How to Delete eBay Account Permanently 2025: Quick & Easy

Are you ready to move on from eBay? Whether you’ve found a better platform for buying and selling or simply want to streamline your online presence, deleting your account shouldn’t be a hassle.

So, how do you delete your eBay account? The good news is that the whole process can be done in just a few minutes, with full account closure usually happening within 14 days. That said, some issues can slow down the process of getting your eBay account deleted. Unresolved disputes, pending transactions, missing login details, or suspended accounts can mean it takes up to 4 times longer for eBay to carry out your request.

I’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you get it done efficiently. Here’s how to take control and delete your eBay account quickly and for good.

Things to Know Before Deleting Your eBay Account

Before you delete your eBay account, there are several important factors to consider. Account deletion is permanent, meaning you’ll lose access to all features, including purchasing, selling, and your transaction history.

To close your account, you also need to make sure:

• All fees and selling costs have been paid. While eBay does not charge a fee for account deletion, any unpaid fees or outstanding charges must be cleared before you can proceed.
• Your available funds are at zero, with no outstanding balances. If there’s an unresolved balance or amount on eBay’s side, reach out to customer support first for help.
• You don’t have any active bids or pending transactions (including open bids, payments, returns, disputes, or payouts in process).
• You don’t have any active listings. Subscriptions linked to your eBay account (e.g. eBay Stores or Selling Manager Pro) should also have been canceled.
• You’ve backed up important information, such as transaction records and customer details, as this data will no longer be accessible after your account is gone.
• Your account details are accurate, ensuring you receive confirmation of the closure via email.
• You have access to your account credentials. If you’ve forgotten your login details, you can use eBay’s account recovery system to retrieve them. Deleting an account without logging in is not possible.

How long does it take to delete an eBay account permanently? Typically, the process takes up to 14 days, but it can extend to 60 days if you’ve had any payments, claims, or disputes within the last 30 days.

How to Delete an eBay Account: Step-By-Step Guide

Below, I’ll guide you through the specific instructions for deactivating your eBay account via the website on desktop or the app on your phone.

Website (Windows and Mac)

Step 1. Open your web browser, visit the eBay website, and sign in using your credentials.

Use your preferred method to access your account

Step 2. After logging in, hover over your name or profile icon in the top-left corner of the page, then click on Account settings.

Hover over your profile icon to access the account settings

Step 3. In the Account settings menu, locate the Close account option and select it.

Locate "Close account" under "Account Preferences"

Step 4. A page will open with important details about closing your account. Carefully read the information, scroll down, and click the blue Close account button.

Scroll down and tap the blue "Close account" button to move to the next step

Step 5. Select a reason for closing your account from the drop-down menu. Choose the option that best fits your decision.

Select your reason for closing from the drop-down menu

Step 6. On the next page, confirm your decision by checking the box that says I want to close my eBay account and click Submit.

Check the box and click "Submit" to finalize the closure

Once you’ve submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email or eBay message within 24 hours to confirm that your closure request is being processed.

Phone (Android and iPhone)

If you prefer to delete your eBay account using the mobile app, here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Launch the eBay app on your smartphone or tablet and log in.
Step 2. Tap the 3 horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu.
Step 3. Scroll down and press on Help.
Step 4. In the Help & Contact section, type “Close account” into the search bar and select the relevant article.
Step 5. Scroll down to find the blue Close account button and tap it.
Step 6. From the drop-down menu, pick your reason for closing the account.
Step 7. Tick the box that says I want to close my eBay account and tap Submit.

After submitting your request, eBay will send you a confirmation email or message within 24 hours — similar to the process on the website. By following these steps, you can quickly delete your eBay account for good, whether you’re using your computer or the mobile app.

How to Close Your eBay Seller Account

As a seller, you also need to ensure all transactions, disputes, and payouts are finalized before proceeding. Then, follow the same step-by-step instructions as above to close your account.

Should I Delete My eBay Account?

Active eBay users have been in decline since 2018.¹ Whether it's for personal privacy, dissatisfaction with the service, or simply tidying up their online presence, here are some typical reasons why users choose to delete their eBay accounts:

• Frustration with the platform: Frequent unresolved disputes, unresponsive sellers, slow customer service, or poor purchasing experiences can make eBay difficult to use. Selling is also getting harder, with only around 40% of listings resulting in a sale.¹
• Privacy concerns: In May 2014, a data breach put all 145 million of eBay’s users at risk.² While the breach happened a long time ago, eBay was criticized at the time for taking so long to notify customers — reducing trust in the platform.
• Inactive accounts and security risks: Inactive accounts can become easy targets for hackers, putting sensitive data like saved payment methods and shipping addresses at risk. Closing an unused eBay account ensures your personal information cannot be exploited.
• Account restrictions or violations: Accounts suspended due to unpaid fees, policy violations, or disputes can be difficult to reinstate. Instead of resolving issues, some users opt to delete the account and move on.
• Switching to other options: With so many alternatives available for buying and selling, users may find other marketplaces that better suit their needs.

