Sure, PayPal is a secure system that people recognize, but are you really willing to hand over your hard-earned funds to a huge corporation just for name recognition?
Many businesses choose to use PayPal as a payment processing option for their customers, seamlessly integrating it with their eCommerce solutions to create a convenient checkout experience for customers. Those same businesses are then forced to adhere to strict rules, suffer harsh penalties they can’t dispute, and hand over a big chunk of every sale.
But while PayPal might have been one of the first names in online payments, it’s far from the only one operating today. There are several PayPal alternatives out there that could better fit your needs.
What are these PayPal alternatives? What kinds of businesses would benefit from them? In this article, we’ll talk about the 20 best PayPal alternatives to give you a better idea of what options you have from a payment processing standpoint.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
- Why look for a PayPal alternative?
- What should you look for in a PayPal alternative?
- The most recognizable PayPal alternatives
- PayPal alternatives you can make your own
- Low-cost PayPal alternatives
- Other notable PayPal alternatives
- Conclusion
Why look for a PayPal alternative?
PayPal locks users out of their accounts
For starters, PayPal has a nasty reputation for locking people out of their accounts for assumed infractions of its terms of service. When this happens, the service can hold onto your collected funds, and you have no way of disputing the violations. PayPal lays down the law, and you’re expected to follow it.
PayPal takes a sizeable cut from each transaction
While all payment providers take a commission on the payments they process, PayPal takes a significantly larger piece of the proverbial purchase pie. It takes 2.9% plus $0.30 per eCommerce transaction. Because of these abnormally large fees, businesses are forced to charge higher prices, which could turn off prospective customers.
Risk of issues on the PayPal site
When using PayPal, your customers will be temporarily moved off your site and onto PayPal. This means that if PayPal has website issues beyond your control, your sales might be interrupted. Suddenly removing your branding in favor of PayPal’s website might also be jarring for customers who don’t understand this process. They could believe something underhanded is going on and abandon the sale entirely.
Risk of cyber attacks
Finally, while PayPal’s big corporate name makes it recognizable to customers, this also paints a huge target on its back for cybercriminals. Malicious actors constantly target PayPal with fraud, scams, and phishing attacks. Some even go as far as to design phishing sites to look like PayPal to lure unsuspecting customers into exposing their login details.
While PayPal still functions as a great sales platform and integrates well into various eCommerce platforms, these cons can’t be overlooked. That’s why many businesses decide to keep their options open and search for alternatives like those listed in this article.
What should you look for in a PayPal alternative?
Before we get into the various PayPal alternatives on this list, we should go through some basic information you need to know when searching for such a service.
When looking for a PayPal alternative, you should be seeking an affordable platform with manageable fees that you’re comfortable with. Create your eCommerce pricing with these fees in mind, ensuring that they’re not eating away at your profits.
Since the security of your customers is critical to their trust in you, the security and encryption of customer information should also be made a priority.
Make sure that the PayPal alternative you choose can integrate with the various tools and platforms you use. These include your eCommerce platform, CRM, and email marketing platform.
You also want to do business with a company that has a wealth of customer support options. It’s important that when an issue pops up, you can get clear directions promptly.
Customizable platforms are also highly sought after. No one likes to be forced into a box with something as vital as their payment platform. You should be able to customize the platform as needed to make it easy to use on both the business and customer-facing sides.
The most recognizable PayPal alternatives
Several big-name PayPal alternatives are instantly recognizable, carrying the same brand name value while offering different notable features. This section highlights those brands, reviewing their features, pricing, and differences from PayPal.
Here are the most recognizable PayPal alternatives that we’ve reviewed:
1. Amazon Pay
This PayPal alternative is connected to Amazon, the world’s most popular eCommerce platform.
Amazon Pay makes a lot of sense if you’re a business that sells products through Amazon because it was specifically made to work alongside that service.
Amazon Pay notable features
Customers can use Amazon Pay by signing into their Amazon account and using the checkout process. Amazon Pay also uses Amazon’s fraud protection feature, granting an additional level of security to customers for no additional cost.
