How to Delete a PayPal Account

Close your PayPal account with a computer or a mobile device

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Updated on July 3, 2022

What to Know

Before deleting, change payment method and ensure transactions are complete. Transfer current balance.
Close account: Select Settings (gear icon) > Close your account > select Close Account to confirm.
Change account name: Settings > select Update and follow prompts > select Update Name.

This article explains how to delete your PayPal account if you've moved to a different service or no longer want it. We'll also explain what you need to do before deleting the account and how to change the name on a PayPal account.

Before You Close a PayPal Account

There are a few things you should do before deleting a PayPal account.

Change your payment method. Closing an account cancels all recurring transactions. If you pay recurring transactions with your PayPal account, change the payment method to another account.
Ensure that all transactions are confirmed and completed. Closing an account cancels any transactions that are in progress. Pending transactions appear at the top of your Account Activity.
Withdraw any available balance from your account. Select Transfer to your bank below your PayPal balance, choose where to transfer the money from and to, enter the amount you want to withdraw, then select Continue. Select Transfer to complete the withdrawal.

Once you close your PayPal account, you cannot reopen it. To use PayPal again, register a new account, which you can do using the same email address you previously used.

How to Delete a PayPal Account

To delete a PayPal account, open a web browser on a computer and follow these instructions:

Go to PayPal and log in to your PayPal account.
Select the gear in the upper-right corner to open your account settings.
Scroll down and select Close your account.
Select Close account again to confirm.

If you have PayPal Credit, you must contact PayPal before closing your account.
You'll receive an email confirming your PayPal account has been closed.

PayPal doesn't allow users to close accounts directly from the mobile app. To close an account on a smartphone, access PayPal.com from a web browser such as Google Chrome or Apple Safari and follow the same steps as above.

How to Change the Name on Your PayPal Account

If the name on your PayPal account is misspelled, you can change it by up to two characters without the need to delete it and create a new one.

If you have legally changed your name, PayPal requires you to upload documentation as proof. PayPal typically reviews the documentation within five business days.

Select the Settings icon in the upper-right corner of any PayPal page next to Log Out.
Select Update next to your name.
Select the type of name change you want to apply.

You can change the contact name if you have a business account.
Follow the on-screen instructions, and choose Update Name.

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