Updated April 29, 2025 at 1:55 AM
PayPal 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing
Written by Sabrina Khoulalène
Content Analyst
Edited by Mehar Luthra
Team Lead, Content
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- Our Summary
- Pricing and Plans
- Features
- Integrations
- Key Sentiments
- User Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Summary
Pros:
- Strong security features
- Global reach
Cons:
- High transaction fees
- Confusing interface
Pricing
Pricing available upon request
What is PayPal:
Paypal is an online payment system that allows businesses to send and receive money. PayPal helps businesses make purchases, transfer money, and pay bills with tools like instant transfers, multi-currency support, and cross-border payments. PayPal acts as an intermediary between banks and customers.
Why we like PayPal:
PayPal is featured on Software Advice’s FrontRunners list of top payment processing software, with users appreciating its real-time alerts on sales activity and transactions, online payments, and visual dashboards. PayPal ranks highly, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars across 25,000+ reviews and 4.6 stars for ease of use and features.
Who should use PayPal:
PayPal is frequently used by small businesses, who make up 59% of PayPal reviewers on Software Advice. Users can accept online payments, utilize business debit cards or business loans, and analyze detailed reports on sales activity, refunds, fees, and customer data.
PayPal Screenshots

PayPal Overview
PayPal is a digital payment platform that enables businesses and individuals to pay and accept payments through an online portal. The solution is suitable for businesses of all sizes.
PayPal provides a one-touch login process, eliminating the need to re-enter information. For individuals, users can shop as well as process transactions overseas by linking their card details through PayPal’s portal.
For business owners, users can accept international payments from banks or digital wallets through the portal. Users can bill clients, receive direct payments from suppliers or...
manufacturers and accept payments from multiple markets with a single account. PayPal charges a transaction fee, which is calculated based on businesses’ total sales volumes. The system is compatible with mobile devices.PayPal Pricing and Plans
Card Processing
$0.29
Plan includes:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Apple Pay
- Maestro
- American Express
- Discover
PayPal and Venmo
$0.49
Plan includes:
- PayPal
- Venmo
Pay Later
$0.49
No plan information available
Point of Sale
$0.09
No plan information available