Your Amazon Pay transactions occur on your site, meaning customers won’t be shuffled off to another platform. Integrations are available with CRM platforms, and the service can be accessed across multiple devices. Amazon Pay also integrates with some well-known eCommerce systems, like Shopify and BigCommerce.
You must have an Amazon seller account to use the service. This will give you access to the customizable Amazon API, which can be integrated into your existing eCommerce system.
Amazon Pay pricing
Amazon’s pricing is steep at 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction on anything processed online or through a mobile application. Any card payments processed outside the US are hit with a cross-border fee of 3.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
Amazon Pay vs. PayPal
Amazon Pay lets you keep your transactions on your site, which is something PayPal doesn’t offer. You can also access Amazon’s customer service department and customize the API to suit your needs.
However, if pricing is your main concern with PayPal, you’re not going to find a lot of relief here. Amazon’s pricing is the same as PayPal for eCommerce purchases.
2. Shopify Payments
If you’re an eCommerce business that already uses Shopify, one of the world’s largest eCommerce platforms, then you might enjoy Shopify Payments.
This PayPal alternative allows you to receive credit card payments through the Shopify platform without relying on a third party. Shopify is a platform that already integrates well with eCommerce stores and, like PayPal, has a recognizable name.
Shopify Payments notable features
With Shopify Payments, you can take advantage of notable features like customer service, advanced security options, web design tools, inventory management, social selling options, and shipping features.
It provides you with the ability to track your orders and payments together from one centralized dashboard. The service is built-in with your Shopify account, which means you can start using it right away. You won’t have to worry about lengthy third-party activations. Instead, you can set up Shopify Payments in only a few clicks.
As far as security goes, your shoppers will be protected thanks to the system’s data encryption feature.
You can use the Shopify Payments system to accept credit card payments without leaving your site.
Shopify Payments pricing
Shopify Payments has three different payment plans, each of which feature monthly and per-transaction fees.
The Basic Shopify plan costs $29 per month. It takes a 2.9% commission, plus $0.30 for online payments. In-person payments carry a fee of 2.7%.
The regular Shopify plan is $79 per month. Online credit card payments also have a 2.9% fee, along with $0.30 per transaction. In-person payments are lower, with a fee of 2.5%.
Finally, there’s Advanced Shopify, which comes at $299 per month. The online credit card processing fee drops to 2.4% plus $0.30 per transaction. In-person fees also go down to 2.4%.
Shopify Payments vs. PayPal
The biggest difference between Shopify and PayPal is that the Shopify service integrates seamlessly with the full Shopify system.
There is a monthly payment to manage, but this applies to both the Shopify service and Shopify Payments. The higher your Shopify plan is, the more you’ll save per transaction. But you’ll also be paying more out of pocket per month.
You can receive payments using Shopify Payments without leaving your site, giving it a notable edge over PayPal.
3. Square
Square is a popular business payment processor that has become well known in the eCommerce sector. It’s also a valid option for hybrid businesses that use both.
Square is one of the easiest platforms to use, and there are no long-term contracts to sign.
Square notable features
Square is a fully customizable platform, meaning that it can be tailored to your business specifically. You can also create gift cards, print receipts, send receipts digitally, process recurring payments, and deliver invoices.
Square also comes with real-time inventory management, allowing you to adjust, track, and transfer inventory whenever needed. The system is search-based, making it easy to find whatever it is you’re looking for.
Square allows you to create customer profiles with every sale.
Square pricing
Square’s payment software is 100% free to download and use.
It has a processing fee of 2.6% plus $0.10 per in-person transaction and 2.9% plus $0.30 for eCommerce payments.
Square vs. PayPal
Square is much more versatile than PayPal, with customizable elements that can fit the needs of any business.
Pricing-wise, PayPal’s eCommerce fees are on par with Square, so you won’t see any difference there.
4. Stripe
Stripe is another highly customizable online credit card processor enjoyed by online businesses.
It has a wealth of solid integrations and was designed with a strong focus on developers and coding. It’s used by many big-name businesses, like Google, Amazon, and Lyft.
