Can You Change Your PayPal Username?

Many users seek to change a “username” on PayPal, similar to what they might do on social media platforms. However, PayPal does not use a single, customizable username for login. Instead, other primary account identifiers can be updated to reflect changes in personal or business information.

Understanding Your PayPal Identifier

PayPal uses several identifiers for your account, distinct from a social media username. These include:
Your email address, which serves as your primary login for payments and account access. You can link multiple email addresses to a single PayPal account for flexibility.
Your legal name, important for verification and financial regulations.
For business accounts, a distinct business name used for operational and legal clarity.
A customizable PayPal.Me link, allowing users to create a unique, shareable link for receiving payments.
An unchangeable internal account ID, serving as a permanent reference within PayPal’s system.

Updating Your Account Details

Modifying your PayPal account details involves specific steps depending on the identifier you wish to change.

Changing Your Email Address

To update your primary login email address, log into your PayPal account on a web browser. Navigate to the settings and locate the email section. You can add a new email address, confirm it through a verification link sent to it, and then set it as your primary email. If you have an old email address you no longer use, you can remove it after setting a new primary one.

Changing Your Legal Name

For changes to your legal name on a personal account, such as marriage or a legal name change, log into your account, go to settings, and select the option to change your name. For minor corrections, like a spelling error of up to two characters, you can often make the change directly without documentation, but this can usually only be done once. For major legal name changes, PayPal requires supporting documentation, which may include a government-issued photo ID, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal documents proving the name change. PayPal usually processes these name change applications within 3-5 business days, though some may take longer.

Changing Your Business Name

If you operate a business account and need to update your business name, the process is similar to changing a personal name. Log in via a web browser, go to Account Settings, then Business Information, and select “Update” next to your business name. You will typically need to provide legal documentation, such as an updated business license or certificate of incorporation, to verify the change. The business name on your PayPal account must match the name registered with your business bank account to ensure smooth transactions.

Customizing Your PayPal.Me Link

Customizing your PayPal.Me link involves creating a unique, shareable URL that people can use to send you money directly. You can create this link by visiting the PayPal.Me webpage or through your account settings. While you can initially select a personalized “username” for your PayPal.Me link, once created, the specific “name” portion cannot be changed directly. If you wish to alter it, you may need to contact PayPal customer support or disable the existing link.

Creating a New Account for a Fresh Identifier

If you desire a completely new primary login identifier or wish to disassociate from an old account’s history, closing the existing PayPal account and opening a new one is often the only option. This approach offers a “fresh start” but has significant implications. When an account is closed, transaction history is lost, and you will no longer have access to past disputes or payment records. Any pending transactions will be canceled, and outstanding money requests are automatically voided.

Before closing an account, withdraw any existing balance. After closure, you will need to re-link bank accounts and cards to the new PayPal account. It is worth noting that while PayPal allows you to create a new account, there might be restrictions on immediately reusing the same bank account or card if it was recently associated with a closed account, especially if the old account had unresolved issues. PayPal retains account information for legal obligations, and attempting to open a new account using details from a previously restricted or problematic account may lead to further limitations.