Delete a card from PayPal in three steps
To remove a credit card from PayPal, sign 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 default payment method, PayPal will prompt you to choose a different one before the deletion completes.
You might delete a card because it expired, you're switching to a different payment method, you want to reduce the number of cards on file, or you're concerned about security. Whatever the reason, the process takes less than a minute and doesn't affect your PayPal account itself — only the stored card information is removed.
Key Takeaways
- Sign into PayPal on a web browser or the mobile app, then navigate to your wallet or payment methods section to see all stored cards.
- Click or tap the delete button next to the card you want to remove; PayPal will ask you to confirm before the card is permanently deleted.
- If the card you're deleting is your default payment method, you must select a different card or payment source before the deletion goes through.
- Deleting a card from PayPal does not close your PayPal account or affect any past transactions made with that card.
Delete a card on the PayPal website
Open a web browser and go to paypal.com. Log in with your email address and password. Once you're in your account, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, or click on your name or profile icon in the top right, depending on your account layout.
Select Wallet or Payment Methods from the menu. You'll see a list of all payment sources linked to your account — credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and any other methods you've added. Find the card you want to delete and hover over it or click on it to reveal the options.
Click the Delete button or the trash icon next to the card. PayPal will ask you to confirm the deletion. Click Yes, delete it or Confirm. The card is now removed from your account.
If this card was set as your default payment method, PayPal will show a message asking you to choose a new default before the deletion is complete. Select a different card or payment source from the list and confirm. Once you've done that, the original card is deleted.
Delete a card on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app on your phone or tablet and sign in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen on most phones, or look for your profile icon at the top.
Tap Wallet or Payment Methods. You'll see your list of stored cards and payment sources. Swipe left on the card you want to delete (on iPhone) or long-press it (on Android), or tap the three dots or menu icon next to the card.
Select Delete or Remove from the options that appear. Confirm the deletion when PayPal asks. If the card is your default payment method, select a replacement before confirming.
What happens after you delete a card
Once deleted, the card is no longer stored in your PayPal account and cannot be used for future purchases. PayPal will not charge it again. If you have an active subscription or recurring payment set up with that card, you need to update the payment method for that subscription separately — deleting the card does not automatically cancel subscriptions.
Your PayPal account remains open and active. Past transactions made with that card are still visible in your transaction history, and you can still view the details of those purchases. Deleting the card does not erase your purchase history or affect your account balance.
If you deleted the card by mistake, you can add it back to your account at any time by going to your wallet and selecting the option to add a new payment method. You'll need to enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV again.
Update your default payment method before deleting
If the card you want to delete is currently your default payment method, PayPal requires you to choose a different card or payment source before the deletion can go through. This ensures you always have at least one active payment method on file.
To change your default payment method without deleting anything, go to your wallet, find the card you want to make default, and look for an option that says Make Default, Set as Primary, or a similar label. Click or tap it, and that card becomes your new default. Then you can go back and delete the old card if you want.
Reasons to delete a card from PayPal
You might delete a card because it expired and you've already added a new one. You might also delete it if you're no longer using that bank or credit card company and want to clean up your account. Some people delete cards to reduce the number of payment methods stored online, which can feel like a security precaution even though PayPal's encryption is strong.
If you suspect fraud or your card was compromised, deleting it from PayPal is a good first step, though you should also contact your bank or card issuer directly. If you're selling your phone or device, deleting payment methods from the PayPal app before you hand it over is a sensible security practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting a card cancel my subscriptions or recurring payments?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal does not cancel subscriptions or stop recurring payments. If you have an active subscription charged to that card, you must update the payment method for that subscription separately through the merchant's website or app, or through your PayPal subscription settings. If you don't update it, the subscription will fail when PayPal tries to charge the deleted card.
Can I delete a card if it's linked to a PayPal Credit account?
If the card is the primary funding source for your PayPal Credit account, you may not be able to delete it without updating your account settings first. Contact PayPal directly through the Help Center or the app to confirm whether your card can be removed. In most cases, you can add a different card as your primary funding source and then delete the old one.
What if I see a card in my wallet that I don't recognize?
If you see a card you didn't add, delete it when ready and then contact PayPal's Resolution Center to report unauthorized access. Change your PayPal password and enable two-factor authentication on your account. If you believe your actual card was compromised, contact your bank or card issuer as well.
Does PayPal keep my deleted card information after I remove it?
PayPal removes the card from your account, but payment processors typically retain some transaction records for legal and fraud-prevention purposes. Your full card number is not stored in a way you can see after deletion. If you want to know exactly what data PayPal retains, you can request your personal data through your account settings or contact PayPal's privacy team.
Can I delete all my cards from PayPal?
You can delete all but one payment method. PayPal requires at least one active payment source on your account. If you want to remove all cards, you must keep either a bank account, a debit card, or another valid payment method linked to your account.