Remove a card in three steps from your PayPal wallet
You can remove a credit card from PayPal in about two minutes using the wallet section of your account. The process is the same whether you want to delete a card you no longer use, replace an expiring card, or remove a card that's been compromised. PayPal keeps your wallet organized and lets you manage which cards are stored there at any time.
Once you remove a card, PayPal stops storing it and you cannot use it for future payments through your account. If you have an active subscription or recurring payment set to that card, you will need to update the payment method before the next charge date, or the payment will fail.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your PayPal account and go to Wallet to see all your stored payment methods.
- Click the card you want to remove, then select the delete or remove option to confirm.
- If the card is linked to a subscription or recurring payment, update that payment method first so your charges do not fail.
- Removing a card from PayPal does not close the card itself or affect your bank account — it only stops PayPal from storing it.
Log into PayPal and open your Wallet
Start by going to PayPal.com and signing into your account with your email and password. If you use two-factor authentication, enter the code sent to your phone or email.
Once you are logged in, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner on mobile, or click your name in the top right on desktop. Select Wallet from the menu. This page shows all the credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts you have stored in your PayPal account.
Find and select the card you want to remove
Your Wallet page displays each card with the last four digits and the card type (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). Look through the list and click on the card you want to delete.
When you click the card, PayPal opens a details page showing the full expiration date, the name on the card, and the billing address. At the bottom of this page, you will see a Remove or Delete button (the exact wording depends on whether you are using the mobile app or website, but both do the same thing).
Confirm the removal
Click the Remove or Delete button. PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove this card. Click Yes or Confirm to complete the removal.
The card is now deleted from your PayPal Wallet and no longer stored in your account. You will see it disappear from your Wallet list when ready. If you change your mind, you can add the card back at any time by going to Wallet and selecting the option to add a new payment method.
Update payment methods for subscriptions and recurring charges
Before you remove a card, check whether you have any subscriptions or recurring payments set to that card. These might include streaming services, software subscriptions, or monthly memberships you pay for through PayPal.
To find active subscriptions, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select Payments and Manage automatic payments. Look through the list and find any payments linked to the card you are about to remove. Click each one and select Update payment method, then choose a different card or bank account from your Wallet.
If you remove a card without updating a subscription, PayPal will attempt to charge the next payment to your backup payment method (if you have one set). If no backup exists, the payment will fail and the service may be suspended or cancelled.
What happens after you remove a card
Removing a card from PayPal only affects your PayPal account — it does not close the card itself, freeze your bank account, or change anything with your bank or card issuer. The card remains active and you can still use it anywhere else.
PayPal stops storing the card number and you cannot select it as a payment method on PayPal going forward. If you want to use that card with PayPal again in the future, you will need to add it back to your Wallet by entering the card details again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing a card hurt my credit score?
No. Removing a card from PayPal is just deleting it from your account — it does not close the card, report anything to credit bureaus, or affect your credit in any way. Your credit score is based on your payment history and credit usage with the card issuer, not with PayPal.
Can I remove a card if I have a pending payment?
Yes, you can remove the card when ready. However, if you have a pending transaction that has not yet settled, removing the card will not stop that charge. The payment will go through as scheduled. Only future charges are affected.
What if I remove a card by mistake?
You can add it back to your Wallet at any time. Go to Wallet, select Add a card, and enter the card details again. PayPal will recognize it as the same card and restore any previous settings.
Do I need to remove a card if it expires?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. If you have an updated card from the same issuer, add the new one to your Wallet and remove the expired card to keep your account organized. If you do not remove it, PayPal will straightforward decline it if a charge is attempted.