PayPal accounts are simple to create, mostly free, and users can use them to execute quick transactions. But there are several reasons why you may need to close or delete your account, whether you are not happy with a few PayPal fees, switched to an alternative, or wish to set up an account with your another email account or phone number. Whatever the reason, this guide covers the instructions for closing or permanently deleting the PayPal account.
Reasons to Delete a PayPal Account
Before beginning the account closing process, knowing the reasons behind deleting your PayPal account is important. A few common reasons include:
Safety Concerns: If you have any suspicious activity or are thinking about the safety of your account, closing it can be the best decision.
Limited Use: If you no longer utilize your PayPal account frequently, deleting the account may help streamline your financial management.
Switching to an Alternative: You may choose another online payment platform that best suits your requirements.
Account Duplication: Deleting duplicate accounts can help you maintain transparency and organization in your digital finances.
Open another PayPal Account: You may wish to open another one with a different email address.
Privacy Concerns: If your concern is the amount of personal data PayPal holds, you can choose to close your account.
Also Read: How to Log Into My PayPal Account
Significant Steps to Take Before Deleting a PayPal Account
Before you get into how to close a PayPal account, you must know some important things. First and most essential, once you delete your PayPal account, you will lose it forever. You can open a new PayPal account with a new email address, but PayPal will delete everything tied to your account, like the transaction history. You can’t restore the transaction history. Ensure the following things before closing your account.
- Withdraw the Assets: PayPal lets you close your account only if your account is empty. Transact your remaining assets to your savings account or other PayPal account, or contact PayPal customer support team to have a check issued for the assets.
- Payoff Balances: If you have any pending payments or other unsolved problems in your PayPal account, solve them. Customer service can help you to do so.
- Cancel Recurring Payments: If you have subscriptions from the PayPal account or have recurring payments, ensure to suspend them.
- Duplicate the Transaction History: You must make a copy of the PayPal transaction history if you require it in the future. You will lose the transaction history once you delete the account.
Also Read: How to Contact PayPal Customer Service
Steps to Close and Permanently Delete a PayPal Account
If you have decided to close or delete your PayPal account, follow the simple instructions below to delete the account permanently. It will take a few minutes.
On Desktop
- First, you must go to the official PayPal website and sign in to your account.
- Next, navigate and hit the Settings icon on the homepage.
- Then, tap the Account Options and choose the Close your Account option.
- After this, you will get a warning pop-up. If you are sure you wish to delete the account, hit the Close Account tab.
On Mobile App
After duplicating the transaction history and taking care of the pending payments and outstanding balances, you can delete your PayPal account from its mobile app. Follow these steps:
- Open the PayPal app on your device.
- On the home screen, hit the Profile tab on the top left-hand side.
- Then, navigate and tap the Close your Account button.
- After this, hit the Close Account tab.
- You have successfully deleted your PayPal account. You can create another PayPal account with a new email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What happens if I delete my PayPal account?
Ans: Ensure to take out all your assets left in your PayPal account before closing it so you do not lose them. PayPal will delete the unpaid requests for assets upon account closing, and you will also lose access to codes and coupons offered by PayPal. Also, you will be unable to utilize the PayPal Smart Connect account, the in-house line of credit of PayPal, after deleting the account.
Ques: Why am I unable to close my PayPal account?
Ans: If you can’t delete your PayPal account, you may have an unsolved issue, like a remaining PayPal credit balance. If you face any other problems, you must contact the customer support team.
Ques: How do I delete my account via the PayPal app?
Ans: Launch the PayPal mobile app and hit the Profile tab.
- Then, scroll down the page and tap the Close your account button.
- After this, hit the Close Account tab.
Ques: Can I use the same information to open a new PayPal account?
Ans: Yes! After closing an account, users can utilize the same email account to create a new PayPal account. Also, you use the same phone number, savings account, and card with the new account. PayPal will not link it to the old account, so you will not see the transactions and other information.
Ques: How can I close my PayPal Business account?
Ans: The process is the same as closing a PayPal Business account. You will get the option to change your business account to a personal account. You must contact PayPal customer service to do so.