Payment settlements: the process and how long they take
Learn about payment settlements, what they mean, and how they impact transactions. Get the essential details for smooth and secure financial transfers.
How to Cancel Recurring Payments on PayPal UK
That monthly charge for a service you no longer use can quietly drain your budget over time, which is why knowing how to stop recurring payments is an important step in staying in control of your finances.
In this guide, we've explained how to find and cancel automatic payments and subscriptions on PayPal Personal and Business accounts, whether you're using a desktop or mobile app.
We've also explained how Wise Business can help you manage and pay for international subscriptions with greater transparency around exchange rates and fees.
Key takeaways
| Topic | Notes |
| What is a PayPal Automatic Payment? | A recurring payment instruction you give PayPal to pay a merchant regularly for a subscription.1 |
| Two crucial rules | 1. Cancelling on PayPal does not cancel your service with the merchant.2 2. Cancel at least 72 hours before the next payment is due.2 |
| Cancelling a recurring payment on a personal account | Desktop: Settings > Payments > Manage automatic payments.2 Mobile App: Wallet > Automatic payments.2 |
| Cancelling a recurring payment on a business account | Find and cancel specific customer plans via the 'Manage Subscriptions' section.1 |
| Troubleshooting common issues | If a payment isn't listed, it may be a direct card charge.3 If the cancel button is missing, contact the merchant first, then PayPal.4 |
| International payments | Currency conversion fees may apply when paying for subscriptions in foreign currencies. |
| Managing international payments | Wise Business can be used to manage international payments with transparent fees and exchange rates. |
PayPal automatic payments: The key things to know first
PayPal often refers to a recurring payment as an ‘Automatic Payment’ or a ‘pre-approved payment.’ It’s an instruction you give PayPal to pay a company on your behalf on a regular schedule.1
It's a convenient way to handle subscriptions, but there are two important things to remember before you start cancelling.
First, cancelling the automatic payment in your PayPal account only stops PayPal from sending the money. It does not cancel your underlying contract or service with the merchant.2 You must contact the merchant directly to cancel your subscription to avoid future invoices or collections.
Second, timing matters. It's recommended to cancel an automatic payment at least 72 hours before the next scheduled billing date. This helps ensure the cancellation is processed before the next payment is taken.2
How to cancel a recurring payment on a PayPal personal account
Whether you're reviewing your budget or ending a service, cancelling a recurring payment from your personal PayPal account can be done in a few steps.
On a desktop browser
- Log in to your PayPal personal account on a web browser.
- Click the settings cog icon in the top-right corner.
- Select the 'Payments' tab.
- Click 'Manage automatic payments'.
- Choose the merchant you want to cancel.
- Click 'Cancel'.
- Confirm by selecting 'Cancel Automatic Payments'.
- The status will update to 'Inactive'.2
On the PayPal mobile app
- Open the PayPal app and log in.
- Tap 'Wallet'.
- Scroll and select 'Automatic payments'.
- Choose the merchant subscription.
- Tap 'Remove PayPal as your payment method'.
- Confirm by tapping 'Remove'.2
How to cancel a recurring payment on a PayPal business account
For businesses, cancelling recurring payments often relates to managing customer subscriptions.
On a desktop browser
- Log in to your PayPal Business account.
- Go to 'Manage Subscriptions'.
- Select the 'Subscriptions' tab.
- Choose the subscription plan.
- Click 'Cancel subscription'.
- Confirm your selection.1
On the PayPal business mobile app
- Open the PayPal Business app.
- Tap the menu icon.
- Navigate to subscriptions or payments.
- Select the subscription.
- Tap 'Cancel Subscription'.
- Confirm the cancellation.1
What to do if you can't find or cancel a recurring payment
The payment isn't listed in Automatic Payments
If a payment isn’t listed, it may be a billing agreement or a direct card charge. Check your bank or card statement and cancel directly with the merchant if needed.3
The 'Cancel' button is missing or greyed out
Wait 24 hours if a payment is processing. If the issue continues, contact the merchant first, then PayPal support if needed.4
Understanding 'Inactive' vs. 'Cancelled' status
An 'Inactive' status means the payment agreement is no longer active and future payments should stop.4
The cost of international subscriptions on PayPal
Cancelling unused subscriptions can help reduce unnecessary spending. However, ongoing subscriptions paid in foreign currencies may include additional costs.
