17 PayPal Alternatives for Online Businesses
I presume that you need to send or receive payments online and you need a credit card processing service company to facilitate your transactions.
Then it is time to meet the best PayPal alternatives for your business – especially if Paypal functionalities are limited in your country.
You have probably heard that PayPal is one of the best Payment Service Providers that enables small businesses to accept payments electronically, usually by credit card or bank transfer, and manage transactions between buyers and sellers.
PayPal is used by literally millions of people and it is the preferred payment method by many.
Indeed, according to the some, having a PayPal button on your page will increase your sales by 31% on average – that’s surely enough to convince most people about the service.
Notwithstanding, many business owners don’t want to use PayPal for one or more reasons.
Yes, there are hundreds of other credit card processing service providers for merchants to accept payments online or anywhere.
Some are equally effective and guaranty maximum payment security.
Each of them has features that you need to think about, for example, processing costs and set-up fees, international payments’ availability, accepting payments on the web page or other feature that may be important to you.
One disadvantage of using PayPal is that it does not support all currencies and some countries are blacklisted from running PayPal accounts.
This implies that so you have to be very careful choosing a PayPal alternative if you target a global audience or if your business is located in a country blacklisted by PayPal.
If you are wondering what criteria to use in selecting an online payment service provider, check out our detailed post on things to consider when choosing a credit card processing company.
In the meanwhile, here are some factors to consider when choosing a payment processor:
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Factors to consider
⇒ Do they support organizations located in your country?
⇒ Do they support the currencies you want to accept?
⇒ What volume of transactions do you expect on your website?
⇒ Are payments processed on your website or theirs? Do you care?
⇒ What kind of payments do they accept – credit card, debit card, PayPal?
⇒ Do they support recurring payments?
⇒ What kind of fees do they charge?
These fees could include:
- application fee
- setup fee
- monthly fee
- discount rate
- per-transaction fee
- statement fee
- monthly minimums
- non-qualified fees
- cross-border fees
- gateway fee
- minimum term contracts that you cannot cancel without penalties
- chargebacks
- rolling reserves.
All the factors listed above will be of great help in deciding if a certain credit card processor is the right one for your business.
Now, let’s dive into our list of the best online payment providers for merchants and individuals without taking PayPal into consideration.
17 Best PayPal alternatives
1) Google Wallet
The first of our list of PayPal alternatives is the Google Wallet.
You probably didn’t know that Google also runs a credit card processing business.
This particular platform allows for the easy transfer and receipt of money from one user to another.
All transactions can be made through the specific Google Wallet app, through Gmail or by utilizing the direct link at www.wallet.google.com.
As it relates to security, Google wallet boasts 24/7 online fraud protection which means that users can be sure their monies are safe.
Overall, it can be said to be fast and highly reliable, allowing users to access their hard earned monies with great ease.
Another benefit is that it allows its users the benefit of utilizing a single card as opposed to multiple cards for different transactions.
There is no sign- up fees which means that users will have more money at their disposal, all that is required is that the user has a Gmail account.
The drawback, however, is that it is currently available solely in the US.
2) Stripe
With this option, users can easily send and receive money whether locally (in the United States) or internationally without having to deal with undue hustle and bustle.
Stripe is user-friendly and boasts a variety of options for those who utilize open a merchant’s account.
Thankfully there are no additional fees for non-US residents, and except for minimal transaction fees, the user benefits by being able to keep the bulk of their money.
All users are expected to see monies transferred to their bank accounts reflect after two (2) days.
You can integrate Stripe APIs in your website to receive payments. It can process major international debit or credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB.
Stripe charges you 2.9% of every successful transaction plus 30 cents.
3) Transferwise
In comparison to fees charged by other credit card merchant services, this platform keeps its costs at a minimum.
Additionally, in comparison to PayPal, it has the reputation of offering customers competitive exchange rates for all international transactions made or received.
It is extremely convenient and allows money to be available ” right at the fingertips”.
4) Shopify
This is a perfect online payment service platform for those in the E-commerce business, as it can act as a convenient means of collecting monies for services rendered and or goods purchased and subsequently delivered.
Shopify also benefits international customers in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia as they do not have to contend with any additional fees.
All fees charged are esteemed to be minimal and should not leave the user feeling disheartened.
Shopify payment gateway works particularly for those using Shopify to power their e-commerce business online or using Facebook.
5) Amazon Payments
Another PayPal alternative for secured and effective online transactions is Amazon Payments. This is, especially, perfect for shoppers who wish to use their already stored financial information (On Amazon) to pay for financial transactions on another website.
