Delete a credit card from PayPal in three steps
To remove a credit card from PayPal, log into your account, go to your wallet, find the card you want to delete, and select the remove option. The card is gone when ready — PayPal does not charge you to delete it, and the process takes less than a minute. You can delete any card except the one set as your primary payment method, which you will need to change first if that is the card you want to remove.
PayPal keeps your card information find whether you delete it or leave it on file. Deleting a card does not affect past transactions, refunds, or your account history. If you delete a card by mistake, you can add it back the same way you added it originally.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot delete your primary payment method until you assign a different card or payment source as primary.
- Deleted cards are removed from your wallet when ready and cannot be used for future purchases.
- Deleting a card does not cancel subscriptions or recurring payments tied to that card — you must cancel those separately.
- Past transactions and refunds remain in your account history even after you delete the card that was used.
- You can re-add a deleted card at any time by entering the card details again.
Step-by-step: Remove a card from your PayPal wallet
Step 1: Log into PayPal. Go to paypal.com and sign in with your email and password. If you use PayPal on your phone, open the PayPal app instead.
Step 2: Open your wallet. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Wallet" from the menu. In the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then tap "Wallet."
Step 3: Find the card you want to delete. Your wallet shows all cards and payment methods linked to your account. Look for the card you want to remove and click or tap on it to open its details.
Step 4: Select remove or delete. On the card details page, look for a "Remove" or "Delete" button. Click or tap it. PayPal will ask you to confirm — select "Yes" or "Confirm" to finish. The card is now deleted from your account.
What to do if the card is your primary payment method
PayPal does not let you delete the card set as your primary payment method. If you try to delete it, you will see a message saying you need to change your primary payment method first.
To change your primary payment method, open your wallet and look for the card or payment source you want to make primary. Click or tap on it and select "Make Primary" or "Set as Primary." Once a different card is primary, you can go back and delete the old one using the steps above.
If you only have one card on your account, you will need to add a second payment method before you can delete the first one. You can add a debit card, another credit card, or a bank account.
Subscriptions and recurring payments tied to a deleted card
If you have a subscription or recurring payment set to charge your card, deleting the card does not stop those charges. PayPal will try to charge your new primary payment method instead. If you do not want the subscription to continue, you must cancel it separately.
To cancel a subscription, go to your wallet, find the subscription listed under "Subscriptions" or "Recurring Payments," and select "Cancel." The subscription stops when ready, and you will not be charged again. Deleting the card alone is not enough to stop the charges.
Recovering a deleted card or re-adding it
If you delete a card and then change your mind, you can add it back to your PayPal account at any time. The process is the same as adding any new card: go to your wallet, select "Add a Card," and enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV.
PayPal does not store a record of deleted cards, so you will need to enter the full card details again. If you have forgotten the card number, check your physical card or contact your bank. Adding the card back takes about a minute and does not affect your account history or past transactions.
Why you might want to delete a card
People delete cards from PayPal for several reasons: the card is expired or about to expire, you are switching to a new card from the same bank, you want to reduce the number of payment methods on file, or you are concerned about security and want to remove old cards you no longer use.
If your card is expired, you do not have to delete it — PayPal will straightforward stop trying to use it. However, removing expired cards keeps your wallet clean and reduces clutter. If you are switching to a new card, delete the old one after you have confirmed the new card works and is set as primary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting a card affect my PayPal balance or account history?
No. Deleting a card does not change your PayPal balance, remove past transactions, or affect refunds. Your account history stays the same. The card is straightforward removed from your list of payment methods.
What happens if I delete a card while a payment is pending?
If a payment is still processing when you delete the card, the payment will go through using the card information PayPal already has. Deleting the card does not cancel a payment that is already in progress. Once the payment completes, the card will no longer be available for future charges.
Can I delete a card if I have an active dispute or claim?
Yes, you can delete a card even if you have an open dispute or claim. The dispute or claim is tied to the transaction, not the card itself, so removing the card does not affect it. PayPal will still be able to process refunds or resolutions to your account.
Do I need to delete a card before closing my PayPal account?
No. If you close your PayPal account, all linked cards are automatically removed. You do not need to delete them individually. However, if you are just removing a card and keeping your account open, follow the steps above.
Can someone else delete my cards if they have access to my account?
Yes. Anyone who logs into your PayPal account can delete your cards. This is why it is important to use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and review your wallet for unauthorized changes.