How to Permanently Delete a PayPal Account
Deleting a PayPal account is a straightforward process, whether you're using a desktop computer or mobile device. However, it's essential to ensure that any automatic payments or subscriptions linked to the account are canceled beforehand. This guide will walk you through the steps to permanently delete your PayPal account on both desktop and mobile platforms.
1. Deleting a PayPal Account on Desktop
To begin, open the PayPal website and log into the account you want to close. Once logged in, you'll be directed to the homepage.
- Access Account Settings:
- Hover over your name in the upper-right corner of the homepage.
- Click on Account Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to Account Preferences:
- On the left-hand side of the screen, select Account Preferences.
- Here, you will see your account type (Personal or Business). Next to it, there will be an option to Close Account.
- Handling Active Subscriptions:
- If you have any active subscriptions or automatic payments, you won’t be able to close your account until these are canceled.
- To manage this, return to the Account Settings menu, and this time select Money, Banks, and Cards.
- Scroll down until you find Automatic Payments, and click on the blue link that says Manage Automatic Payments.
- Under the Show Active button, you’ll see a list of all the active automatic payments linked to your account.
- Click on each of these and cancel them one by one to ensure there are no ongoing payments.
- Finalizing Account Closure:
- After canceling all automatic payments, return to the Account Preferences section.
- Click Close Account. PayPal may ask you a few questions for feedback, but after that, the account will be closed permanently.
2. Deleting a PayPal Account on Mobile
The process of deleting a PayPal account on a mobile device is slightly different but just as simple.
- Open the PayPal App:
- Launch the PayPal app on your mobile device and log in to the account you wish to delete.
- Access Your Profile:
- Tap the Profile Icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. This will bring up your profile information.
- Close Account:
- Scroll down until you see an option with a trash can icon labeled Close Your Account.
- Tap this option to begin the account closure process.
- Check for Automatic Payments:
- As with the desktop version, you’ll need to ensure that no active automatic payments are linked to your account. You can manage and cancel any automatic payments through the app before finalizing the account deletion.
Conclusion
Once all automatic payments have been canceled, whether on desktop or mobile, the account can be closed without any further issues. Remember to double-check for any linked services before completing the process.
By following these steps, you can successfully delete your PayPal account. Should you ever wish to open a new account in the future, you’ll be able to do so with the same email address. If this guide helped, don’t forget to share it with others!