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 delete option. The card is removed when ready and PayPal stops charging it for future purchases. If that card was set as your primary payment method, PayPal will prompt you to choose a replacement before the deletion completes.
You might delete a card because you're replacing it with a newer one, closing the account, or straightforward don't want PayPal to store it anymore. The process takes less than a minute and doesn't affect your PayPal account itself — only the stored payment method disappears.
Key Takeaways
- Log into PayPal on a computer or the mobile app, then navigate to your wallet or payment methods section to see all stored cards.
- Click or tap the card you want to remove, then select the delete or remove option — PayPal will ask you to confirm.
- If the card is your primary payment method, you must choose a different card or bank account before PayPal will complete the deletion.
- Deleting a card from PayPal does not close the card itself or affect your credit — it only removes PayPal's access to charge it.
- Recurring payments or subscriptions linked to that card will stop charging once the card is deleted.
Step-by-step deletion on a computer
Open PayPal in your web browser and sign in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, look for the gear icon or menu in the top right corner of the page and select Settings or Account Settings.
From the settings menu, click Wallet or Payment Methods — the exact label depends on your account type, but both lead to the same place. You'll see a list of all cards and bank accounts linked to your PayPal account, with each one showing the last four digits and the card type (Visa, Mastercard, and so on).
Find the card you want to delete and click on it. A menu will appear with options including Edit, Make Primary, and Delete or Remove. Click Delete. PayPal will ask you to confirm — click the confirmation button, and the card is removed from your account.
Step-by-step deletion on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings.
In Settings, tap Payment Methods or Wallet. You'll see your stored cards listed. Tap the card you want to remove, then tap Delete or Remove. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
The mobile app works the same way as the website, and the card is deleted from both when ready — you don't need to repeat the process on another device.
What happens if the card is your primary payment method
If the card you're trying to delete is set as your primary payment method, PayPal won't let you remove it until you choose a different card or bank account to use instead. When you click delete, PayPal will show you a message saying you need to select a new primary payment method first.
To fix this, go back to your wallet, click on a different card or bank account, and select Make Primary. Once you've set a new primary payment method, return to the card you want to delete and complete the deletion. This prevents you from accidentally leaving your PayPal account without a way to pay.
What happens to recurring payments and subscriptions
If you have subscriptions or recurring payments set to charge the card you're deleting, those charges will stop once the card is removed. PayPal does not automatically switch recurring payments to your new primary payment method — the subscription straightforward pauses.
Before you delete a card, check whether any active subscriptions are linked to it. You can see this in your PayPal account under Settings > Subscriptions and Payments or Automatic Payments. If you want the subscription to continue, update it to use a different card before you delete the old one. If you want the subscription to stop, deleting the card accomplishes that.
Deleting a card does not close the card itself
Removing a card from PayPal only removes PayPal's permission to charge it. The card itself remains open and active with your bank or credit card company. Your credit limit, balance, and account status are not affected.
If you want to actually close the credit card account, you need to contact your card issuer directly — PayPal deletion does not do that. Similarly, deleting a card from PayPal has no impact on your credit score or credit report.
If you can't find the delete option
Some older PayPal accounts or accounts in certain countries may have a slightly different layout. If you don't see a Delete button, look for a trash icon or a three-dot menu next to the card. Tap or click that, and the delete option should appear.
If you're still unable to locate the option, try logging out and logging back in, or clear your browser cache if you're using a computer. If the problem persists, contact PayPal's customer service — they can remove the card from your account on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PayPal charge my card after I delete it?
No. Once you delete a card, PayPal cannot charge it. If you have recurring payments set to that card, they will stop. If you want those payments to continue, update the subscription to use a different payment method before you delete the card.
Can I delete a card if I have a pending dispute or chargeback?
PayPal may prevent you from deleting a card if there is an active dispute, chargeback, or investigation involving it. Wait until the dispute is resolved, then try deleting the card again. If you need to delete it urgently, contact PayPal support.
Does deleting a card from PayPal affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal is straightforward removing a payment method from your PayPal account. It does not close the card, report anything to credit bureaus, or change your credit score in any way.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong card?
You can add the card back to PayPal at any time. Go to your wallet, select Add a Card, and enter the card details again. PayPal will treat it as a new entry, and you can set it as your primary payment method if needed.
Can I delete a card if my PayPal account is limited or restricted?
It depends on the reason for the limitation. If your account is under review or restricted due to a dispute, PayPal may not allow you to remove payment methods until the issue is resolved. Contact PayPal support to understand what actions are available on your account.