PayPal gives you two ways to stop using your account: temporary limitation or permanent closure

If you want to stop using PayPal entirely, you can close your account through your settings. PayPal will deactivate it within a few days, though the company keeps your transaction history for up to seven years for tax and legal reasons. Before you close the account, you need to resolve any open disputes, refund any pending transactions, and withdraw any remaining balance to your bank account or card.

The process is straightforward if your account is in good standing. If you have an active dispute, a chargeback, or money owed to PayPal, you will need to settle those first — PayPal will not let you close until they are resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close your PayPal account through Account Settings > Wallet > Close Your Account, but only if you have no open disputes or outstanding balances.
  • PayPal keeps your transaction records for seven years even after closure, so closing does not erase your history with the company.
  • You must withdraw your remaining PayPal balance before closing; PayPal will not transfer it automatically.
  • If your account is limited or restricted, you may need to contact PayPal support to resolve the issue before you can close it.

Steps to close your account if it is in good standing

Log into your PayPal account and go to Settings. Click the Wallet tab on the left side, then scroll down to find "Close Your Account." PayPal will show you a confirmation screen listing any remaining balance and asking you to confirm the closure. Click the button to proceed.

PayPal will send you a confirmation email. Your account will be deactivated within a few business days. After that, you will not be able to log in, send money, or receive payments through that account. If you change your mind within 60 days, you can contact PayPal support to reopen it, though this is not may provide.

What you must do before closing

Withdraw any money in your PayPal balance to your linked bank account or debit card. Go to Wallet, select your funding source, and choose "Transfer to Your Bank." This can take one to three business days depending on your bank. PayPal will not close your account if you have a balance remaining, and they will not transfer it for you.

Resolve any open disputes or chargebacks. If a buyer or seller has filed a dispute against you, or if your bank has filed a chargeback, you must resolve it before closing. Log into Resolution Center to see the status of any open cases. If you close your account with an active dispute, PayPal may pursue collection or hold your account in a limited state indefinitely.

Cancel any active subscriptions or recurring payments you have set up through PayPal. Check your PayPal settings for any merchants that have permission to charge your account automatically. You can revoke these permissions before closing, or contact the merchant directly to cancel.

If your account is limited or restricted

PayPal sometimes limits accounts when it detects unusual activity, multiple chargebacks, or violations of its user agreement. A limited account cannot send money or receive payments, but you can still log in and withdraw your balance. If your account is limited, you will see a notice at the top of your dashboard explaining why.

You can still close a limited account through the same Settings menu, but PayPal may require you to contact support first if the limitation is recent or serious. Call PayPal's support line or use the Resolution Center to explain your situation. Once the limitation is lifted or resolved, you can proceed with closure through Settings.

What happens to your data after closure

PayPal retains your transaction history, personal information, and account details for seven years after closure. This is required by law for tax reporting and fraud prevention. You cannot view this information after your account is closed, but PayPal can still access it if needed for legal disputes or tax inquiries.

If you want PayPal to delete your personal data beyond what they are required to keep, you can submit a data deletion request through your account settings under Privacy. PayPal will review the request, but they may deny it if the data is needed for legal compliance or ongoing disputes.

Reopening your account after closure

If you close your account and then change your mind within 60 days, you can contact PayPal support to request reactivation. PayPal may reopen it, but this is not may provide — the company reserves the right to refuse. After 60 days, your account is considered permanently closed and cannot be reopened.

If you want to use PayPal again after 60 days, you will need to create a new account with the same or a different email address. Any history from your old account will not transfer to the new one, though PayPal's internal systems will still have the old account on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my PayPal account if I have a pending payment?

No. If you have sent money that is still in transit or received money that has not cleared, you must wait for those transactions to complete before closing. Pending transactions usually clear within one to three business days.

What if I forgot my PayPal password?

Go to the PayPal login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter your email address and follow the link PayPal sends you. You can reset your password and then log in to close your account. If you cannot access your email, contact PayPal support with proof of identity.

Will closing my PayPal account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a PayPal account does not report to credit bureaus and will not impact your credit score. PayPal is a payment service, not a credit provider, so account closure has no credit consequences.

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. If you owe PayPal money — for example, because a chargeback was filed against you — you must pay the balance before closing. PayPal will not let you close an account with an outstanding debt.

How long does it take to close a PayPal account?

The closure process takes a few business days after you confirm it. You will receive an email confirming that your account has been closed. After that, you cannot log in or use any PayPal services tied to that account.