How to delete a paypal account on iphone

However, the policy misfire has hurt the image of the popular online payment system, and many users are now turning away from PayPal. On Twitter, for example, you'll see hashtags like #paypalcancelled and #byebyepaypal trending, and PayPal's stock has taken major damage as a direct result.

Whatever the reason, PayPal is not in everyone's good graces, and if you're having second thoughts about being a user, maybe it's time to permanently leave -- especially with Venmo, CashApp, Zelle and plenty of other options for online payments.

Don't miss: Best Payment Apps: Apple Cash, Cash App, PayPal and More

If you want to leave PayPal for good, here's how to do it.

Before you close your PayPal account

Make sure your account does not have a remaining balance, an account limitation (usually a temporary restriction that prevents withdrawing, sending or receiving money) or any other unresolved issues. Even if you tried, you wouldn't be able to close your PayPal account with any of these issues, so make sure to clear them up first.

How to delete a paypal account on iphone

Only close your PayPal account if you don't have any pending issues with it.

Angela Lang/CNET

How to permanently delete your PayPal account

You can close your PayPal account using the PayPal app on your smartphone and tablet, or on your desktop via the PayPal website. We'll show you both methods below:

On desktop:

  • Log in to your PayPal account in any web browser.
  • Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to view your account settings. 
  • Under the Account tab, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on Close your account.
  • Finally, hit Close Account on the pop-up that appears.

 On mobile:

  • Open the PayPal app and log in.
  • Tap your profile icon on the top-left.
  • Scroll down and tap Close your account.
  • Finally, hit Close Account.

If you have a business account and are attempting to delete it on mobile, you'll have to tap your profile icon > Account Info > Close your account > Close Account, which just means an extra step.

Once your PayPal account is closed, you won't be able to view your transaction history nor request or send money with that account to other PayPal users. And any recurring payments, like with your phone bill or streaming subscription, linked to your PayPal account will be terminated, so make sure to update those payment options.

PayPal is a free online platform for sending and receiving money. While it's a good idea to keep your account open if you expect to use it in the future, you may want to delete it for various reasons. 

If you've switched to another platform like Stripe or Venmo, if your account has been hacked, if your account is for a business that's no longer active, or if you're simply planning to open a new account under a different email address, it may be time to delete PayPal. 

Whatever your reason, the process for deleting a personal account is the same process as deleting a business account. 

Here are some important things to know before closing your account and how to delete your PayPal account from the PayPal website.

Quick tip: Once a PayPal account is closed, it cannot be reopened. You can open a new account under the same email address, but all transaction history for the old account will be lost.

What to know before deleting your PayPal account

  • Withdraw money. If you still have money in your PayPal account, you will not be allowed to close it. Transfer your PayPal balance to another PayPal account, a bank account, or ask PayPal to send you a check (for a $1.50 processing fee).
  • Pay off balances. Resolve any pending payments or issues associated with your account, like unauthorized transactions. This may involve contacting customer service. 
  • Create a copy of your PayPal transaction history. Once a PayPal account is closed, all transaction history is gone forever. Screenshot or print out your history in case you need it in the future. 

How to delete your PayPal account

1. On a desktop or laptop, log in to your PayPal account. A PayPal account can only be closed using a computer. It cannot be closed from a mobile phone.

Screenshot of the PayPal homepage with the "Log In" option highlighted]

The first step to deleting your account is logging in.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen to open the Settings menu.

Screenshot of PayPal account's Summary page with the gear icon highlighted

Locate the Settings icon shaped like a gear.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

3. In the Account tab under Account options, click Close your account.

Screenshot of PayPal account's Account Settings page with "Close your account" highlighted

Ensure there are no outstanding balances or issues before closing your account.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Quick tip: If you still have money in your PayPal account, you'll be prompted to use or transfer it before permanently closing your account.

4. Enter your bank details, if requested, then click Close Account.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made. 

How do I permanently delete my PayPal account?

How do I close my PayPal account?.
Go to Settings..
Click Close your account under "Account options.".
Click Close Account..

Why is PayPal not letting me delete my account?

PayPal warns you won't be able to delete your account if there are unresolved issues or a balance. PayPal also sometimes places limitations on accounts if they detect suspicious activity, rendering a user unable to delete their account.

Can I delete my PayPal account and start again?

Quick tip: Once a PayPal account is closed, it cannot be reopened. You can open a new account under the same email address, but all transaction history for the old account will be lost.