Stripe Notable Features
Stripe uses an API that helps with implementation. It also offers customer interfaces, along with detailed reporting and insights.
Users can enjoy multiple payment options when using this service, along with revenue optimization features that make the checkout process more efficient. Stripe integrates with big-name services like Weebly, Shopify, and Wix, making it a solid option for eCommerce stores.
Stripe also comes with fraud and dispute options, making it a highly secure and reliable PayPal alternative.
Stripe pricing
Stripe runs on a pay-as-you-go model, with a transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30.
Customized pricing options are also available, but you’ll have to reach out to Stripe directly to negotiate a plan that works for you.
Stripe vs. PayPal
Stripe’s dispute options are also a welcomed change from PayPal’s open-and-shut infraction policy that often leaves businesses locked out of their accounts with no access to their money and no way to dispute the issue.
In terms of cost, Stripe’s integrated pricing plan has the same transaction fee as PayPal, which is on the higher side. However, its customized plan — which is negotiated directly with Stripe — might be a better fit for businesses looking to save money.
5. Quickbooks Payments
Quickbooks Payments is a payment service that integrates with Intuit’s suite of services.
It covers everything from accounting to bookkeeping, payroll, time tracking, and more.
Quickbooks Payments notable features
The most notable feature of Quickbooks Payments is that it integrates seamlessly with Quickbooks — one of the most popular accounting tools in the modern business world. When you sign up for Quickbooks, the Payments system is integrated into your account, so it’s easy to set up.
With the Payments system, you can take mobile payments and send out invoices from a computer or mobile device. You can also set up recurring billing options and receive alerts in real-time when customers pay you.
The system sends out automated payment reminders on invoices and takes care of data entry by porting all of your payment data into Quickbooks’ bookkeeping platform. Quickbooks Payments can be integrated into ecommerce services like BigCommerce and Shopify.
Quickbooks Payments pricing
Quickbooks Payments offers two different pricing levels. There’s a pay-as-you-go plan and a monthly subscription.
The pay-as-you-go plan has no monthly fee but a slightly higher transaction fee. The qualified rate on swiped card payments comes to 2.4%.
The monthly plan has lower transaction fees but comes with a $20 monthly static subscription fee.
Quickbooks Payments vs. PayPal
Quickbooks is more convenient in many ways than PayPal, mostly from an accounting and bookkeeping perspective. Its ability to automate payment reminders and apply payment information to your accounting software is highly beneficial for businesses of all sizes.
From a pricing angle, the swiped card options for Quickbooks come at a lower cost than PayPal, while the keyed qualified rate is higher.
Customizable PayPal Alternatives
When looking for a PayPal alternative, it’s important to ensure you can put your stamp on it. After all, this is your online store, and your chosen payment platform should be customizable.
Here are the most customizable PayPal alternatives on our list:
6. BlueSnap
BlueSnap is a checkout portal and payment gateway that can be customized to fit the needs of a wide range of eCommerce businesses.
It offers 100 different currency types and can be translated into 29 languages.
BlueSnap notable features
BlueSnap uses an API that provides customization options for your checkout page. You can also use it to create subscription plans if you are running a recurring subscription-based business model.
BlueSnap is a system that uses intelligent payment routing to create optimized conversions. You can also use it to access payment analytics reports, and its risk management and chargeback management features make it a well-rounded and secure platform.
As far as integrations go, BlueSnap will connect seamlessly with various tools, including ERPs, CRMs, and shopping cart systems, for seamless implementation.
BlueSnap pricing
There is no monthly maintenance fee for the first year of BlueSnap service. However, after that, you’ll be charged unless your transaction volume exceeds $2,500 per month.
For Visa or Mastercard debit transactions, there’s a fee of 2% plus $0.30. Credit transactions on these platforms run at 2.7% plus $0.30.
American Express payments and non-US transactions are more expensive, with fees reaching 3.7% plus $0.30.
BlueSnap vs. PayPal
BlueSnap has more customization options than PayPal, thanks to its API. The integrations will help keep customers on your site, which is where you want them. BlueSnap’s customization feature also helps with this, allowing you to apply branding for a more seamless checkout experience.
