Delete a payment method in three steps
Go to your PayPal account settings, find the Wallet section, locate the card or bank account you want to remove, and click the delete option next to it. PayPal removes it when ready. You do not need to wait for confirmation or contact PayPal support unless the payment method is linked to an active subscription or recurring payment — in that case, you must update or cancel the subscription first.
The exact steps depend on whether you are using PayPal on a computer or phone, but the location of your payment methods is the same in both. The process takes less than a minute once you are logged in.
Key Takeaways
- You can delete any card or bank account from your PayPal Wallet by going to Settings, selecting Wallet, and clicking the delete button next to the payment method.
- If a card or bank account is set as your primary payment method, you must choose a different primary method before you can delete it.
- Active subscriptions and recurring payments must be cancelled or updated to a different payment method before you can remove the card or account funding them.
- Deletion happens when ready — PayPal does not send a confirmation email or require you to verify the removal.
Steps to delete a payment method on a computer
Log into your PayPal account at paypal.com. Click the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings, then select Wallet from the left menu. You will see a list of all cards and bank accounts linked to your account, organized by type.
Find the payment method you want to remove. Next to it, click the three dots or the menu icon, then select Delete or Remove. A confirmation box will appear asking if you are sure. Click Delete again to confirm. The payment method is now removed from your account.
If you do not see a delete option, the payment method is likely your primary payment source or is linked to an active subscription. See the section below on what to do in that case.
Steps to delete a payment method on a phone or tablet
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Tap Settings, then tap Wallet. You will see your linked cards and bank accounts listed.
Swipe left on the payment method you want to delete (on iPhone) or press and hold it (on Android). A delete option will appear. Tap Delete and confirm when prompted. The payment method is removed when ready.
On some versions of the app, you may need to tap the payment method first to open its details, then look for a delete or remove button at the bottom of the screen.
What to do if the delete button is not showing
If you cannot find or click a delete option, the payment method is usually set as your primary payment source. PayPal requires you to have at least one payment method on file, so you must choose a different primary method before removing the one you want to delete.
Go back to your Wallet, find another card or bank account, click the menu next to it, and select Make Primary. Once a different payment method is primary, go back to the one you want to remove and the delete option will now be available.
If the payment method is still not deletable, it may be linked to a subscription or recurring payment. Check your Subscriptions and Recurring Payments section (also in Settings) to see if this card or account is funding an active subscription. You will need to cancel the subscription or update it to use a different payment method before you can delete the card or account.
Removing a card or bank account linked to a subscription
If you want to delete a payment method that is currently funding a subscription or recurring payment, you have two options: cancel the subscription entirely, or update it to use a different payment method.
To update the subscription, go to Settings, select Subscriptions and Recurring Payments, find the subscription using the card or account you want to delete, and click it. Select Update Payment Method and choose a different card or bank account from your Wallet. Once the subscription is updated, you can delete the old payment method from your Wallet.
To cancel the subscription instead, open the same subscription details page and select Cancel Subscription. After cancellation, the payment method is no longer in use and can be deleted from your Wallet when ready.
What happens after you delete a payment method
Once deleted, the card or bank account is removed from your PayPal account and cannot be used for future payments. PayPal does not send a confirmation email, and the removal is permanent — you cannot undo it from your account settings.
If you want to use that card or bank account again in the future, you will need to add it back to your Wallet manually. The process is the same as adding any new payment method: go to Wallet, click Add a Card or Link a Bank Account, and enter the details again.
Deleting a payment method from PayPal does not affect the card or bank account itself. The card remains active with your bank or card issuer, and your bank account continues to function normally. You are only removing the link between that payment method and your PayPal account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a payment method if it is my only one on file?
No. PayPal requires at least one payment method linked to your account at all times. If you only have one card or bank account, you must add a second payment method before you can delete the first one.
Will deleting a payment method affect my PayPal balance or transaction history?
No. Deleting a payment method only removes the link between that card or account and your PayPal Wallet. Your PayPal balance, past transactions, and account history remain unchanged.
What if I deleted a payment method by mistake?
You will need to add it back manually. Go to your Wallet, click Add a Card or Link a Bank Account, and enter the card or account details again. PayPal will re-verify the payment method, which may take a few days.
Do I need to contact PayPal to delete a payment method?
No. You can delete any payment method yourself through your account settings in seconds. You only need to contact PayPal support if you cannot access your account, forgot your password, or believe unauthorized changes were made.
If I delete a card, will PayPal stop charging it?
Yes. Once deleted, PayPal cannot charge that card for any reason. However, if the card is linked to an active subscription, you must update or cancel the subscription first — otherwise the deletion will not be allowed.