Written & Verified By
Delete.Directory Content TeamOur team of privacy advocates and former social media employees verify every deletion process through hands-on testing.
This guide helps you permanently delete your eBay account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.
How We Verified This Guide
Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts
Quick Information
Time Required
10 minutes
Difficulty
medium
Steps
5 steps
Official Resources
Official deletion guide from eBay
Additional Resources
Official guide for downloading your complete eBay data before account closure
Understanding how eBay handles your data and privacy
How to resolve open transactions before account closure
Step-by-Step Guide
Resolve All Outstanding Issues
Before closing your account, you must cancel all active listings, resolve all open disputes, pay any outstanding fees, and complete all pending transactions as both buyer and seller.
Tips
- •End all active auctions and buy-it-now listings
- •Pay any outstanding seller fees
- •Complete or cancel all pending purchases
Warnings
- •You cannot close account with active listings
- •Outstanding balances must be paid first
Access Account Settings
Log into eBay.com and click on 'My eBay' in the top right corner. Then click on 'Account' in the left sidebar to access your account settings.
Tips
- •Use desktop site for easier navigation
- •Make sure you're fully signed in
Find Account Closure Option
In Account settings, look for 'Close my account' or navigate to the Account Closure page directly. eBay may require you to go through their help center to find the official closure link.
Tips
- •Search eBay Help for 'close account' if you can't find it
- •Option may be under 'Personal Information' section
Complete Account Closure Form
eBay will ask you to confirm your identity, provide a reason for closure, and verify you understand the consequences. You may need to answer security questions or verify your email.
Warnings
- •Account enters 60-day closure period
- •You cannot bid, buy, or sell during this period
Confirm Closure and Wait 60 Days
After submitting your request, your account enters a 60-day inactive period. During this time, you cannot buy or sell, but you can still access your account. After 60 days, your account is permanently closed.
Warnings
- •Logging in and making transactions cancels closure
- •After 60 days, closure is permanent
Important Warnings
60-Day Waiting Period Required
Must Resolve All Outstanding Issues First
Seller Feedback and History May Remain Visible
PayPal Account Remains Separate
Username Permanently Retired
Saved Searches and Watchlists Lost
Alternatives to Consider
Temporarily Stop Using eBay
Instead of closing your account, simply stop using it. Remove payment methods, delete saved addresses, and unsubscribe from emails. Keep the account dormant for potential future use.
Pros
- •Can return to eBay anytime
- •Purchase history preserved for warranty claims
- •Username and reputation maintained
- •No 60-day waiting period
Cons
- •Account still active on eBay
- •Data remains on eBay servers
- •May receive occasional emails
- •Privacy concerns not addressed
Remove Personal Information Before Closing
Before closing your account, manually remove as much personal information as possible: addresses, phone numbers, payment methods, and clear your purchase history where allowed.
Pros
- •Reduces stored personal data
- •Better privacy protection
- •Can be done before deciding on closure
- •Removes financial information
Cons
- •Time-consuming process
- •Some data cannot be removed
- •Purchase history may be retained
- •Doesn't close the account
Download Your eBay Data First
Before closing your account, request a complete download of your eBay data including purchase history, seller activity, messages, and account information.
Pros
- •Keep record of all transactions
- •Useful for tax purposes if you sold items
- •Backup of purchase history for warranties
- •Free service from eBay
Cons
- •Takes time to process and download
- •Large file size for active users
- •Data in technical format
- •Doesn't remove data from eBay
Frequently Asked Questions
eBay requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period after you request account closure. During this time, your account is inactive but not deleted. After 60 days pass without any buying or selling activity, your account is permanently closed.
References & Citations
- [1]Request Your eBay Data
Official guide for downloading your complete eBay data before account closure
https://www.ebay.com/help/account/protecting-account/downloading-your-ebay-data
- [2]eBay User Privacy Notice
Understanding how eBay handles your data and privacy
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-privacy-notice-privacy-policy
- [3]Resolve Outstanding Issues
How to resolve open transactions before account closure
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-concerns/resolving-buyer-concerns
All citations verified as of 11/8/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.
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Last Updated
November 8, 2025