BlueSnap is also much more affordable than PayPal for debit and credit US-based transactions using Mastercard or Visa. However, American Express pricing and transactions from outside the US carry a much higher fee.
7. Verifone
Verifone, formerly known as 2CheckOut, is a solid option for businesses that serve a global customer base.
With powerful fraud protection and availability in over 200 markets, it’s a solid but expensive PayPal alternative.
Verifone notable features
Verifone is a dream for businesses that operate around the world. It can be translated into 15 different languages and accepts eight payment types. Through it, you can also access a whopping 87 currency options for over 200 global markets.
It’s a mobile-friendly and customizable platform, allowing you to apply your unique branding to the checkout experience.
Verifone is also a highly secure system, with 300 different fraud rules applied per transaction. It has a high level of PCI compliance and integrates with over 100 shopping cart systems. It also allows you to export detailed documentation and reports.
Verifone pricing
With these features in place, it’s no wonder that Verifone is an expensive option. There are three different pricing plans: 2SELL, 2SUBSCRIBE, and 2MONETIZE.
The 2SELL plan has a transaction fee of 3.5% plus $0.35.
2SUBSCRIBE charges 4.5% per transaction, plus $0.45.
Finally, the 2MONETIZE plan costs 6% per transaction, plus $0.60.
Verifone vs. PayPal
The main difference between Verifone and PayPal is their pricing, which is a point in PayPal’s favor. Verifone’s pricing is abnormally high, but its effectiveness on a global scale can’t be overlooked. That’s the kind of convenience that larger businesses pay for.
Verifone also has a ton of integrations and allows you to apply your custom branding, which isn’t an option with PayPal.
8. Braintree
Braintree is a PayPal alternative service that PayPal actually owns.
However, the services offered through Braintree are different enough from its parent company to merit a place on this list.
Braintree notable features
Braintree gives you a dedicated merchant account and allows you to create customized payment solutions based on your business needs.
These solutions make it easy to accept online and mobile payments. Braintree takes more than 130 currencies from more than 45 different countries. In-person businesses can use Braintree to accept magstripe, chip, and contactless payments.
You can even add Hosted Fields to the Braintree Drop-in UI to improve the checkout experience.
Braintree pricing
Braintree charges a transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30.
Custom pricing is available by contacting the company directly.
Braintree vs. PayPal
It’s no shock that, as a PayPal company, Braintree doesn’t undercut PayPal’s transaction fee. However, it does provide the option for custom pricing, which could give certain companies a more affordable option.
The main difference between Braintree and PayPal is that PayPal only offers aggregated merchant accounts, while Braintree gives you a dedicated merchant account.
9. Payline Data
Payline Data is a PayPal alternative that’s an all-in-one merchant services platform for businesses at a lower cost.
With Payline Data, you can collect online or in-person payments from customers. Its various partnership options give businesses the ability to create customized plans.
Payline Data notable features
Payline Data is an affordable platform that provides a credit card terminal and integrates directly with Quickbooks for better and more efficient bookkeeping.
You can also utilize a virtual terminal with this service to accept credit card payments from a device with internet access. You can take different actions using this terminal, such as creating customer profiles, managing invoices, and reporting/analytics from one centralized location.
It’s also possible to use Payline Data to collect recurring payments through invoices. The system will store and tokenize customer payment information through a secure gateway. This makes checkout safer and easier.
Payline data pricing
Online payments are only 0.75% per transaction, plus an additional $0.20.
There is also a small monthly fee for these services. Anyone accepting in-person payments with Payline Data will be charged $10 per month. If you’re taking online payments, a charge of $20 per month will be applied.
The company also offers a transaction fee calculator on its website that potential customers can use before signing up if they want a better idea of what they might pay.
Payline Data vs. PayPal
Even with the static monthly fee, Payline Data is infinitely more affordable than PayPal. Its integrations with popular services like Quickbooks also make it a convenient option from a bookkeeping perspective.
10. Dwolla
Dwolla is a PayPal alternative that integrates easily into your existing platform.
