eBay, Etsy
Software subscriptions (Adobe, Microsoft 365, etc.)
Freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)
Gym memberships and fitness apps

Check Your Credit Card for Unauthorized Charges

In the weeks following your PayPal deletion, monitor your bank statements and credit card bills carefully. Look for any unexpected charges from services that may have had PayPal as a billing method.

Review Your Online Accounts for PayPal Sign-In

Many websites let you sign in using your PayPal account (OAuth). With your account deleted, those logins will no longer work. Identify any sites where you used "Log in with PayPal" and create a new login using your email and a fresh password.

Consider a Credit Freeze If You're Worried About Data

If you're concerned about your personal data being misused, you can place a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents anyone from opening new lines of credit in your name.

Reference: Learn how to freeze your credit at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I reopen my PayPal account after deleting it? A: No. Once an account is permanently closed, it cannot be reopened. However, you can create a brand new account using the same email address.

Q: How long does it take for the PayPal account to be fully deleted? A: The account is typically closed immediately upon confirmation. However, PayPal may retain certain records internally for compliance reasons for a period of time.

Q: Will deleting PayPal affect my credit score? A: A standard PayPal account deletion generally does not affect your credit score. However, if you have an outstanding PayPal Credit balance with Synchrony Bank, that could have credit implications if left unpaid.

Q: Can I delete my PayPal account if I have a negative balance? A: No. You must clear any negative balance before closing the account. You'll need to add funds or resolve the negative balance first.

Q: What if I can't log in to my PayPal account to close it? A: Contact PayPal Customer Support directly at PayPal Contact Page. Explain that you want to close your account and cannot access it. They'll walk you through an identity verification process.

Q: Is there a way to delete a PayPal account without logging in? A: Technically, no. You need to be logged in to initiate account closure. If you've lost access to your email or password, use the Forgot Password recovery option on the PayPal login page.

Q: Does PayPal delete my personal data after account closure? A: PayPal is required to retain some data for legal and regulatory reasons even after account closure. You can request more information about their data retention policies in their Privacy Policy.

Q: Can I delete a PayPal account linked to a suspended or limited account? A: If your account is limited, you typically need to resolve the limitation before closing. Contact PayPal support if you're unable to resolve it yourself.

Q: What happens to my PayPal transaction history after deletion? A: You lose access to your transaction history upon deletion. This is why downloading it before you close is strongly recommended.

Q: If someone sends me money after I delete my account, what happens? A: The transaction will fail since the account no longer exists. The sender's money should be returned to them automatically.

Step-by-Step Summary: Delete PayPal Account Checklist

Here's a quick reference checklist to make sure you've covered everything:

Before Closing:

✅ Withdraw all PayPal balance to your bank
✅ Cancel all subscriptions and automatic payments
✅ Wait for all pending transactions to clear
✅ Resolve any open disputes or claims
✅ Remove linked bank accounts and cards
✅ Download your full transaction history
✅ Note which services use PayPal for login or billing

Closing the Account:

✅ Log in to PayPal on desktop (recommended) or mobile
✅ Go to Settings → Account Options
✅ Click "Close Your Account"
✅ Follow confirmation prompts
✅ Save the confirmation email

After Closing:

✅ Update payment methods on all subscriptions
✅ Check bank/card statements for unexpected charges
✅ Update login credentials on any site using "Log in with PayPal"
✅ Set up your new preferred payment platform

Conclusion

Deleting your PayPal account is entirely possible, but it requires careful preparation to ensure you don't lose money, disrupt active subscriptions, or create billing headaches down the line. By following the comprehensive steps in this guide — from withdrawing your balance and canceling subscriptions to navigating the actual deletion process on both desktop and mobile — you can close your account cleanly and confidently.

If PayPal simply no longer meets your needs, there's never been a better time to explore alternatives. Platforms like Wise, Stripe, Cash App, and Payoneer offer competitive rates, better customer support, and more features for both personal and business use.

Whatever your reason for leaving, protecting your financial data, updating your linked services, and staying vigilant after deletion are the final steps to a full and clean break from PayPal.

How to Delete Your PayPal Account