Confused about pricing? We've got you covered.
Get a personalized pricing breakdown tailored to your specific needs—no guesswork, no generic estimates.
Our Analysis of PayPal's Pricing Plans
PayPal offers several pricing models to support a variety of payment methods, each with its own fee structure. Creating a business account is free—companies just need to provide a billing address and link a business bank account during setup. You can also choose which payment options to offer, and fees only apply when a transaction is processed.
To help you determine which model best fits your needs, we’ve outlined the core features, benefi...
ts, and potential drawbacks of PayPal’s main payment options: standard card processing (plus Expanded Checkout for digital wallets), PayPal and Venmo, PayPal Later, and PayPal POS. **Card processing (+ Expanded Checkout)** PayPal’s standard card processing charges 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction. Businesses using Expanded Checkout benefit from slightly lower rates—2.89% + $0.29 per transaction—while gaining the flexibility to offer additional payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Optional add-ons include Chargeback Protection (0.40%) and Advanced Fraud Protection ($0.07). **Pros:** - **Multiple payment options available:** Expanded Checkout lets businesses accept a mix of card payments and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, all under the same fee structure. - **No monthly fees:** Businesses only pay when they complete a sale, without any recurring monthly charges. - **Built-in protections:** Optional tools like Chargeback Protection and Advanced Fraud Protection help reduce risk. **Cons:** - **Add-on costs:** Extra fees for protection services can increase the total cost per transaction and accumulate over time. - **Flat transaction fees:** Even for smaller purchases, the $0.29 or $0.49 fixed fee per transaction can add up. **PayPal and Venmo payments** At $0.49 plus 3.49% per transaction, this setup serves businesses looking to reach digitally savvy, mobile-first customers who prefer using familiar platforms like PayPal or Venmo over traditional card payments. **Pros:** - **Expanded audience reach:** Helps businesses tap into PayPal and Venmo’s built-in user bases, particularly younger or mobile-first shoppers. - **PayPal Checkout access:** Combines card, PayPal, and Venmo payments in one streamlined flow, with built-in fraud tools and a familiar branded interface that can increase trust and conversion at checkout—but excludes support for other digital wallets, such as Apple Pay. - **Built-in protections:** Includes Seller Protection, fraud prevention, and compliance tools through PayPal Checkout. **Cons:** - **Higher transaction fees: Comes with a steeper rate—$0.49 plus 3.49% per transaction—compared to other PayPal options. - **Brand visibility tradeoff: Payments show as “PayPal” on customer bank statements, not your business name, which may affect brand recognition. **PayPal Pay Later** PayPal Pay Later charges 4.99% + $0.49 per transaction and is geared toward businesses selling high-ticket items or looking to increase average order value. It gives customers flexible payment options—either in four interest-free installments or extended monthly plans—while businesses receive the full payment upfront. **Pros** - **Built-in financing option:** Customers can choose between four interest-free payments or longer monthly installments of up to 24 months. - **Upfront business payouts:** Businesses receive the full transaction amount at the -time of purchase, while PayPal handles collection from the customer. - **No late fees:** Customers benefit from zero late fees or sign-up charges, helping reduce cart abandonment for higher-value items. **Cons:** - **Higher transaction fees:** The 4.99% + $0.49 fee per transaction is steeper than - PayPal’s other processing options. - **Aggressive interest charges for customers:** Monthly plans may include interest rates up to 35.99% APR, which may deter some buyers. - **Limited use case:** Best suited for businesses with higher average order values—and may not be ideal for those selling lower-cost goods. **PayPal POS** PayPal’s point-of-sale system charges a flat $0.09 per transaction and is designed for in-person sales at physical locations. Businesses can use the free POS app on a smartphone or purchase hardware like card readers and receipt printers starting at $29. Ideal for storefronts, contractors, or mobile vendors, this setup supports tap-to-pay, real-time inventory tracking, and instant fund transfers to your PayPal business account. **Pros:** - **Low transaction cost:** The $0.09 flat fee per sale makes PayPal POS an affordable in-person processing options. - **Flexible setup options:** Businesses can start with just a smartphone or add hardware like card readers and receipt printers as needed. - **Real-time payouts and insights:** Instant fund deposits, built-in inventory tools, and sales reports help streamline daily operations. **Cons:** - **Hardware costs:** While the app is free, physical stores may need to invest in POS equipment, which can add up. - **Limited to in-person sales:** This setup is tailored for face-to-face transactions and doesn’t cover online checkout needs. - **Basic feature set:** May lack advanced POS features found in more robust retail systems. **Conclusion** PayPal offers a flexible suite of payment solutions to meet the needs of online retailers and in-person sellers. Whether you’re looking to accept traditional card payments, tap into mobile-first audiences through PayPal and Venmo, offer buy now, pay later financing, or process in-store transactions with a POS system, each payment method brings its own advantages and limitations. Standard card processing and Expanded Checkout offer competitive rates and broad compatibility with digital wallets. PayPal and Venmo options help expand your customer base but come with slightly higher fees. Pay Later supports high-ticket sales and can boost order value, though it’s best suited for certain business types. Meanwhile, PayPal POS is a cost-effective tool for physical retailers and mobile vendors, offering affordable in-person transactions and real-time reporting features. Choosing the right PayPal payment setup will depend on your sales channels, customer preferences, and overall business goals. Carefully evaluating each option’s structure and associated fees can help you identify the approach that delivers the most value.PayPal Features
Drawn from insights across 26110 verified reviews, we've outlined PayPal's best and worst rated features and how they stack up against the average rating.
PayPal's Best Rated Features
Payment Tracking
4.85 category average
Real-time Alerts
4.08 category average
Internal Fraud Monitoring
4.61 category average
PayPal's Worst Rated Features
Ad hoc Reporting
3.21 category average
Search/Filter
3.79 category average
Expense Tracking
3.74 category average
- Popular features found in Payment ProcessingACH Payment ProcessingBilling & InvoicingDebit/Credit Card ProcessingIn-Person PaymentsMobile PaymentsMulti-CurrencyMultiple Payment OptionsPayment Fraud PreventionPayment Gateway IntegrationPCI ComplianceRecurring/Subscription BillingReporting/Analytics
- More features of PayPalAccess Controls/PermissionsAccountingActivity DashboardAd hoc ReportingAI/Machine LearningAlerts/NotificationsAnomaly DetectionAPIAuthenticationBarcode/Ticket ScanningBilling PortalCash ManagementCheck Fraud DetectionCompliance ManagementContact DatabaseCredit Card ProcessingCRMCustomizable DashboardCustomizable InvoicesData Import/ExportData ManagementData SecurityData VisualizationDeferred BillingDigital Wallet PaymentseCommerce ManagementEDIElectronic PaymentsElectronic SignatureExpense TrackingFinancial AnalysisFinancial ManagementFinancial ReportingFor BankingFor eCommerceFor Food TrucksFor RetailFor Small BusinessesFraud DetectionInternal Fraud MonitoringInventory ManagementInvoice CreationInvoice HistoryInvoice ManagementInvoice ProcessingMarketing ReportsMobile AccessMonitoringMulti-LocationMulti-Period Recurring BillingOnline InvoicingOnline PaymentsOrder ManagementPayment LinksPayment OptionsPayment ProcessingPayment TrackingPerformance ManagementPoint of Sale (POS)Product CatalogProjectionsPromotions ManagementReal-time AlertsReal-Time DataReal-Time MonitoringReceipt ManagementRecurring InvoicingRefund ManagementRemindersReturns ManagementRisk AnalysisRisk ManagementRole-Based PermissionsSales ReportsSales Tax ManagementScheduled/Automated ReportsSearch/FilterSelf Service PortalShipping LabelsShipping ManagementSocial Media IntegrationStatus TrackingTransaction HistoryTransaction Monitoring
PayPal Integrations
Based on 26110 verified reviews, we've identified products most frequently integrated with PayPal.
Regine Rodriguez
CEO
Used for more than 2 years
Reviewed September 2022
"So easy to implement on the shopify payments area."
Kathy Place
Owner
Used for more than 2 years
Reviewed November 2022
"Easiest way to collect money. Sets up easily with woocommerce"
Mike Perrier
Owner
Used for more than 2 years
Reviewed November 2021
"We sell tickets to our event on Wix and PayPal makes it very easy!"
See all 155 integrations
PayPal Key Sentiments
We analyzed 26110 verified reviews for PayPal to find out what actual users really think.
Most Positive Sentiments
Payment processing
Users appreciate PayPal for its secure platform, which ensures safe transactions and peace of mind when making payments. They value the option to pay balances off with no interest and the convenience of interest-free payment plans. Additionally, freelancers find PayPal an excellent method for receiving payments from clients, enhancing their financial management.
Customer service
Users generally appreciate PayPal's customer support availability and find the service reliable and helpful. They value the responsive and empathetic support staff, which enhances their overall experience. However, some users still report frustrating service experiences, including slow response times and difficulties in resolving issues.
Purchase and sales management
Users find PayPal convenient for sending and receiving money, which supports their business growth and international transfers. They appreciate the ability to print shipping labels directly from PayPal, saving time and effort. Additionally, PayPal's wide acceptance among various vendors and online stores helps users manage their purchases and sales efficiently.
Least Positive Sentiments
Transaction fees
Users express dissatisfaction with PayPal's high transaction fees, especially for small and international transactions. While some appreciate the instant transfer options, many find the fee structure complex and costly. The high fees can significantly impact small businesses and frequent users, leading to concerns about overall operating expenses.
Money transfers
Users find PayPal convenient for sending and receiving money, with robust security features and quick international transfers. They value the speed of transactions and the ability to manage multiple currencies. However, some users experience account freezes, limitations, and slow transfer times, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.
PayPal User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
Ratings Breakdown
5
74%
4
20%
3
4%
2
1%
1
1%
Secondary Ratings
Ease of Use
4.6
Value for money
4.5
Customer support
4.2
Functionality
4.6

