How to delete my Alipay account permanently?

To permanently delete an Alipay account, you must contact customer service and meet specific conditions. Users need to unbind their bank card, cancel automatic deductions, settle their debts, and close their associated investment products first, and then contact Alipay customer service by calling 95188, using the App Help Center or submitting online requests, but the account may not be deleted immediately due to transaction disputes, unsettled debts, legal restrictions or recent modifications. Even if it is successfully closed, some data will still be retained in accordance with Chinese financial regulations.

If you're looking to delete your Alipay account permanently, it's important to know that the process isn't something you can do entirely on your own through the app or website. Alipay has strict policies around account deletion due to financial regulations and security concerns. In most cases, you can only close your account under specific conditions — and even then, it often requires direct contact with customer service.

Here's how things typically work:

What You Need to Know Before Trying to Delete

Alipay doesn't offer a self-service option for deleting accounts. This is mainly because of the financial services tied to each account, like payment history, linked bank accounts, and potential future liabilities. So before reaching out, make sure you've done the following:

• Unlinked all bank cards and removed any auto-payments.
• Cleared all outstanding balances (including credit-based services like Huabei or Jiebei if applicable).
• Closed any investment or savings products linked to the account.

Also, keep in mind that if your account has been inactive for a long time, Alipay might automatically restrict or eventually close it — but this is not the same as permanent deletion.

How to Request Account Closure

To proceed, you'll need to contact Alipay directly. Here are the main ways to do that:

• Call Customer Service : Dial 95188 (mainline number for mainland China users). If you're overseas, check the official website for international numbers.
• Use the App : Open the Alipay app > go to “My” > scroll down to “Help Center” > look for “Account Cancellation” or use the search bar.
• Submit an Inquiry Online : Visit the Alipay Help Center and submit a request explaining your reason for wanting to close the account.

When contacting support, be clear and polite about your intent. Some representatives may try to suggest alternatives like deactivate instead of closing. If you insist, they may ask for identity verification and confirm whether there are any unresolved issues tied to the account.

Why It Might Not Be Possible Right Away

Even after requesting closure, your account might not be deleted immediately — or at all — depending on these factors:

• Active transactions or pending disputes
• Outstanding debts or unsettled bills
• Legal holds or government investigations (if previously flagged)
• Recently changed account information (like phone number or ID)

In some cases, you might be told that full deletion isn't possible and that the best alternative is to stop using the account and remove all personal data manually.

What Happens After Closure?

If your request is accepted, here's what typically happens:

• Your login access will be revoked.
• Payment history remains on file temporarily due to legal retention rules.
• Linked services (like Taobao) will no longer associate with the closed Alipay account.
• Any remaining balance must be withdrawn or transferred before closure.

It's worth noting that even after closure, some data may remain stored per Chinese financial laws — so don't expect complete erasure like with non-financial apps.

That's basically how it works. The process isn't complicated technically, but it's definitely more involved than just flipping a switch. If you're determined to close your account, persistence with customer service and making sure everything is settled beforehand are key.

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