Remove a card in three steps from your PayPal wallet
To delete a credit card from PayPal, log into your account, go to Wallet, find the card you want to remove, and select Remove. The card is deleted when ready and PayPal stops charging it for future payments. If the card is set as your default payment method, PayPal will prompt you to choose a replacement before deletion goes through.
You can remove any card you have added to your account, whether you use it regularly or not. Removing a card does not affect past transactions — those stay in your history. It only stops PayPal from using that card for new purchases going forward.
Key Takeaways
- Log into PayPal, click Wallet, locate your card, and click Remove to delete it permanently.
- If the card is your default payment method, you must select a different card before PayPal will let you remove it.
- Removing a card does not cancel subscriptions or recurring payments tied to that card — you must update or cancel those separately.
- Deleted cards can be re-added to your account at any time by entering the card details again.
Step-by-step: how to delete a card from PayPal
Start by opening PayPal in a web browser or the PayPal app on your phone. Log in with your email and password.
On the website, click your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account Settings. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap Settings.
Look for Wallet or Payment Methods — the exact label depends on whether you are on the website or app. Click or tap it to see all your saved cards and payment methods.
Find the card you want to remove. Click or tap the three dots next to it (or the card itself, depending on your device), then select Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm. Click Remove again, and the card is deleted.
What happens if the card is your default payment method
If you try to remove a card that PayPal uses as your default, the system will not let you delete it until you choose a different card first. PayPal needs at least one payment method on file to process transactions.
When you attempt to remove a default card, PayPal shows you a list of your other payment methods — other cards, bank accounts, or PayPal balance. Select a new default, then return to remove the old card. Once you have set a replacement, the removal goes through when ready.
Removing a card does not stop subscriptions or recurring charges
If you have set up a subscription or recurring payment using that card — such as a streaming service, gym membership, or monthly donation — removing the card from PayPal does not cancel the subscription. PayPal will try to charge your new default payment method instead.
If you want to stop a recurring charge entirely, you must cancel the subscription itself, not just remove the card. Log into PayPal, go to Settings, find Payments or Subscriptions, locate the recurring payment, and select Cancel. Only then will the charge stop.
Re-adding a card you have deleted
Deleting a card from PayPal is not permanent. You can add the same card back to your account at any time by entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV again.
To re-add a card, go to Wallet, click Link a card or Add a card, and enter the card details. PayPal will verify the card with a small temporary charge (usually under $1) that appears on your statement within a few days. Once verified, the card is active and ready to use.
Why you might want to remove a card
Common reasons to delete a card include replacing an old card with a new one after your bank reissued it, removing a card you no longer use, or cleaning up your wallet after a security concern. If your card was lost or stolen, removing it from PayPal stops new charges but does not reverse past unauthorized transactions — contact PayPal support or your bank to report fraud.
If you are concerned about a card's security but still want to use it elsewhere, removing it from PayPal is a straightforward way to limit where it is stored. You can always add it back later if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing a card hurt my PayPal account or credit score?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal does not affect your credit score or account standing. It is a straightforward removal of a payment method. Your credit history and PayPal account status remain unchanged.
Can I remove a card if I have a pending transaction?
Yes. Pending transactions are not affected by removing a card. Once a transaction is pending or complete, it is locked in and will process regardless of whether the card is still in your wallet. You can safely remove the card while a transaction is pending.
What if I remove a card by mistake?
You can re-add it when ready by going to Wallet, clicking Add a card, and entering the same card details. PayPal will recognize it as a card you have used before and verify it quickly, usually within minutes.
Do I need to contact PayPal to remove a card?
No. You can remove any card yourself through your account settings in seconds. You only need to contact PayPal support if you have trouble accessing your wallet, if a card will not delete, or if you suspect fraud.