PayPal has been the go-to online payment system for sending and receiving money across borders for over 325 million users in more than 200 countries. With the ability to receive funds in over 100 currencies and withdraw money in 56 currencies, PayPal makes cross-border transactions seamless.
However, PayPal is not the only player in the online payments space. There are several PayPal alternatives available that also make transferring money online simple and cost-effective.
Here we’ll explore 9 best PayPal competitors you can utilize in 2024 for your business or personal transactions.
Why Consider PayPal Alternatives?
While PayPal is a popular choice, here are some reasons why you may want to explore alternatives:
- PayPal may not be available in some countries where you want to send or receive payments. Alternatives allow you to make transactions globally.
- Comparatively high fees on PayPal transactions. Alternatives may offer lower fees.
- Limitations in supported currencies. Alternatives support a wider range of global currencies.
- Ease of use and integration. Some alternatives provide better user experiences and seamless integration.
- Specific business needs. Alternatives can be better suited for accepting recurring payments, micropayments, etc.
- Diversifying payment options. Providing multiple payment methods caters to different customer preferences.
Top 9 PayPal Alternatives for 2024
1. Payoneer
Payoneer is one of the top choices as a PayPal alternative, offering digital payment services in over 200 countries just like PayPal. Founded in 2005 and based out of New York, Payoneer has offices globally and provides the following benefits:
✔️ Low transaction fees 💲 compared to PayPal, helping save costs
✔️ Bank transfers to over 100 countries.
✔️ Debit Mastercard to easily withdraw cash from ATMs.
✔️ Accept payments from international marketplaces and freelancing platforms.
✔️ Easy integration using APIs and plugins for quick onboarding.
With competitive pricing and global reach, Payoneer is a preferred PayPal alternative for freelancers and small businesses.
2. Stripe
Stripe is a full-suite payment platform built for internet businesses of all sizes. Launched in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, Stripe powers online payments, subscriptions, marketplaces, and more.
Key benefits include:
✔️ Developer-friendly APIs for custom integrations.
✔️ Pre-built solutions for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce.
✔️ Global payment processing in over 135 currencies.
✔️ Fraud prevention and security features.
✔️ No setup costs or monthly fees.
✔️ Pricing starts at 2% + $0.30 per successful card payment.
Also check: 18 software affiliate program
3. TransferWise
TransferWise allows cheap and fast international money transfers. Founded in 2011 and based in London, TransferWise moves over $6 billion in remittances each month.
Benefits include:
✔️ Low-cost transfers in over 50 currencies.
✔️ Real exchange rates with minimal conversion fees.
✔️ Borderless multi-currency account.
✔️ Debit Mastercard option.
✔️ Up to 8x cheaper than banks or PayPal.
For frequent international money transfers, TransferWise provides significant savings over PayPal.
4. Skrill
Skrill is an online payments and money transfer service operating since 2001. Offering a digital wallet and prepaid debit card, Skrill lets you easily send money abroad or receive funds.
Why choose Skrill over PayPal?
✔️ Money transfers in 40 currencies.
✔️ Cryptocurrency support – buy, sell, and hold.
✔️ Loyalty program with cashback on transactions.
✔️ Transfers to email addresses or mobile numbers.
✔️ Branded prepaid card accepted worldwide.
With low fees and global outreach, Skrill is a handy PayPal alternative.
5. 2Checkout
2Checkout powers payments for thousands of merchants globally. Owned by Verifone, this all-in-one monetization platform simplifies global commerce.
Notable features include:
✔️ Payment processing in over 180 countries.
✔️ Recurring billing for subscription models.
✔️ Flexible checkout options.
✔️ Fraud protection and security.
✔️ No monthly fees, competitive transaction rates.
✔️ Avangate monetization platform.
Trusted by startups and leading brands, 2Checkout is a full-featured PayPal alternative.
6. Google Pay
Google Pay facilitates mobile payments and touch-to-pay transactions. Integrating Google Pay allows businesses to tap into mobile wallet payments.
Why use Google Pay?
✔️ Seamless integration for Android/Google users.
✔️ Ready plugins for WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.
✔️ Zero fees for debit transactions.