Holly H.
Verified reviewer
Hospital & Health Care
10000+ employees
Used daily for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed February 2026
PayPal is always favored
5
Overall, the experience with PayPal has been fantastic. Its easy to keep track of everything and customer support is great
Ratings Breakdown
Read More
Sergi F.
Verified reviewer
Business Supplies and Equipment
Self-Employed
Used daily for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
The standard for getting paid quickly even if the fees sting.
4
I’ve used PayPal for my freelance business for years, primarily because it removes friction for my clients. When I send a PayPal invoice, I know my client can pay it in two clicks, which means I get paid faster. That convenience is the main reason I stick with it. The platform is incredibly reliable.I’ve never lost money and transfers to my bank are usually instant now. However, the trade-off is the cost. Between the transaction fees and the currency conversion rates (international clients), you end up losing a significant chunk of your earnings. It’s a solid tool that I rely on daily.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing PayPal
While Stripe has slightly better fees, it requires more technical setup or a separate third-party invoicing tool. PayPal is an all-in-one solution.
Reasons for switching to PayPal
Chasing clients for wire transfers was a nightmare. It required them to go to their bank, which delayed my payments.
Read More
Public Relations and Communications
2-10 employees
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
PayPal gets online payments right
5
I use the platform for automatic payments from clients and vendors. It's a seamless process that just works.
Ratings Breakdown
Read More

