You can close your PayPal account through the settings menu, but you must settle any balance first
To close your PayPal account, log in to your account, go to Settings, select Account, then find the Close Your Account option. PayPal will walk you through a short form asking why you're leaving. The process takes a few minutes, but your account won't actually close until you've resolved any outstanding balance — whether that's money owed to PayPal or money sitting in your account that you need to withdraw.
Once your account is closed, you cannot reopen it. You can create a new PayPal account with the same email address after 180 days, but your transaction history and any linked cards or bank accounts will be gone. If you're closing because of a problem with your account, contact PayPal support before you close — they may be able to fix the issue instead.
Key Takeaways
- You must withdraw any money in your account or pay any balance owed to PayPal before the account will close.
- Closing your account is permanent; you cannot reopen it, though you can create a new account with the same email after 180 days.
- If your account is limited or frozen, contact PayPal support first — closing won't resolve the underlying issue.
- Any recurring payments or subscriptions linked to your PayPal account will stop working once it closes.
Check your account balance before you start
Before you close your account, log in and check whether you have money sitting in your PayPal balance. If you do, you'll need to withdraw it to your bank account or linked debit card. Go to your Wallet, select your PayPal balance, and choose Transfer Money. You can transfer to a U.S. bank account (which takes one to three business days) or to a debit card (which takes 30 minutes to two hours).
If you owe PayPal money — for example, because a payment was reversed or a dispute went against you — you'll also need to settle that before closing. PayPal will tell you the amount owed and the payment method they'll use to collect it, usually from a linked bank account or card. Once both your balance and any debt are resolved, you can proceed with closing.
Navigate to the account closure option
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the mobile app. On a computer, click the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and scroll down to Settings.
In Settings, select Account (or Account Information on the app). Scroll down until you see the Close Your Account option — it's usually near the bottom of the page. Click or tap it to begin the closure process.
Complete the closure form
PayPal will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask why you're closing your account. The options usually include "I no longer need PayPal," "I'm concerned about security," "I found a better service," or "Other." You don't have to choose a reason if you don't want to, but PayPal uses this information to understand why people leave.
You'll also see a warning that your account will be permanently closed and that you won't be able to access your transaction history afterward. Read this carefully. If you need records of past transactions for tax or business purposes, read or screenshot them before you close. Once you confirm, PayPal will send you an email confirming the closure.
What happens to linked cards and bank accounts
When your account closes, PayPal removes the connection to any debit cards, credit cards, or bank accounts you linked to it. Those accounts themselves are not affected — your bank account will still exist, and your cards will still work. You straightforward won't be able to use them through PayPal anymore.
If you have any recurring payments or subscriptions set up through PayPal, those will stop working. Notify any merchants or services you pay through PayPal so they know the payment method is no longer active. Some services may ask you to update your payment information.
Reopen an account if you change your mind
If you close your account and then change your mind, you cannot reopen the same account. However, you can create a new PayPal account using the same email address, but only after 180 days have passed since the closure. The new account will be completely separate — it won't have access to your old transaction history or any of your previous settings.
If you're hesitating about closing, consider deactivating your account instead. Some users straightforward stop using PayPal without formally closing it. This keeps your account and history intact in case you need it later, though an inactive account still takes up space in PayPal's system. Contact PayPal support if you want to know whether deactivation is an option for your situation.
If your account is limited or frozen
If PayPal has limited your account or frozen your funds due to suspicious activity, a dispute, or a violation of their terms, closing your account won't resolve the issue. PayPal may still hold your funds or pursue collection if money is owed. Contact PayPal's Resolution Center or call their support line to understand why your account was limited and what you need to do to regain access or retrieve your money.
In some cases, PayPal will release your funds after a waiting period or once you've provided additional information. Closing the account during this process can actually make it harder to recover your money, so speak with support first. If you've been permanently banned from PayPal, you won't be able to create a new account with the same information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my PayPal account if I have a pending transaction?
No. You must wait for all pending transactions to complete before you close your account. This includes payments that are processing, refunds that haven't arrived, or disputes that are still being reviewed. Once everything has settled, you can proceed with closure.
Will closing my PayPal account affect my credit score?
Closing your PayPal account itself does not affect your credit score. PayPal does not report account closures to credit bureaus. However, if you owe PayPal money and don't pay it, they may send the debt to a collection agency, which could hurt your credit.
What if I forgot my PayPal password?
You can still close your account, but you'll need to reset your password first. Go to the PayPal login page, click "Forgot password?", and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. Once you've regained access, you can proceed with closing your account.
How long does it take for my PayPal account to fully close?
PayPal closes your account when ready after you confirm the closure, but they may retain your data for a period of time for legal and compliance reasons. You'll lose access to your account right away, and you won't be able to log in or retrieve your transaction history.
Can I read my transaction history before closing?
Yes. Before you close your account, log in and go to your Activity or History section. Most transactions can be viewed and screenshotted, though PayPal does not offer a built-in export feature for all users. If you need a formal record, contact PayPal support and ask about obtaining a transaction report.