How to Close a PayPal Account (Delete PayPal Permanently, 2026)

Want to delete your PayPal account? You can close a PayPal account yourself in a couple of minutes, on the website or in the app, as long as your balance is zero and there are no open issues. Closing is permanent, so download your records and withdraw your money first. Here’s exactly how to close a PayPal account in 2026, for both personal and business accounts.

Quick answer: Log in at PayPal.com, go to Settings (the gear icon), and under Account options click Close your account, then confirm with Close Account.

Before you delete your PayPal account

• Withdraw your balance: transfer any money to your linked bank account. PayPal won’t let you close an account with an available balance.
• Resolve open issues: you can’t close an account with limitations, pending payments, disputes or claims. Sort them out in the Resolution Center first.
• Download your records: go to Activity → Statements and download your transaction history (CSV or PDF) for tax and business records.
• Cancel subscriptions: check Settings → Payments → Manage automatic payments and update services that bill your PayPal account, so payments don’t fail.
• Remember your PayPal.Me link: your PayPal.Me vanity URL will stop working too.

How to close a PayPal account on the website

1. Open Settings

Log in to PayPal and click the Settings gear icon at the top right. Under Account options, you’ll see the Close your account link.

2. Confirm closing your PayPal account

PayPal shows a final warning. Click Close Account to confirm. You may be asked to confirm your bank details or verify your identity first.

That’s it. You’ll get an email confirming the account is closed.

How to close a PayPal account in the app

1. Open the PayPal app and tap your profile icon.
2. Go to Account info or account settings (the label varies by country).
3. Tap Close account and follow the prompts.

If you can’t find the option in the app, use the website steps above. They always work.

What happens when you close PayPal

• Closing is permanent. PayPal says a closed account can’t be reopened. You’d have to sign up again with a new account.
• Your transaction history is no longer available, and any pending transactions are cancelled.
• Linked cards and bank accounts are removed, and the email address is freed for a new account later.

PayPal’s official help page on how to close your PayPal account has the latest details for your country.

Closing a PayPal business account

The steps are the same for business accounts. Make sure you’ve refunded or settled all customer payments, cancelled recurring billing and subscriptions on your site, and removed PayPal buttons and checkout options, so customers don’t try to pay a closed account. In India, PayPal has only handled international payments since 2021, so freelancers often close their accounts after switching services. If you receive cross-border payments by cheque instead, see how to deposit a US dollar cheque in an Indian bank account.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reopen a closed PayPal account?

No. Once closed, a PayPal account can’t be reopened. You can create a new account, even with the same email address.

Why can’t I close my PayPal account?

Usually because there’s money in your balance, a pending transaction, a dispute or an account limitation. Clear these first, or contact PayPal support.

Does deleting PayPal cancel my subscriptions?

Payments linked to PayPal will stop, but the services may still expect payment. Cancel or update each subscription before you close your account.