When paying in currencies like USD or EUR, PayPal applies a currency conversion rate which may include a markup. This can increase the total cost compared to the base subscription price.
Over time, these additional costs may add up, depending on how frequently you make international payments and the currencies involved.
Simplify how you manage international subscription payments
If your business pays for services in multiple currencies, Wise Business can help you better understand and manage costs.
With Wise Business, you can:
- 🌍 Send money to 140+ countries at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees and no sneaky exchange rate markups (product availability varies by region)
- 📥 Receive payments in 24 currencies and counting
- 💵 Get local account details for 8+ currencies, including USD and EUR, to let your customers pay in a currency they know and trust - convenience for them and peace of mind for you
- 💰 Hold money in 40+ currencies
- 🔁 Convert currencies anytime at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees
- ⚡ Use the batch payments tool to create and send up to 1,000 payments in a single transfer
- 👥 Run payroll and make international payments for up to 1,000 employees all over the world - including paying suppliers using local payment methods like ACH, SEPA, and Faster Payments
- 💳 Get business debit cards with 0.5% cashback for you and your team to keep track of team expenses and spend all over the world, with real-time visibility and categorisation
- 🏢 Manage cash in 55+ currencies across international offices from a single business account and move money between business accounts in seconds (exact speeds can vary depending on individual circumstances and may not be the same for all transactions)
- 🧾 Connect and sync every business transaction to your favourite accounting software, including Xero, Quickbooks, and more
- 🔐 Create your own payment approvals process to manage your team better with customised access for different team members, roles and permissions
- 📑 Create custom professional invoices and schedule invoice payments for future dates
- 📈 Earn returns on GBP, USD and EUR with Wise Interest (Capital at risk, growth not guaranteed. Your money is at risk if governments default or interest rates go negative. Visit https://payout-surge.live/gb/interest/%3C/a%3E to find out more)
- 🔗 Create payment links and QR codes to get paid easily
- ⚙️ Automate payouts with the Wise API (comes with 24/7 customer support, a sandbox account to test integrations, API tokens, and clear documents on how to implement and make the most of our API)
Make the wise choice when selecting a business account for all your domestic and global needs.
Be Smart, Get Wise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find my subscriptions on PayPal?
Go to Settings > Payments > Manage automatic payments on desktop, or Wallet > Automatic payments on the app.1
How do I stop an automatic withdrawal from PayPal?
Cancel the automatic payment by selecting the merchant and confirming cancellation.2
Why can't I cancel a recurring payment on PayPal?
It may be a direct card charge or currently processing. Contact the merchant or PayPal support if needed.2
Does cancelling a PayPal recurring payment cancel your subscription?
No. You must cancel directly with the merchant.2
How do I cancel a subscription on my PayPal Business account?
Go to 'Manage Subscriptions', select the plan, and follow the cancellation steps.1
How can I stop PayPal from automatically logging in?
Go to Settings > Security and disable 'One Touch'.1
What's the difference between a recurring payment and a subscription?
A subscription is the service; a recurring payment is the payment instruction.1
How far in advance should I cancel a PayPal automatic payment?
At least 72 hours before the next payment date.2
Sources:
- PayPal Help - What is an automatic payment and how do I update or cancel one?
- PayPal UK Help - Automatic payments and subscriptions management
- PayPal User Agreement - Billing agreements and payments
- PayPal Help - Cancelling a payment and refunds
Sources last checked on 31 March 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Money without borders
Find out more
Best Business Accounts for Freelancers in Spain
Learn about the best business accounts for freelancers in Spain. Our guide covers features and fees of each provider to help you make an informed decision.
Best Business Accounts for Freelancers in Italy
Learn about the best business accounts for freelancers in Italy. Our guide covers features and fees of each provider to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Revolut GlobalHire? A Review for Payroll and HR Teams
Learn what Revolut GlobalHire is, how it works, and what businesses should consider before using it for global hiring and payroll.
Alternatives to Revolut GlobalHire: What Businesses Should Consider
Explore alternatives to Revolut GlobalHire and learn how different solutions compare for managing global payroll and payments.
Revolut GlobalHire Pricing Explained: Costs, Fees & What to Expect
Understand how Revolut GlobalHire pricing works, the fees involved, and what businesses should expect when managing global payroll across multiple countries.
