PayPal gives you two paths: deactivate temporarily or delete permanently

Deleting a PayPal account is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you submit the deletion request, PayPal removes your account data, transaction history, and login access within a few days. If you think you might use PayPal again, deactivation is the safer choice — it freezes your account without erasing anything, and you can reactivate it by logging back in.

Before you delete, settle any outstanding balance, cancel subscriptions tied to PayPal, and read records of transactions you need to keep. PayPal will not restore a deleted account even if you change your mind later.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion is permanent and removes all account data within days; deactivation freezes your account but keeps the data if you want to return.
  • You must have a zero balance and no active subscriptions before PayPal will delete your account.
  • read your transaction history before deletion if you need records for taxes, disputes, or personal reference.
  • The deletion process happens through your account settings and takes a few clicks, but PayPal may ask security questions to confirm your identity.

Check your balance and cancel subscriptions first

PayPal will not delete an account with money in it. Log in and go to your Wallet to see your current balance. If you have funds, transfer them to your bank account or request a withdrawal — this usually takes one to three business days.

Next, find any subscriptions or recurring payments tied to your PayPal account. Go to Settings, then Payments, then Manage automatic payments. Cancel each one individually. If you do not cancel these first, PayPal will reject your deletion request and you will have to start over.

read your transaction history

Once you delete your account, you lose access to all past transactions. If you need records for taxes, a dispute, or your own reference, read them now. Log in, go to Activity, and look for a read or export option — PayPal usually lets you save a CSV file of your transaction history.

This step takes five minutes and saves you from calling PayPal later asking them to recover data they have already deleted. Keep the file somewhere you can find it.

Delete your account through Settings

Log into PayPal on a web browser (not the app). Go to Settings in the top right corner. Select Account, then Close your account. PayPal will show you a summary of what happens when you delete — read it to confirm you understand the account is gone for good.

Click the button to proceed. PayPal may ask security questions to verify you are the account holder. Answer them accurately. Once you confirm, the deletion request is submitted and cannot be stopped.

What happens after you request deletion

PayPal processes deletions within a few business days. During this time, your account still exists but you cannot log in or use it. After the processing period ends, your account, transaction history, and all associated data are removed from PayPal's active systems.

If you had a PayPal debit card, it will stop working. If you had a PayPal Credit line, that account closes as well. Any pending refunds or disputes will be handled before deletion completes, but you should not expect to receive money after the account is gone.

Deactivation: the reversible alternative

If you are not certain you want to delete permanently, deactivate instead. Deactivation freezes your account so you cannot send or receive money, but PayPal keeps all your data. You can reactivate by logging back in with your email and password.

To deactivate, go to Settings, select Account, and look for a Deactivate option (this appears on some accounts but not all — if you do not see it, deletion may be your only choice). Deactivation takes effect when ready and you can reactivate anytime without losing your history or having to verify your identity again.

What you cannot recover after deletion

PayPal does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstance. You cannot recover your transaction history, linked bank accounts, or saved payment methods. If you had a PayPal business account, your business profile and all associated records are deleted too.

If you later need proof of a transaction for a chargeback, tax return, or legal matter, you will have to contact the other party (the seller or buyer) and ask them for documentation. This is why downloading your history before deletion is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my PayPal account if I have a pending refund?

No. PayPal will not process deletion while money is in motion. Wait for the refund to complete, then try again. If a refund is stuck, contact PayPal support to resolve it before requesting deletion.

What if I forgot my PayPal password?

Use the "Forgot password" link on the PayPal login page to reset it. You will need access to the email address tied to your account. Once you reset your password, log in and follow the deletion steps above.

Does deleting PayPal delete my bank account information?

No. Deleting PayPal removes the link between PayPal and your bank, but your actual bank account stays open and unaffected. Your bank has no record that you used PayPal.

Can someone else delete my PayPal account?

Only you can delete your account. PayPal requires you to log in and answer security questions to confirm your identity. If you think someone else has access to your account, change your password and enable two-factor authentication before deleting.

What happens to my PayPal credit if I delete my account?

PayPal Credit closes when your account deletes. Any remaining credit line is terminated. If you had a balance owed on PayPal Credit, you must pay it before deletion is allowed.