That all being said, a 2023 survey showed that eBay was still the second most popular e-commerce platform after Amazon.³ The site’s ASCI customer satisfaction score has also remained relatively stable in recent years.⁴ These are all important stats to take into consideration when comparing eBay to other platforms.

What Happens When You Delete Your eBay Account?

Closing your eBay account is an irreversible action. Once your eBay account is deleted, you lose access to all platform features, including purchasing, selling, and browsing capabilities. Active listings will be canceled, feedback and ratings erased, and transaction history indefinitely removed.

This can significantly impact your credibility if you plan to return to the platform, as you’ll need to create a new account and rebuild your feedback profile from scratch. It’s crucial to download or save any necessary records before closing your account to avoid losing valuable information.

What Data Does eBay Retain?

Even after your account is deleted, eBay retains some information to comply with legal and financial obligations (though it claims to use methods like anonymization or aggregation to process said data).

This includes:

• Basic account details: Your name, email address, and registration date.
• Transaction records: Listings, bids, purchases, and sales.
• Financial data: Payment records, invoices, and receipts.
• Dispute information: Messages and resolutions related to disputes.
• Security details: Account activity logs and policy violations.

How Do I Create a New eBay Account?

After submitting a closure request, you have 7 days to reopen your account if you change your mind. After that, though, you’ll need to create a new eBay account if you want to start using the service again.

You can sign up for a new account immediately by providing a username, email address, and payment information. It’s sometimes possible to sign up with the same username — provided another customer hasn’t taken it in the meantime.

If your account has been banned, you may face difficulties. Your username and email address will most likely be flagged, and the platform can even blocklist your IP address to prevent you from creating another account after being suspended.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best eBay Alternatives

Whether you’re looking for a platform with a broader reach, a niche audience, or a simple way to connect with local buyers, the best eBay alternatives for buying or selling online can help you achieve your goals. Below, I’ve highlighted some of the top options to explore.

• Amazon. This leading e-commerce site offers a massive product selection, reliable shipping, and programs like Prime, making it a go-to for buyers and sellers seeking convenience and a wide reach.
• Etsy. This artisan-focused platform caters to handmade, vintage, and craft sellers, connecting them with a niche audience passionate about unique and creative products.
• Facebook Marketplace. A free, local-focused option for quick listings and easy communication, ideal for casual sellers and large items like furniture or vehicles.
• Mercari. An app-based platform with low fees, perfect for selling pre-owned items and decluttering or starting a small resale business.
• Poshmark. Tailored for fashion and home goods, Poshmark combines a social interface with simple shipping to attract style-conscious shoppers.
• Craigslist. A no-fee, local transaction platform for selling nearly anything, known for its simplicity and broad reach.
• Bonanza. A seller-friendly marketplace with low fees and integration tools, suited for unique products and business growth.

FAQs on How to Delete Your eBay Account

Can I reopen my eBay account after it has been deleted?

Once your eBay account is permanently deleted, it cannot be reopened and all account data, including transaction history and feedback, is indefinitely removed. If you wish to return to eBay, you must create a new account. However, you have 7 days to change your mind before the closure process is finalized.

The closure procedure generally takes up to 14 days, but it may extend to 60 days if there have been recent transactions, payments, or disputes in the previous 30 days. Seller accounts may have an additional 7-day window after closure to request reopening. After these periods, the account is closed for good, and a new account must be created to resume using eBay.

Can I delete my eBay account if it’s currently suspended?

Yes, you can delete your eBay account even if it’s suspended but there are additional steps to consider. Before initiating the closure process, you must resolve any outstanding issues as eBay requires a clear account standing for deactivation. Once these conditions are met, you can follow the standard procedure to close your account permanently.

What should I do if I have pending transactions or disputes before closing my account?

You must resolve them before closing your eBay account. This includes completing payments, addressing returns, and settling any claims or disputes. Once all outstanding issues are dealt with, you can proceed with the account shutdown process.

Conclusion

Deleting your eBay account can be a valuable step toward protecting your privacy, reducing security risks, or simply decluttering your digital life. Whether you’re a frustrated user, concerned about data privacy, or ready to move to other platforms, understanding the process ensures an effortless experience.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and addressing any pending issues beforehand, you can confidently close your eBay account permanently. If you encounter challenges along the way, eBay customer support is available to assist. Take control of your online accounts with these practical tips, and move forward knowing your data is managed securely.

References

1. https://www.businessofapps.com/data/ebay-statistics/
2. https://powerretail.com.au/e-commerce-time-machine-ebays-historic-2014-data-breach/
3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1198949/most-visited-websites-in-the-retail-sector-worldwide/
4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/185796/us-customer-satisfaction-with-ebay/