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

We understand that losing someone close can be very difficult. If you’ve recently lost someone, we would first like to extend our sincere sympathies. As you come to terms with your loss, we’ll help you to close their PayPal account and release any balance to the appropriate bank.

Before we can close or lock the account, we need the executor or administrator of the estate to provide a few pieces of information, so we can confirm this request:

We'll need the following information from the executor or administrator of the estate:

• A cover sheet, providing the appropriate representative’s contact details (name, email address, and phone number), stating that the account holder is deceased and that their representative wants to close the account.
• Details to help locate relevant account (e.g. email address, phone number, home address)
• The death certificate of the account holder.

Please send this information via email at bereavement@paypal.co.uk, or mail us at:

5 Fleet Place, London, United Kingdom, EC4M 7RD.

Once we’ve received this information, we'll review the documents and, upon approval, will close or lock the account.

If any money remains in the account balance, the executor or administrator of the estate should also send the following documents:

• If a will exists, we need a certified copy of the will identifying the executor of the estate.
• If no will exists, we need a statement of who the likely administrator is and their interest in the estate and relationship with the deceased.
  • Please note that if there are others (children, grandchildren, civil partners, other siblings, etc.) entitled to a share of the funds in the PayPal account, written confirmation of intended action or permission for the administrator to provide instruction is required from all named parties prior to taking action on the account.
    • A government-issued photo ID of the appropriate representative.
    • Signed copy of Standard Indemnity Form.
    • A note specifying what to do with any money that remains in the account.

Please send this information via email at bereavement@paypal.co.uk, or mail us at:

5 Fleet Place, London, United Kingdom, EC4M 7RD.

If any money remains in the account balance, we can:

• Withdraw it to the bank account linked to the PayPal account.
• Withdraw it to a PayPal account chosen by the executor/administrator.
• Issue a wire transfer to a bank account.

Please note that, for amounts under £5,000, we require an indemnity form to be entered into by the executor or administrator in advance of releasing the balance. If the balance is above this level, we require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to be provided before closing the account and releasing the balance.

Once we've received this information, we’ll follow up with the status of the account and any money left in it. If you have questions or need help in the meantime, please click Contact Us at the bottom of any PayPal page to reach out to our customer service team.