It’s a service that was created to be developer-friendly and comes with a white-label API, making it very customizable.
Dwolla notable features
One of Dwolla’s biggest and best features is its white-label API, which allows you to customize platforms to fit perfectly with your site’s branding. This instills a sense of trust and reassurance in customers as they begin the checkout process.
A customer’s identity can be verified without relying on third-party sites. That means you won’t lose sales because of nervous buyers who are scared to provide their information to a service they aren’t familiar with.
With just one API request, you can send up to 5,000 payments using Dwolla. The service provides you with how-to guides that help with adoption and a dedicated support team to answer any questions.
From a security perspective, Dwolla encrypts all sensitive data and uses tokenization to shield customer information from malicious cyber attacks.
Dwolla pricing
Instead of a transaction fee, Dwolla offers fixed pricing options that vary by plan.
While the company doesn’t make specific price points available on its website, online sources have reported that its Pay-As-You-Go plan is the only one that involves a percentage fee, charging 0.5% per transfer.
The Launch plan costs a flat fee of $250 per month. When using the Scale tier, you’ll pay $1,000 per month. Finally, the Custom pricing tier carries a $2,000-per-month fee.
Dwolla vs. PayPal
A payment solution that charges a flat fee instead of a transaction fee is rare in the world of PayPal alternatives, but there’s something to be said about knowing with surety what you’ll be paying every month.
Of course, if you have a great month, this pricing system works to your advantage, and you’ll save money over what you would have paid for a service like PayPal. On the other hand, if you have a bad month, you might end up losing money, especially on one of the higher tiers.
Dwolla’s customizable API gives it a huge leg up on PayPal in terms of customer comfort. You aren’t taking people away from your site, and you’re keeping your branding consistent.
11. WePay
If you’re a SaaS company looking for a hosted payment solution, then WePay might be the right PayPal alternative for you.
This platform, which JP Morgan Chase owns, is specifically designed for software solutions and can be used in place of a third-party processor.
WePay notable features
WePay specializes in software platforms, specifically omnichannel solutions.
When using WePay, a business can embed its capabilities for transactions and payouts using just one integration.
WePay creates payment solutions through powerful APIs hosted within the system of a SaaS company, enabling secure payments from customers from one centralized location. The WePay Clear solution is a white-label service that allows you to add your business personalization and branding to the interface.
WePay pricing
WePay doesn’t make its pricing publicly available. Contact its sales department directly for more information.
WePay vs. PayPal
WePay is a niche service created specifically for the SaaS industry. While this limits its reach, it’s a much more viable option than PayPal for businesses under this umbrella.
Software purchases are typically big money subscriptions, meaning you’ll want a personalized and unique platform that inspires trust in your customers. WePay offers that optimized experience through its WePay Clear white-label service.
Low-cost PayPal alternatives
One of the most common issues people seem to have with PayPal’s service is its abnormally high 2.9% transaction fee. This can easily pose a problem for businesses of all sizes.
A high transaction fee leads to higher pricing on items in your store. That means unhappy customers and competitors who can undercut you at every turn.
That’s why many business owners seek a PayPal alternative that’s either low cost or, even better, no cost. The services listed below offer affordable or free plans to businesses.
Some of them also offer higher-priced premium plans, but the connecting theme is that each option provides a low- or no-cost alternative to PayPal and its high transaction fees.
12. Google Pay
Google is a much larger name that inspires more trust than PayPal. It’s one of the most trusted companies on the planet, and Google Pay is its contribution to the world of payment platforms.
Google Pay is becoming very popular, as consumers are using it as a form of payment via mobile devices.
Google Pay notable features
Google Pay allows customers to pay for items via a mobile app or website. All they need to do is have the service set up through their free Google account.
Businesses can use Google Pay as a checkout option as they do with PayPal. They can also use Google Pay to run customized offers via mobile platforms and send recommendations to customers. Loyalty gifts and gift cards can be issued through Google Pay as well.
While Google Pay is a Google service, it’s available on both iOS and Android mobile devices.
Google Pay pricing
Google Pay is a free service, meaning there is no associated transaction fee or cost for the customer.
