see more from Budgeting

15 Practical Ways To Cancel PayPal Subscriptions Today

Updated 2 Hours Ago

Julio Lopez/Pexels

You check your bank statement and spot a charge you didn’t expect—again. PayPal’s convenience sometimes means forgotten subscriptions. Most people only notice when charges start stacking up. The good news? Canceling them isn’t complicated. This list lays out easy steps anyone can follow, making sure you’re in charge of every payment and never caught off guard by unwanted fees again.

Log Into Your PayPal Account Dashboard

To start tracking your subscriptions, simply log into the PayPal dashboard. This hub lets you access recurring payments and security features like two-factor authentication. Whether on desktop or mobile, the dashboard is optimized for smooth browsing so you can quickly access what you need.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The Dumbest Things We Keep Spending Too Much Money On

Go To The “Settings” Gear Icon

At the top right of your dashboard, look for the universal “Settings” gear icon. It’s your gateway to account preferences and payment controls. This tab is essential for accessing the tools required to manage or cancel your recurring charges.
Make money easier. Sign up for The Penny Hoarder’s newsletter today.

Click “Payments” From The Settings Menu

Inside the settings page, look for the “Payments” tab near “Security” and “Notifications.” This section takes you straight to PayPal’s automatic payments area, where you can view, manage, or cancel billing agreements linked to your account in just a few clicks.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Best Cash Back Rewards Credit Cards to Earn Money While You Spend in 2025

Select “Manage Automatic Payments”

Once inside, select “Manage Automatic Payments” to reveal every active subscription. PayPal lists these alphabetically for easy browsing. You will find old or forgotten agreements here, as even dormant authorizations remain visible unless you remove them.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The Best Rewards Credit Cards to Maximize Your Spending in 2025

Choose The Merchant You Want To Cancel

Click any merchant name to see detailed subscription info, including billing cycles and terms. Sometimes, you’ll discover subscriptions under unexpected names or legacy agreements from years past. This step ensures you’re canceling the correct service.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Our Picks for The Best Bank Promotions This Month

Click “Cancel” Beside The Active Payment

To stop future billing from a merchant, just click “Cancel” next to the active payment. PayPal sends a confirmation email right away. Unless it is reauthorized manually, the cancellation is permanent, and some services may send their own follow-up emails as well.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Budgeting 101: How to Budget Money

Check For Confirmation Under “Status”

After cancelation, check the “Status” to confirm it reads “Canceled.” This quick check verifies that PayPal processed your request. If the status doesn’t change, your card could still be billed, so always look here before moving on.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers in 2025 (38 Freebies & Deals!)

Remove Authorization From Your Bank Or Card

For extra security, remove the merchant’s authorization from your bank or card. Some banks let you block specific merchant codes, which is handy if PayPal’s cancellation doesn’t stick. Such an action is especially useful for gym memberships and digital ad services.
More From The Penny Hoarder: 5 Strategies to Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt

Check Recurring Payments On The Mobile App

Open the PayPal app, tap “Wallet,” then “Auto Payments” to manage subscriptions on the go. Remember, the app syncs with the website, but sometimes updates aren’t instant. Using the app is ideal for canceling streaming trials while you’re out and about.
More From The Penny Hoarder: What is Debt Settlement and How Does it Work?

Cancel Through The Merchant Directly If Needed

Need to cancel a subscription, but it’s still charging you? Some merchants require direct cancellation, even after PayPal. Check your subscription emails for cancellation links. PayPal can’t always stop payments unless merchant terms are met—common with newsletters and fitness apps.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Ditch Overpriced Car Insurance Now — Save $500 Today

Monitor The Next Billing Cycle To Confirm No Charges

After canceling, keep an eye on your next payment cycle. Some services may still bill you if the cancellation happened too close to the renewal date. Checking your statement ensures nothing slipped through and helps you avoid paying for something you already canceled.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Here’s How to Start Saving Money — Even If You Don’t Have Room in Your Budget

Use PayPal’s Resolution Center For Unauthorized Charges

If you spot unauthorized charges after canceling, use PayPal’s Resolution Center. Disputes must be filed within 180 days, and PayPal often sides with buyers. It’s a reliable safety net for subscription slip-ups or persistent merchants. Review transactions regularly to catch issues early.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The 28 Best Side Hustles: Our Top Picks to Help You Make More Money

Disable Pre-Approved Payments In Settings

Pre-approved payments are different from auto-payments and can be silent authorizations. Clear these in Settings to prevent future automatic reactivations. You might find dozens from eBay, travel or invoice platforms you forgot about. Set a reminder to check this list every few months.
More From The Penny Hoarder: 17 Make-Your-Own-Schedule Jobs You Can Do From Home

Delete Connected Apps With Billing Access

Don’t overlook apps connected to PayPal that can re-enable billing. Find them in Settings > Security > Manage Apps. Reviewing connected apps is essential for preventing silent re-subscriptions, especially with budgeting or shopping assistant apps. Remove access if the app is no longer needed.
More From The Penny Hoarder: How to Choose a Credit Card That is Right For You

Switch To Manual Payment Methods Going Forward

If you’re tired of surprise charges from forgotten subscriptions, switch to manual payments for new subscriptions to avoid future surprises. This gives you control over each transaction, perfect for services with trials or seasonal use. It’s a simple way to keep your budget in check.

More From The Penny Hoarder: