How do I close the PayPal account of a deceased relative?

We’re very sorry to hear of your loss. Please note that we can only take instructions from the authorised executor or administrator of the deceased estate to close a PayPal account previously held by a deceased person. If you wish to close the account of a loved one, please contact the relevant executor or administrator.

If you are an Executor or administrator of a deceased estate, please follow the guidance below and we can assist with your request.  

To close the PayPal account of a deceased person, it's necessary to email the following documents to bereavementIN@paypal.com.

• A cover sheet from the legal heir/executor (or a person who is duly appointed or authorised to administer the estate of the deceased customer) identifying the account by the primary email address, stating that the account holder is deceased and that the heir wishes to have the PayPal account closed.
• A copy of the death certificate for the account holder.
• A copy of a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driver's license, PAN, voter's ID) of the heir of the estate.
• Legal documentation/succession certificate that identifies the heir of the estate.
• A letter specifying what to do with any money remaining in the account.

PayPal will review the documents and inform you how to proceed.

Depending on PayPal’s analysis, you may be able to withdraw any remaining amount from the account in one of the two ways: 

• Transfer the balance to the bank account linked to the PayPal account.
• Transfer the balance to a PayPal account in the heir/executor's name.