Google Pay vs. PayPal
The main difference here is in the pricing. Google Pay is a free service, while PayPal carries a heavy transaction fee.
Google Pay will have your customers sign into their Google account to check out, but it won’t force them off your page as PayPal does.
Not only will you save money with Google Pay, but you’ll also get name recognition that eclipses PayPal’s.
13. Apple Pay
Online shoppers who use Apple’s platform find a lot of ease and convenience in Apple Pay.
Much like Google Pay, Apple Pay is a free PayPal alternative enjoyed by mobile users everywhere. It gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic as in-person retail locations switched to contactless payment options.
Apple Pay is easy to use and highly convenient for Apple users.
Apple Pay notable features
Apple Pay offers contactless payment for in-person shopping. It also can be used as a payment option in eCommerce stores.
Customers attach their banking information to Apple Pay and log in to their Apple account to complete a purchase. Apple Pay uses Apple’s EMV payment tokenization and encryption technology to keep all payments secure.
This system creates a Device Account Number for a transaction, which is different from the customer’s credit card number. This means customers can rest easy knowing that even if a breach were to occur, their payment information would never be compromised.
Apple Pay gives merchants a one-click payment option, which saves time. It also saves the customers’ tokenized payment and shipping information, so they won’t have to worry about filling out forms on your website.
Apple Pay pricing
Apple Pay is a free service that doesn’t charge online businesses any transaction fees.
Apple Pay vs. PayPal
Much like Google Pay, Apple Pay’s major difference from PayPal is its lack of a transaction fee. This can help businesses keep more money in their pockets — where it belongs.
Additionally, Apple Pay offers a one-click checkout process, whereas PayPal forces you to navigate away for a short while. Apple’s advanced security measures also give it a leg up on PayPal.
14. Samsung Pay
Samsung’s answer to Google Pay and Apple Pay is Samsung Pay, and it can be implemented into eCommerce stores to make for a secure and simple checkout experience.
Samsung Pay has become a significant one-click shopping experience like its major competitors.
Samsung Pay notable features
Samsung Pay has advanced security methods, utilizing tokenization in the same way as Apple Pay. This ensures that all personal information associated with a customer’s Samsung account remains secure. They never have to worry about entering their information into your website, which should give them peace of mind when deciding whether to checkout.
Customers use Samsung’s fingerprint, iris scan, or associated pin methods to checkout — another major security bonus.
Customers are incentivized to use Samsung Pay, as it allows you to earn money back through big-name merchants thanks to Samsung’s Cash Back Awards program.
Samsung Pay pricing
Samsung Pay does not charge a transaction fee. It’s a free service for both merchants and customers.
Samsung Pay vs. PayPal
With Samsung Pay, you’re not charged PayPal’s huge transaction fees. This saves you a lot of money.
Samsung is also a huge brand name. Many see it as Apple’s chief competitor in the mobile market. This means the name value alone can be placed above PayPal.
However, you need a Samsung account and device to use this service, so if you’re using Samsung Pay, you should also offer Apple Pay and Google Pay to ensure that all your customers have a payment option.
15. Payoneer
Payoneer is a PayPal alternative that has a free option but with a major caveat: it’s only free if you accept payments from Payoneer customers who use their Payoneer balance.
It’s a great option for anyone accepting international payments.
Payoneer notable features
One of the huge selling points of Payoneer is its ability to take payments from various currencies around the world and bill clients overseas without breaking the bank.
You can use Payoneer with clients in the US, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, and several European countries, including the UK. To use Payoneer, you have to sign up for the service. There’s an API that can be applied to eCommerce stores, and the system integrates with popular platforms like eBay, Wayfair, and Walmart.
Funds even can be withdrawn from a Payoneer account through your local bank or ATM.
Payoneer pricing
The service is 100% free of charge when receiving payments from Payoneer customers using their Payoneer balance.
When taking payments from customers who aren’t using a Payoneer balance, you’re charged a transaction fee of 3% for credit cards and 1% for eChecks.