✔️ Bank transfer and UPI payments supported.
✔️ Improved conversion rates on mobile.
For businesses targeting Android/Google users, Google Pay provides a strategic PayPal alternative.
7. Instamojo
Instamojo is a payment gateway and ecommerce platform designed for Indian merchants. With over 1 million businesses powered, Instamojo makes digital payments accessible.
Benefits include:
✔️ Payment links, digital storefronts.
✔️ Logistics management, marketing tools.
✔️ Low transaction fees from 3.5% + Rs 3.
✔️ Instant settlements to Indian bank accounts.
✔️ Mobile-first solutions for Indian users.
For Indian SMEs and startups, Instamojo is the go-to PayPal alternative.
8. Remitly
Remitly is an online remittance service trusted by nations like nepal, India expats globally. Headquartered in Seattle, Remitly offers fast transfers with competitive rates.
Why choose Remitly?
✔️ Bank transfers within minutes/hours.
✔️ Low fees – free transfers over $1000.
✔️ Excellent exchange rates.
✔️ Partnerships with major Indian banks.
✔️ Rating of 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
Remitly outperforms PayPal for NRI remittances to India and Nepal.
9. Coinbase Commerce
Coinbase Commerce enables businesses to accept payments in multiple cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc. with ease.
Benefits
✔️ No fees, quick setup.
✔️ Checkout pages and payment buttons provided.
✔️ Settlements in stablecoins or bank transfers.
✔️ Seamless crypto payment experience.
✔️ Over 8000 merchants onboard.
For forward-thinking businesses, Coinbase Commerce is the go-to PayPal alternative for accepting crypto online.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal alternatives can offer lower fees, better exchange rates, increased payment flexibility, and improved user experience.
- Top options include Payoneer, Stripe, TransferWise, Skrill, 2Checkout, Google Pay, Instamojo, Remitly, and Coinbase Commerce.
- Choice depends on the target region, currencies supported, features needed, and the type of business or transactions.
- Diversifying payment options beyond PayPal caters to wider customer preferences.
No single service is ideal for all scenarios. But evaluating your business requirements and assessing the pros and cons of PayPal alternatives can unlock huge benefits.
The options covered here showcase the range of choices available today to send, receive and accept payments online through secure platforms other than PayPal.
The world of digital payments continues to evolve with an expanding array of services for transferring money online. While PayPal leads the space, assessing your needs and exploring these nine alternatives can unlock significant benefits beyond relying solely on PayPal.
Conclusion
The digital payments landscape has expanded exponentially beyond the dominance of PayPal. While no single service provides a one-size-fits-all solution, evaluating PayPal alternatives based on your specific business needs can enable you to:
💲 Access lower fees, saving thousands in costs annually
🌎 Seamlessly process global payments in multiple currencies
🛒 Integrate customized checkout and payment flows
📱 Tap into emerging payment methods like mobile wallets
👥 Meet the needs of diverse customer demographics
✅ Future-proof your business as new solutions arise
The key is to continuously assess the value proposition of PayPal against other platforms. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You may be surprised at the advantages new payment services can unlock once integrated.
PayPal will continue leading the online payments space thanks to its ubiquity. But it no longer stands unchallenged. Equipped with these alternatives, you now have the power to choose the right platform that streamlines payments, fuels growth and truly optimizes your business.
FAQs On PayPal Alternatives
How does Stripe compare to PayPal – which is better?
Stripe and PayPal both charge similar transaction fees. Stripe offers more customization and scalability for growing businesses. PayPal works better for simple personal transfers.
Can you transfer money from PayPal to Payoneer?
Yes, you can transfer money from a PayPal account to Payoneer by linking it as a bank account within PayPal. This enables direct PayPal to Payoneer money transfers.
Is PayPal safer than Google Pay?
Both PayPal and Google Pay utilize robust security – encryption, fraud analysis, 2FA etc. to safeguard transactions and user information. PayPal offers more dispute resolution support being the older company.
What are the fees for international transfers on Remitly vs PayPal?
Remitly offers free transfers above $1000. Under $1000, a $3.99 flat fee applies. PayPal charges a percentage-based variable fee making Remitly cheaper for international transfers.
