How to Close a PayPal Account Permanently in 2025

🛑 How to Close a PayPal Account Permanently in 2025

No longer using PayPal? Whether you’re switching platforms or just simplifying your finances, it’s a good idea to close your PayPal account properly to protect your data and financial information.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to close your personal or business PayPal account — the right way.

✅ Things to Know Before You Close Your Account

Before you close your account, make sure:

• 💸 Your account balance is $0
• 🧾 No pending transactions or disputes exist
• 🔗 You’ve removed linked bank accounts and cards
• 🧾 You’ve downloaded any receipts or transaction history (for tax or recordkeeping)

⚠️ Once closed, your account cannot be reopened. You’ll have to create a new one.

🧭 How to Close Your PayPal Account (Step-by-Step)

🔹 Step 1: Log in to Your PayPal Account

Go to www.paypal.com and sign in with the account you want to close.

🔹 Step 2: Go to Settings

On the top right of the dashboard, click the gear icon ⚙️ to open your Account Settings.

🔹 Step 3: Scroll Down to “Close Your Account”

• Under the “Account” tab, scroll to the very bottom.
• Click “Close your account”

🔹 Step 4: Confirm Closure

You may be asked to:

• Enter your password again
• Confirm that you want to close the account
• Select a reason for closing (optional)

Click “Close Account” — and that’s it! You’ll receive a confirmation email.

🧾 Can You Close a Business PayPal Account?

Yes — the process is similar but includes:

• Removing any users/sub-accounts
• Settling any PayPal Working Capital or business loan
• Contacting PayPal support if the “Close Account” button doesn’t appear

📧 What Happens After You Close Your PayPal Account?

Action	Result
Login	Disabled forever
Linked cards	Disconnected
Transaction history	Deleted after a grace period
Email	Can be used to open a new account in the future

❌ Common Problems When Closing PayPal Accounts

• “You have pending transactions” – wait 24–48 hours for all payments to clear
• “Account has unresolved disputes” – resolve cases in the Resolution Center
• “Close account button missing” – contact PayPal Support

🔐 Extra Step: Unlink PayPal from Shopping Sites

If you’ve used PayPal for login or checkout, make sure to:

• Unlink it from eBay, Netflix, Amazon, Steam, etc.
• Remove PayPal as a payment method in Google Pay or Apple Pay

🧠 Final Tips

• Download your PayPal transaction history before closure (optional)
• Be cautious with auto-subscriptions that may still attempt charges
• If you suspect fraud, report and freeze activity first before closing

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I reopen my PayPal account after closing it?

A: No. Once you close your PayPal account, it cannot be reopened. However, you can create a new account using the same email address.

Q2: What happens to my remaining balance if I forget to withdraw it?

A: PayPal may try to return your funds to your linked bank account. If that fails, you’ll need to contact PayPal customer support to recover your balance.

Q3: Can I close my PayPal account from the mobile app?

A: No. As of 2025, PayPal still requires you to use a desktop or browser version to close your account. The option doesn’t appear in the mobile app.

Q4: What if I don’t see the “Close Account” button?

A: This usually means there’s a pending transaction, dispute, or balance. Resolve these first. If the button is still missing, contact PayPal support directly.

Q5: Do I need to remove linked bank accounts before closing?

A: It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended. It speeds up closure and ensures no future charges are mistakenly processed.