Payoneer vs. PayPal
The most obvious and notable difference between Payoneer and PayPal is that you won’t pay a transaction fee when dealing with Payoneer customers. Considering that Payoneer has over 4 million users worldwide, that’s a large pool to pull from.
Using Payoneer to operate your business across borders is also far easier. The ability to withdraw funds from a local bank or ATM is also an interesting feature of Payoneer that PayPal lacks.
Other Notable PayPal Alternatives
There are many alternatives to PayPal, and some don’t fit neatly into the categories discussed above. For those services, we have this section. These companies aren’t instantly recognizable or overly customizable, and they don’t have free options. But they’re still worthy of inclusion on this list.
Here’s our list of other notable PayPal alternative services:
16. Skrill
Skrill is a PayPal alternative that can be used to receive money from customers or pay vendors. It’s a true PayPal alternative that works well internationally.
Skrill can also be applied to major shopping carts and eCommerce platforms for an effective payment option.
Skrill notable features
Customers can use Skrill just like PayPal to send money, link their bank accounts, and store credit or debit cards for easy payments.
Skrill is partnered with several shopping cart platforms in the world of eCommerce, including Magento, Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, BigCommerce, Afterbuy, and 4Sellers. It does this through a simple plugin, making it easy to use.
The Skrill platform accepts more than 100 local payment options, including debit and credit cards.
Skrill can also manage and access over 40 currencies for every merchant account. It adheres to anti-fraud and security standards, making it completely PCI compliant.
Skrill pricing
Skrill has a transaction rate for card payments of 2.9% plus $0.29. That’s the base rate, but these rates can change depending on the monthly sales volume of the business in question. The 2.9% rate mentioned above applies to businesses that make up to $3,000 per month.
Those who bring in anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 per month are charged 2.8% plus $0.29. Businesses with a monthly sales volume between $10,000 and $100,000 get a rate of 2.7% plus $0.29 per transaction.
Finally, anything over $100,000 per month gets charged a transaction fee of 2.6% plus $0.29.
Chargebacks carry a fee of $20, and any refunds issued through Skrill come with a $0.49 processing fee.
Skrill vs. PayPal
Skrill might be the PayPal alternative that’s most similar to PayPal, for both good and bad.
Their base pricing is very similar, with a difference of a single cent. However, Skrill does lower its transaction fee somewhat for businesses with higher monthly sales volumes. Of course, this isn’t a huge change, as the fee only goes down by 0.1% per tier.
If you like the PayPal service but are looking to expand your business on an international level, Skrill could be an option for you.
17. Authorize.net
Authorize.net is an affordable option for eCommerce businesses that want enhanced security and customer support for their payment gateway.
It’s considered an all-in-one option and is a subsidiary of Visa.
Authorize.net notable features
With Authorize.net, you can accept credit card payments online, in person, or via the phone from the US, Canada, Australia, and many European nations, including the UK. This is a widely used service with more than 43,000 merchants that process more than a billion transactions yearly.
With Authorize.net, you get free 24/7 support and the ability to integrate this service’s award-winning API. Speaking of integrations, you can also connect Authorize.net with Apple Pay, Visa Checkout, and even PayPal itself.
Authorize.net pricing
To use Authorize.net for your business, you have to purchase a plan through resellers. These include merchant service providers, financial institutions, and independent sales organizations.
There are several pricing tiers with different associated costs.
The All-In-One plan has no setup fee and comes with a free monthly gateway. Transaction fees on this plan are 2.9% plus $0.30.
The Payment Gateway Only option also has no setup fee and carries a monthly gateway fee of $25. Users are charged $0.10 per transaction and a daily batch fee of $0.10.
Businesses that process more than $500,000 per year can contact Authorize.net directly for custom-tailored pricing options.
Authorize.net vs. PayPal
Authorize.net is more of a payment gateway than PayPal, and you have to jump through more hoops to implement it. It’s only sold through resellers, but it affords you a wealth of options that exceed what PayPal offers.
It even integrates with PayPal if you still want to use that service’s name value without being directly associated with it.
18. ProPay
If your business needs to accept many different payment options through one service, then ProPay could be a good PayPal alternative service for you.
