If you no longer use PayPal or want to close your account for privacy or security reasons, you can permanently delete it with a few steps. Deleting a PayPal account is relatively easy; however, before doing so, you should be aware of several important steps you need to complete to ensure a smooth transition.
Below is an easy-to-understand guide to safely deleting your PayPal account.
Before You Close Your PayPal Account
Once your account is closed, the action is permanent. You will lose access to your transaction history and will not be able to reopen the same account.
Before proceeding, ensure that you do the following:
- Withdraw Funds
Transfer any remaining PayPal balance to your linked bank account. - Cancel Subscriptions
Stop all automatic payments and recurring subscriptions connected to PayPal. - Resolve Issues
Clear pending payments, disputes, or any account limitations. PayPal will not allow closure if issues remain. - Save Your History
Download or copy your transaction history for your records. It will be permanently deleted once the account is closed.
How to Delete a PayPal Account on Desktop or Browser
- Log in to your PayPal account.
- Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Open the Account tab.
- Under Account options, click Close your account.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the closure.
Once confirmed, your account will be permanently deleted.
How to Delete a PayPal Account on the Mobile App
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap your Profile icon (usually in the top left corner).
- Scroll down and select Close your account.
- Tap Close Account to finalize the process.
The app will guide you through confirmation steps before closing the account.
Important Things to Know
- Closing your PayPal account is permanent.
- You will no longer be able to:
- View past transactions
- Send or receive money
- Reopen the same account
- PayPal will send a confirmation email once your account is successfully closed.
If you plan to use PayPal in the future, you will need to create a new account and set it up.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your PayPal account is straightforward as long as you do your research. Withdraw your funds, cancel subscriptions, and save your records before closing the account to avoid losing any important information.
If you’re concerned about privacy, scams, or unwanted payment activity, taking this step can help reduce your digital footprint and protect your financial information.
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