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 process takes less than a minute and you can do it from any device with internet access. PayPal does not charge a fee to remove a card, and the card itself is not affected — the deletion only breaks the link between that card and your PayPal account.
The exact steps depend on whether you are using the PayPal website or the mobile app, but both routes lead to the same result. Once deleted, you cannot use that card to fund PayPal purchases unless you add it again later.
Key Takeaways
- Log into PayPal, navigate to your wallet or payment methods, and select the card you want to remove.
- Click or tap the delete, remove, or trash icon next to the card — the label varies by device but the action is the same.
- Confirm the deletion when PayPal asks you to verify; the card is then disconnected from your account when ready.
- Deleting a card from PayPal does not close your PayPal account or affect the credit card itself with your bank.
- If you delete your only payment method, you will need to add a new card or bank account before you can make purchases.
Steps to delete a card on the PayPal website
Open PayPal in your web browser and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for the account icon or menu button — usually in the top right corner — and select it. From the dropdown menu, choose "Wallet" or "Payment methods" (the exact wording varies by account type).
In your wallet, you will see a list of all payment methods linked to your account: credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Find the card you want to remove and look for a menu icon next to it — usually three dots or a small arrow. Click that icon and select "Remove" or "Delete". PayPal will ask you to confirm the deletion. Click the confirmation button and the card is removed.
If you do not see a menu icon next to the card, try clicking directly on the card itself. Some versions of PayPal show the delete option only after you click the card to open its details.
Steps to delete a card on the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app and sign in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Wallet" or "Payment methods".
You will see your list of linked cards and accounts. Swipe left on the card you want to delete — on some versions of the app, you may need to tap and hold instead. A delete or remove button will appear. Tap it and confirm when PayPal asks you to verify. The card is then removed from your account.
If swiping does not work, look for a menu icon (three dots) next to the card and tap it to see the delete option.
What happens after you delete a card
Once deleted, the card no longer appears in your PayPal wallet. You cannot use it to fund PayPal purchases, and PayPal will not charge it for any reason. The card itself remains active with your bank — deletion only removes the connection between the card and PayPal.
If you delete your only payment method, you will see a message telling you to add a new card or bank account before you can make purchases. You can add a card back at any time by going to your wallet and selecting "Add a card" or "Link a new payment method".
Pending transactions that were already charged to the card before you deleted it will still process normally. Deletion does not cancel or reverse charges that have already been authorized.
Reasons to delete a card from PayPal
You might delete a card because it has expired, been replaced with a new one, or you no longer want to use it for PayPal purchases. You may also delete a card if you are concerned about security — for example, if the card number was compromised or you suspect unauthorized access to your PayPal account.
Removing unused cards from your PayPal wallet reduces the number of payment methods stored in your account, which can lower your security risk if your account is ever breached. It also makes your wallet cleaner and easier to navigate if you have many cards linked.
If you are closing a credit card account with your bank, delete it from PayPal first. This prevents PayPal from attempting to charge a card that no longer exists, which can trigger declined transaction messages or failed payment attempts.
Difference between deleting and setting a default card
Deleting a card removes it entirely from your PayPal account. Setting a default card keeps it in your wallet but tells PayPal to use that card automatically when you make a purchase, unless you choose a different payment method at checkout.
If you want to keep a card linked to PayPal but stop using it for purchases, you do not need to delete it — just set a different card as your default. To change your default card, go to your wallet, find the card you want to use by default, and look for an option that says "Make this my primary payment method" or similar. The exact wording depends on your PayPal version.
Troubleshooting: card will not delete
If you try to delete a card and the option does not appear or the deletion fails, the most common reason is that PayPal is still processing a transaction on that card. Wait a few hours and try again.
Another reason deletion might fail is if the card is linked to an active subscription or recurring payment. PayPal may prevent you from deleting the card until that subscription ends or you change the payment method for that subscription. To do this, go to your subscriptions or recurring payments section, find the subscription using that card, and update it to use a different payment method.
If deletion still does not work, try logging out of PayPal completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in. If the problem continues, contact PayPal support through the Help Center on their website — they can investigate whether something is blocking the deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a card from PayPal affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal only removes the link between the card and your PayPal account. It does not close the credit card itself, does not contact your bank, and does not appear on your credit report. Your credit score is not affected.
Can I delete a card if I have a pending refund on it?
You can delete the card, but it is usually better to wait until the refund has processed. If you delete the card before the refund arrives, PayPal may have trouble returning the money and the refund could be delayed or fail. Check your transaction history to see if a refund is still pending, and if so, wait a few days before deleting the card.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong card?
PayPal does not have an undo button for deleted cards. However, you can add the card back at any time by going to your wallet and selecting "Add a card". You will need to enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV again, just as if you were linking it for the first time.
Can I delete a card if it is my only payment method?
PayPal will let you delete your only card, but you will then have no way to fund purchases. You will see a message telling you to add a new payment method. Add a different card or link a bank account before you delete your current card if you want to avoid this situation.
Does PayPal notify my bank when I delete a card?
No. Deleting a card from PayPal is a private action between you and PayPal. Your bank does not receive any notification, and the card remains active and usable everywhere else. Only PayPal stops being able to charge it.