This is a quality service for businesses of all sizes, from very small startups to huge, enterprise-level organizations.
ProPay notable features
When using ProPay, you can take credit card payments while offering commission payments and serving a global audience. You can take payments online and in-person using an online terminal, mobile website, mobile app, or even touch-tone phone.
Collecting payments using a “Buy Now” or “Donate” button on your website is also possible.
When you’re a ProPay merchant, you can access your funds at no cost, thanks to a prepaid debit card supplied through the service.
ProPay pricing
ProPay does not make pricing information available on its website, but online sources have reported a setup price of $39.95, plus an annual fee of $39.95.
Transaction fees then vary from 2.4% up to 3.55%.
ProPay vs. PayPal
ProPay’s major difference from PayPal is its versatility. It can be an all-in-one payment solution provider for businesses of all sizes and industries, offering a truly global disbursement program. You can also set ProPay up to pay commissions to influencers and sales reps or use it for B2B payment solutions with services like SaaS platforms.
19. Stax Pay
Stax Pay was formerly known as Fattmerchant.
It’s an excellent PayPal alternative service for businesses that see high-volume eCommerce and want to work with a subscription-based service.
Stax Pay notable features
Stax Pay is a part of the Stax finance platform and comes included with that service. You can take payments securely in person, online, on the go, or over the phone using a smart terminal device.
There’s a lot of versatility to this PayPal alternative. It can be used for businesses of all sizes and across a wealth of different industries. There are options for small businesses, large businesses, and even SaaS platforms.
Stax also provides you with a singular dashboard that compiles your sales information. Its customer support team is available 24/7 by phone or online. There is also a detailed knowledge base.
Stax has options for swiped payments, invoicing, keyed payments, mobile payments, contactless payments, and eCommerce.
The eCommerce option lets you create personalized checkout pages and custom integrations with payment processing tools that include advanced fraud protection.
Stax Pay pricing
Stax runs on a subscription pricing model, with the Growth plan starting at $99 per month.
The Pro plan is the next most expensive at $159 per month. Finally, the Ultimate plan costs $199 per month.
Stax vs. PayPal
Not only are there subscription pricing and advanced customization options, but Stax’s 24/7 customer support gives it a leg up on PayPal, which always gets knocked online for its lackluster support options.
Stax also provides a level of personalization to the checkout process that PayPal lacks.
20. Klarna
Klarna is a payment processing platform that might interest businesses wanting to offer financing options.
Klarna is primarily used for “buy now, pay later” payment plans, which PayPal doesn’t offer.
Klarna notable features
Klarna is a payment processor that lets you offer flexible payment plans that charge customers in installments. Of course, it can also be used for normal online and in-person payments, but it has mostly made its name off the “buy now pay later” model.
Typically, customers can use Klarna as a flexible payment financing tool, opting for 30-day payment plans or installment plans that split a purchase into four payments. Customers enjoy the Klarna approval process because it doesn’t impact their credit score.
Klarna is used by huge stores, including Etsy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Foot Locker, Sephora, Lululemon, and Bloomingdale’s.
Klarna pricing
Klarna’s fees vary based on which plan the customer chooses. All credit card payments carry a cost between 1.5% and 2.9%, depending on arrangements made with third-party gateway processors.
Klarna’s 30 Days to Pay and Installments plans have a $0.30 transaction fee, with a variable fee of up to 5.99%. The Financing plan also has a $0.30 transaction fee, but its variable fee is lower at 3.29%.
Klarna PayPal differences
Obviously, the huge difference between Klarna and PayPal is the flexible payment options offered by the former.
Klarna’s 30 Days to Pay, Installment, and Financing plans are highly convenient for customers and allow them to split up larger payments over time. While PayPal can collect recurring payments from customers, it doesn’t have the kind of flexibility offered by Klarna.
Conclusion
PayPal is a huge company; it’s even a household name. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you and your business. These 20 quality PayPal alternatives have something to offer beyond what PayPal brings to the table.
Whether you’re looking for customization, affordability, a recognizable name, or just a quality service that your customers can use with confidence, there’s something for you on this list.