How to close your PayPal account
You can close a PayPal account through your account settings on the PayPal website or mobile app. The process takes a few minutes, but PayPal requires your account balance to be zero before you can proceed — you must withdraw any remaining money or transfer it elsewhere first. If you have an active PayPal Credit line or outstanding disputes, you will need to resolve those before closure is possible.
PayPal does not charge a fee to close your account. However, if you close an account and later want to use PayPal again, you can reopen it, though you may need to verify your identity again depending on how long it has been closed.
Key Takeaways
- Your PayPal account balance must be exactly zero before you can close the account — withdraw or transfer any remaining funds first.
- Active PayPal Credit accounts and unresolved disputes will block closure, so you must settle these before proceeding.
- The closure request is submitted through your account settings under Resolution Center or Account Settings, depending on your account type.
- PayPal may take several days to fully process the closure after you submit the request, and you will receive a confirmation email.
- Closing your account does not automatically cancel linked payment methods or subscriptions — you may need to cancel those separately with merchants.
Steps to close your account
Log into your PayPal account on the website or open the mobile app. Go to your account settings — on the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Account Settings. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon and look for Settings.
Look for a link labeled "Close your account" or "Account closure" — this is usually found under the Account section or under a heading like "Account Information." Click or tap that link. PayPal will show you a form asking why you want to close the account; you can select a reason from the dropdown menu or leave it blank. Enter any additional comments if you wish, then submit the request.
PayPal will send you a confirmation email. The account closure typically completes within a few business days, though PayPal may take longer if there are pending transactions or if they need to verify information about your account.
What to do with your account balance before closing
If you have money in your PayPal account, you must remove it before closure. You have two main options: withdraw the money to a linked bank account, or transfer it to another PayPal account if you have one.
To withdraw to your bank account, go to your Wallet section and select "Transfer Money." Choose "Transfer to your bank" and enter the amount you want to move. PayPal will process the transfer to the bank account you have on file — this usually takes one to three business days, though it can vary by bank.
If you prefer not to link a bank account, you can transfer your balance to another PayPal account you control, or you can request a check from PayPal, though this option is not available in all countries and may take longer.
Resolving blocks to closure
If you have an active PayPal Credit account, you must pay off any balance before you can close your account. Log into your account and check your PayPal Credit section to see what you owe. Pay the full amount through your PayPal balance or linked payment method.
If you have open disputes or claims — for example, a buyer dispute or a chargeback from your bank — PayPal will not let you close your account until those are resolved. Check your Resolution Center to see if any cases are pending. You may need to wait for PayPal to make a decision, or you may be able to contact the other party to reach a settlement.
If PayPal has limited or restricted your account for any reason, you will need to contact PayPal directly to resolve the restriction before you can close it. Call PayPal's customer service or use the contact form in your account to explain your situation.
What happens to subscriptions and linked services
Closing your PayPal account does not automatically cancel recurring payments or subscriptions you have set up with merchants. You will need to cancel those separately by logging into each merchant's website or app and removing PayPal as your payment method.
If you have authorized third-party apps or services to access your PayPal account — for example, a shipping tool or accounting software — those connections will be severed when your account closes. However, you should revoke access to any connected apps before closing, just to be thorough. Go to your Settings, find "Apps and Permissions" or "Connected Apps," and disconnect anything you no longer use.
If you receive money through PayPal for work or sales, make sure you have notified your customers or clients of an alternative payment method before you close the account. Once closed, people will not be able to send you money through that PayPal address.
Reopening a closed PayPal account
If you close your account and later decide you want to use PayPal again, you can create a new account using the same email address or a different one. PayPal will treat it as a new account, so you will need to verify your identity and link payment methods again.
If your account was closed due to a violation of PayPal's User Agreement — for example, if PayPal closed it rather than you requesting closure — you may not be able to reopen it or create a new account. In that case, you would need to contact PayPal to understand why the account was closed and whether you can appeal the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my PayPal account if I have pending transactions?
No. PayPal will not let you close your account while money is in transit to or from your account. Wait for all pending transfers to complete, then try again. Check your Activity or Transaction History to see if anything is still processing.
What happens to my transaction history after I close my account?
Your transaction history remains accessible to PayPal for their records and for tax or legal purposes, but you will not be able to view it through a closed account. If you need records for taxes or disputes, download or screenshot your transaction history before you close the account.
Do I need to close my linked bank account or credit card when I close PayPal?
No. Closing your PayPal account only closes the PayPal account itself. Your bank account and credit cards remain open and active. You may want to remove them from PayPal's system before closing, but that is optional.
How long does it take PayPal to fully close my account?
PayPal usually completes account closure within a few business days of your request. You will receive a confirmation email when it is done. In some cases, if there are pending items or verification needed, it may take longer.
Can I close my PayPal account by phone?
PayPal prefers that you close your account through your account settings online or in the app. However, if you have trouble accessing your account or need help, you can call PayPal's customer service and ask them to assist with the closure process.