How to Delete PayPal Account Permanently? (Web & Mobile)

Do you want to delete your PayPal account but don’t know where to start? Closing PayPal account is a simple process.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to delete PayPal account permanently on desktop and mobile, what happens after deletion, common problems you may encounter, and the best PayPal alternatives to consider.

Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and safe PayPal account closure.

Before Delete PayPal Account, You Need

Before deleting your PayPal account, there are some important things to take care of.

• Withdraw all funds: Transfer any remaining balance to your bank or another PayPal account. You can also request a check, which may come with a fee.
• Resolve account limitations: If your account has restrictions, disputes, or pending transactions, you must clear them first. Check the Resolution Center for any issues.
• Cancel subscriptions and payments: Stop any active subscriptions or recurring payments to prevent future charges.
• Download your transaction history: Once your account is deleted, you won’t be able to access past transactions, so save a copy if needed.
• Unlink bank accounts and cards: Remove any connected payment methods to avoid problems during closure.

Read more: What Is PayPal? How Does It Work?

Delete PayPal Account Permanently

1. Delete PayPal Account on Windows

If you want to close your PayPal account on your computer, follow these steps.

• Open search engine, go to the official PayPal website, and log in to your account.
• Transfer your balance to your bank or another PayPal account.
• Check for unresolved disputes, pending transactions, or account restrictions.
• Cancel any active subscriptions or automatic payments.
• Click the gear icon in the upper right corner of the PayPal homepage to access “My settings”.
• Under the Account tab, scroll down and click “Close your account”. Follow the instructions that appear.
• If prompted, enter your account details for verification, then click Close Account to complete the process. PayPal will send you a confirmation email once your account is permanently closed.

By following the above steps, you will have permanently deleted your PayPal account, which cannot be restored.

2. Delete a PayPal Account on Mobile App

If you want to close your PayPal account using the mobile app, follow these steps. Before you proceed, make sure you have cleared any outstanding balances and saved a copy of your transaction history.

• Open the PayPal app and log in.
• Tap your profile icon in the top left corner of the screen.
• Scroll down and select “Close your account.”
• When prompted, tap “Close account” to confirm the closure.

Your PayPal account has been deleted. If you have a business account, you may need to complete additional steps by going to Profile > Account Information > Close your account.

After You Delete Your PayPal Account, What Happens?

Once you delete your PayPal account, it’s gone forever. You won’t be able to recover any of your data, including your transaction history and account balance. That’s why I recommend saving any important information before closing your account.

Once you delete your account, any pending payments or transactions will be canceled. But if you still have funds in your account, you won’t be able to close it until the balance is withdrawn or transferred.

Common Issues When Deleting PayPal Account

When you delete your PayPal account, you may encounter some problems. Check out the list below to quickly solve the problem of not being able to delete your PayPal account:

1. Unresolved transactions and disputes: If your PayPal account has pending transactions, outstanding disputes, or unresolved claims, you will not be able to close it. Please make sure that all payments have been completed.
2. Account restrictions: If your account is restricted due to security issues or policy violations, PayPal will not allow you to close it. You need to resolve the account restrictions first.
3. Remaining balance: PayPal requires a zero-balance account before it can be deleted. You must withdraw or transfer funds to another account if you still have funds.
4. Technical errors: Some users encounter system errors when closing their accounts. If you see an error message, contact PayPal support for help.
5. Data retention: Even after deletion, PayPal will retain some data for legal reasons, sometimes for up to 10 years. Although your account will be closed, some records may still exist.

Best PayPal Alternatives

If you want to ditch PayPal, there are plenty of other reliable payment platforms. Here are some of the best alternatives:

1. Venmo: Great for sending and receiving money from friends and family. Easy to use, with social features. (Works in the US only)
2. Cash App: This app allows bank transfers, credit card payments, and account balance transactions, and it provides savings opportunities and investment options.
3. Zelle: It supports fast bank-to-bank transfers within the US; no additional apps are required, and it is available in many banking apps.
4. Stripe: This is Best for businesses that need customizable payments. It supports a variety of currencies and payment methods.
5. Square: Great for small businesses, supports online and in-person transactions, offers transparent pricing and a free version.
6. Skrill: Available in more than 200 countries, great for international transactions, with lower fees than PayPal.
7. Payoneer: Popular with freelancers and online sellers, supports multiple currencies, and is suitable for international business transactions.
8. Amazon Pay: Allows customers to pay using their Amazon accounts. It leverages Amazon’s payment system and is more secure.

Read more: 7 Best PayPal Alternatives: Suitable for Varied Demands

FAQs About Deleting PayPal Account

1. Can you reopen a closed PayPal account?

Yes! You can create a new PayPal account using the same email or a different one. However, the new account willn’t contain any data from the deleted account.

2. Why can’t I remove an account from PayPal?

You may be unable to delete PayPal account due to pending transactions, remaining balances, account limitations, and technical issues. Please complete the above questions before deleting your PayPal account and contact PayPal Support if needed.