Larry H.
Verified reviewer
Business Supplies and Equipment
51-200 employees
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Paypal is my go to
5
Overall i give pay pal 6 stars. Above 5. Every money instution has cons bout them .but paypal goes above and beyond for there customers to help them have a great experience with paypal.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing PayPal
Paypal is top not h professionals when it comes to helping manage and maintaining your money when you choose paypal.
Reasons for switching to PayPal
Paypal cares about there customers like they are part of a family.
Read More

Debbie M.
Verified reviewer
Accounting
2-10 employees
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Paypal - Security in Purchasing
5
I feel confident using PayPal, knowing I can dispute any purchase if the product doesn’t arrive or fails to meet expectations.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing PayPal
Customer Service was key - the ability to query purchases adds more security and avoid be exposed to scams.
Read More
Hyeong L.
Verified reviewer
Health, Wellness and Fitness
2-10 employees
Used daily for less than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
PayPal for Small Business
4
Overall, I like using PayPal for POS for my small business. I switched from Square and do not regret it
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing PayPal
Because PayPal was easier to set up and easier to use.
Reasons for switching to PayPal
Because I wanted to try a different payment processor
Read More

Harisathwik V.
Verified reviewer
Entertainment
Self-Employed
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Go to platform for receiving international funds
5
Super, good and highly recommend as they have been in the market from long time. Good support available in case needed.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for switching to PayPal
Easy setup, low fees per transaction, real time withdrawal of funds
Read More
Jose A R.
Verified reviewer
Information Technology and Services
Self-Employed
Used weekly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
Highly recommended online payment solution
5
Having a free PayPal account is essential for making secure and fast payments as a user. As a payment gateway for online store owners, they should improve their service fees.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing PayPal
I haven't ruled out the other alternatives; I'm using them in parallel
Read More
Robert F.
Verified reviewer
Non-Profit Organization Management
51-200 employees
Used daily for less than 6 months
Review sourceReviewed December 2025
Most Requested Alternate Payment
5
We now accept ACH, VISA, MC, AMEX, and members asked for PayPal so we added it. Flawless interactions.
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for choosing PayPal
Most requested payment option, never knew people wanted it so much and glad we installed it.
Read More
Brittany B.
Verified reviewer
Hospital & Health Care
2-10 employees
Used monthly for more than 2 years
Review sourceReviewed January 2026
PayPal makes my life easier
5
Have not had any issues with this product and universally accepted with most local businesses in my area
Ratings Breakdown
Reasons for switching to PayPal
Cleaner platform and easier to use for my everyday purchases
Read More
PayPal FAQs
- How much does PayPal Zettle cost?
PayPal Zettle, which is a point-of-sale (POS) system that enables businesses to accept card payments, costs $29 for the first card reader, and $79 for additional card readers after that. PayPal Zettle uses hardware like receipt printers, barcode scanners, and terminals to receive payments. There are no monthly fees for using Zettle, but standard PayPal transaction fees do apply.
- Is PayPal software as a service?
No, PayPal is not technically a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, but it plays a crucial role in powering digital payments, especially for software companies. It provides features such as secure online payments, multi-currency support, and integrations with eCommerce platforms. PayPal enables businesses to process transactions globally, making it a widely used solution for digital payments across industries.
- Can PayPal be trusted?
Yes, PayPal is a trustworthy and legitimate company for businesses. PayPal reviews on Software Advice highlight its fast payments, user-friendly platform, and multiple security factors. However, users should always be cautious of sending and receiving money on the platform and verify that any merchants are legitimate.
- How do I avoid PayPal fees?
To avoid PayPal fees, individuals can send and receive money via the 'Friends and Family' option and pay with a bank account. However, for businesses, this would violate PayPal's terms of service. For businesses looking to reduce their fees, they should receive payments in the same currency as clients and apply for lower fees if they earn more than $3,000 per month.
- What are the pros and cons of PayPal?
Positive PayPal reviewers on Software Advice mention its easy mobile payments, detailed transaction monitoring, fast ACH payments, and robust security and buyer protection. Cons from users include high business and international transaction fees, which can quickly add up. Some PayPal reviews also mention issues with handling disputes.
PayPal Popular Comparisons

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