Delete a 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 from your account when ready, though any pending charges using that card will still process. You cannot delete a card that is set as your primary payment method — you must change your primary card first.
The process takes less than a minute and does not affect any past transactions or your PayPal account balance. If you are deleting the card because it is lost, stolen, or compromised, also contact your bank or card issuer directly to report it.
Key Takeaways
- You must change your primary payment method before you can delete the card currently set as primary.
- Deleting a card from PayPal does not cancel any subscriptions or recurring payments tied to that card — you must cancel those separately.
- Pending transactions will still go through even after you delete the card, so check your activity before removing it.
- Deleting a card from PayPal does not close the card itself or affect your relationship with your bank.
Step 1: Log in and open your wallet
Go to PayPal.com and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for the gear icon or menu in the top right corner of the page and select Account Settings or Settings.
From the settings menu, click Wallet or Payment Methods. This page shows all the credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts linked to your PayPal account. Find the card you want to remove in the list.
Step 2: Check if the card is your primary payment method
Look at the card you want to delete. If it has a label that says Primary or Default, you cannot delete it yet. You must first change your primary payment method to a different card or bank account.
To change your primary method, click on a different card or bank account in your wallet and select Make Primary or Set as Default. Once you have done that, you can return to the card you want to delete.
Step 3: Remove the card
Click on the card you want to delete. A menu will appear with options. Select Remove, Delete, or the trash icon — the exact wording depends on whether you are using PayPal on a computer or phone. PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the card.
Click Yes or Confirm to complete the removal. The card is now deleted from your PayPal account. You will see it disappear from your wallet list.
What happens to subscriptions and recurring payments
If you have set up automatic payments or subscriptions using the card you just deleted, those payments will fail the next time they are scheduled. PayPal will not automatically switch them to your new primary payment method.
You must manually update any subscriptions or recurring payments to use a different card. Go to the merchant's website or PayPal's subscription settings, find the payment method, and change it to your new primary card. This prevents your service from being interrupted and avoids late fees.
If the card has pending charges
Before you delete a card, check your recent activity to see if any charges are still processing. Pending transactions — those that show as "pending" or "processing" rather than "completed" — will still go through even after you delete the card from PayPal.
If you delete a card with a pending charge, the charge will complete using the card information PayPal already has on file. The deletion only removes the card from your account for future use. If you are concerned about a specific pending charge, contact PayPal's Resolution Center or your bank before deleting the card.
Deleting a card versus closing your PayPal account
Removing a card from PayPal is not the same as closing your PayPal account. The card is straightforward unlinked from your account. Your PayPal account, balance, and transaction history remain unchanged. You can still use PayPal with your other payment methods.
If you want to close your entire PayPal account instead, that is a separate process that requires you to withdraw any balance and then request account closure from the settings menu. Deleting a single card does not close your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a card if I have an active subscription on it?
Yes, you can delete the card, but the subscription will fail at the next billing date. You must update the subscription to use a different payment method before deleting the card, or the service will stop and you may be charged a late fee.
What if I forgot which card is my primary payment method?
Open your wallet in PayPal settings. The card marked Primary or Default is the one set as your main payment method. Select a different card and choose Make Primary before you can delete the current primary card.
Will deleting a card from PayPal close the card with my bank?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal only removes it from your PayPal account. The card itself remains open with your bank. If you want to close the card, you must contact your bank directly.
Can I delete a card if there is a dispute or claim on it?
PayPal may prevent you from deleting a card if there is an active dispute, claim, or investigation involving that card. Resolve the issue through PayPal's Resolution Center first, then you should be able to delete it.
How long does it take for a deleted card to stop working on PayPal?
The card is removed from your account when ready after you confirm the deletion. You will not be able to select it as a payment method for new transactions right away. However, any charges already processing will still complete.