Remove a Card in Three Steps
To delete a credit card from PayPal, log into your account, go to your wallet, find the card you want to remove, and click the delete option next to it. PayPal will ask you to confirm the deletion. Once you confirm, the card is removed from your account when ready and cannot be used for future payments.
The process takes less than a minute. You do not need to contact PayPal support unless the card is linked to an active subscription or recurring payment — in that case, you must first switch that payment to a different card or payment method before you can delete it.
Key Takeaways
- You can delete any card from PayPal by logging in, opening your wallet, and clicking the delete button next to the card you want to remove.
- If a card is set as your primary payment method, PayPal will let you delete it, but you should choose a different primary card first to avoid payment failures.
- Cards linked to active subscriptions or recurring payments cannot be deleted until you change the payment method for those subscriptions.
- Deleting a card from PayPal does not close your PayPal account or affect your account history — only that specific card is removed.
Step-by-Step: Deleting a Card on Desktop
Open PayPal in your web browser and log in with your email and password. Once you are on your account dashboard, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, or click on your name in the top right. Select Wallet from the menu.
In your wallet, you will see all your linked payment methods — cards, bank accounts, and other options. Find the card you want to delete and click on it to open its details. Look for a Delete or Remove button, usually near the bottom of the card information. Click it.
PayPal will ask you to confirm that you want to delete this card. Click Yes, Delete or the confirmation button. The card is now removed from your account and will no longer appear in your wallet.
Deleting a Card on Mobile
Open the PayPal app on your phone and log in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Wallet.
Find the card you want to remove and tap on it. Scroll down to the bottom of the card details and tap Delete Card or Remove. Confirm the deletion when PayPal asks you to. The card is deleted when ready.
What to Do If a Card Is Linked to a Subscription
If you try to delete a card and PayPal tells you it is linked to a subscription or recurring payment, you cannot delete it until you change the payment method for that subscription. PayPal will usually show you which subscription is using the card.
To fix this, go to your Settings, then Payments, then Manage Automatic Payments or Subscriptions. Find the subscription that uses the card you want to delete. Click on it and change the payment method to a different card or bank account. Once you have done that, return to your wallet and delete the card.
If Your Card Is Your Primary Payment Method
PayPal will let you delete your primary card, but it is a good idea to set a different card as primary first. If your primary card is deleted and you try to make a payment without choosing a different method, the payment may fail.
To change your primary card, go to your Wallet, find the card you want to make primary, and look for an option that says Make Primary or Set as Default. Click it. Now you can safely delete your old primary card.
What Happens After You Delete a Card
Once a card is deleted, it is removed from your PayPal wallet and cannot be used for any new payments. However, deleting a card does not affect your PayPal account balance, your transaction history, or any past purchases you made with that card. Your account remains active and fully functional.
If you delete a card by mistake, you can add it back to your account at any time. Go to your wallet, click Add a Card, and enter the card details again. PayPal will verify the card and add it back within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting a card from PayPal affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal is just removing it from your PayPal account. It does not close the card itself, cancel the card with your bank, or affect your credit in any way. Your bank still has the card active unless you close it separately.
Can I delete a card if I have a pending payment?
If a payment is still processing, PayPal may not let you delete the card until the payment completes. Wait a few minutes for the payment to finish, then try deleting the card again. If the payment has already gone through, you can delete the card when ready.
What if I forgot which card I want to delete?
In your wallet, PayPal shows the last four digits of each card and the expiration date. This should help you identify which card is which. If you are still unsure, you can add a nickname to each card in your wallet settings to keep track of them.
Do I need to tell PayPal why I am deleting a card?
No. PayPal does not ask for a reason when you delete a card. You can remove any card from your account without explanation. straightforward click delete and confirm.