Remove a card in three steps from PayPal's settings

To delete a card from PayPal, sign into your account, go to your wallet, find the card you want to remove, and click the delete option next to it. The card is gone immediately — PayPal does not keep it on file after you remove it. If you have set that card as your primary payment method, PayPal will prompt you to choose a different one before the deletion goes through.

The process takes less than a minute and works the same way whether you are on a computer or the PayPal mobile app. You do not need to contact PayPal support unless the card will not delete, which is rare.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign into PayPal, click Wallet, find your card, and select Delete — the card is removed from your account immediately.
  • If the card is set as your primary payment method, you must choose a different card or bank account before PayPal will let you delete it.
  • Deleting a card from PayPal does not close the card itself or affect your bank account — it only removes PayPal's access to it.
  • If a card will not delete after you try, contact PayPal support with your account email and the last four digits of the card.

How to delete a card on a computer

Open PayPal in your web browser and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for the gear icon or menu in the top right corner of the page and click it. Select Wallet from the dropdown menu — this shows all the payment methods linked to your account.

Find the card you want to remove in the list. Next to the card, you will see three dots or a menu icon. Click it and select Delete or Remove. PayPal will ask you to confirm — click Delete again. If this card is your primary payment method, PayPal will show a message asking you to pick a different card or bank account first. Choose another payment method from the list, then complete the deletion.

The card disappears from your wallet immediately. You do not need to refresh the page or take any other action.

How to delete a card on the PayPal mobile app

Open the PayPal app and sign in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Wallet. You will see all your linked cards and bank accounts.

Swipe left on the card you want to delete — on some phones, you may need to long-press the card instead. A delete button will appear. Tap it and confirm the deletion. If the card is your primary payment method, select a different one before PayPal will complete the removal. The card is deleted from your account as soon as you confirm.

What happens if the card is your primary payment method

PayPal requires you to have at least one active payment method on your account at all times. If you try to delete a card that is marked as primary, PayPal will stop you and ask you to choose a different card or bank account first. You can set any other linked card or bank account as your new primary method before deleting the old one.

To change your primary payment method, go to your Wallet, find the card or bank account you want to use instead, click the menu next to it, and select Make Primary. Once that is done, you can go back and delete the old card without any issues.

Deleting a card does not close your bank account or credit card

Removing a card from PayPal only removes PayPal's permission to charge that card. The card itself stays open and active with your bank or credit card company. Your bank account is not affected at all. If you want to stop using a card entirely, you will need to contact your bank or credit card issuer directly.

If you deleted a card by mistake, you can add it back to PayPal at any time by going to your Wallet and selecting Link a Card or Add a Card. You will need to enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV again.

What to do if a card will not delete

In rare cases, PayPal may not let you delete a card. This usually happens if there is a pending transaction on that card, if PayPal is verifying the card, or if there is a dispute or chargeback linked to it. Wait a few days for any pending activity to clear, then try again.

If the card still will not delete after waiting, contact PayPal support. Go to the PayPal Help Center, click Contact Us, and describe the problem. Have your account email and the last four digits of the card ready. PayPal support can remove the card manually if there is a technical issue preventing you from doing it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PayPal keep my card information after I delete it?

No. Once you delete a card, PayPal removes it from your account completely. PayPal does not store the full card number after deletion for security reasons. If you want to use that card with PayPal again, you will need to add it back and go through the verification process.

Can I delete a card if I have an active PayPal balance?

Yes. Your PayPal balance and your linked cards are separate. You can delete any card without affecting the money in your PayPal account. If you need to withdraw your balance, you can transfer it to a different linked card or bank account.

What if I delete a card and then need to use it for a refund?

If PayPal is processing a refund to a card you just deleted, the refund will still go through — PayPal has the card information from the original transaction. After the refund completes, the card will no longer be linked to your account. You do not need to keep the card linked for refunds to work.

Can I delete all my cards at once?

No. PayPal requires at least one active payment method on your account. You can delete all but one card. If you want to remove every card, you must keep one linked or add a bank account as your primary method first.

How long does it take for a deleted card to stop showing up in PayPal?

The card disappears from your Wallet immediately after you confirm the deletion. There is no waiting period. If you see the card still listed after a few minutes, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the app.