Pay with Amazon can help you grow customer relationships and build your business.
With Pay with Amazon, your customers can check out on your website with payment and shipping information already stored in their Amazon account.
When you add Pay with Amazon, anyone who has an Amazon account is ready to buy on your site!
There are no monthly fees. No set-up fees. Fraud protection included.
Please keep in mind, however, that there is a slightly higher fee for international transactions as opposed to local (United States) transactions.
International, in this case, would, therefore, refer to residents outside the United States of America bearing in mind that it is owned and operated in that country.
Again, a customizable checkout is available, and payments can be made on mobile devices.
6) Payoneer
With the option of low payment fees, opportunities for multiple currency transactions, among any other benefits, Payoneer is hereby selected as one of the best PayPal alternatives.
Payoneer offers merchant services payment processing and allows for the easy transfer of funds into any bank account of choice.
Business owners and shoppers also have the option of accessing their money at Automated Teller Machines (ATM) across the world, as well as make in-store or online transactions. Payments can also be made to other Payoneer customers at absolutely no cost.
It, therefore, benefits the user if they encourage their friends, customers, family members, and associates to use Payoneer for easy monetary transactions as they will pay no fees when transactions are made.
However, Payoneer service charges are a bit on the higher side, with an annual fee of $29.95 and a $3.15 charge every time you withdraw money from an ATM using the Payoneer debit card.
7) Authorize.net
Another alternative being broached is authorize.net.
This platform is ideal for small businesses (particularly online store owners) who are seeking an easy way to receive and send payments across the globe.
Authorize.net has received numerous awards, which attest to its high level of technical expertise on the global financial market.
The site allows business owners to access payments made by credit cards, debit cards, and other means.
Data security is guaranteed and it is noted on the home page of the site that it guarantees reliability and security (which means that fraud protection is taken seriously).
Authorize.net also supports Automated Recurring Billing.
Automated Recurring Billing is a convenient and easy-to-use tool for submitting and managing recurring, or subscription-based, transactions.
Do check it out today if you would like to get more information on it at www.authorize.net
8) PayU
PayU is a leading payment services provider with presence in 16 growth and emerging markets across the world.
It offers more than 20 payment options and is part of the international Naspers Group.
PayU offers the most popular local payment methods in many countries where they operate including credit cards, cash payments, bank transfers, eWallets and more.
PayU is available for use for merchants doing business in Brazil, Czech Rep., Hungary, Kenya, Panama, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, India, Mexico, Peru, Romania, South Africa, and Ukraine.
Netguru has created an open-source extension that allows you to integrate your Spree store with PayU, which allows visitors to your site to choose PayU among any other payment methods you make available.
9) Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service by Apple Inc. that lets users make payments using the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPhone SE, and later, Apple Watch-compatible devices (iPhone 5 and later models), iPad Air 2, iPad Pro and iPad Mini 3 and later and Mac
This was created in 2014 and allows users to make transactions via the stored contact information on the Apple platform.
Payments can be accepted at absolutely no charge which ensures that users have more money at their disposal.
Accepting Apple Pay is also more secure than accepting traditional credit and debit cards. Every transaction on your customer’s iPhone or iPad requires Touch ID—our fingerprint identity sensor—authentication or passcode.
Apple Pay is now accepted by 36 percent of merchants in the United States, according to research conducted by retail consulting firm Boston Retail Partners.
10) Paymate
Paymate is another PayPal alternative that deserves a mention.
Paymate Powers small business across Australia & New Zealand. Nevertheless, it can be easily utilized by users right across the globe who do not wish to use PayPal for their online financial transactions.
Small business owners can accept card payments online, in person or over the phone without a merchant account.
It allows for users to sell and otherwise transact in multiple currencies at low to no cost.
You can sell in your customer’s local currency and accept $NZD, $USD, €EUR or £GBP and they’ll handle the conversions for you and pay into your account in Australian Dollars.
Paymate also provides local friendly support, top of the range security, quick and simple online sign-up, etc.
Paymate is best for Australian and New Zealand business operators although it can be operated from across the globe.
11) Payza
Payza allows users are able to send and receive online payments from a variety of countries worldwide.
Payza also guarantees the security of its users’ money and offers support by way of live chat or email to those who may need it.
It is ideal for personal as well as business needs and allows users to sign up easily at absolutely no cost. It has support for 21 countries worldwide including Asian and African countries.
With Payza, you can pay bills, shop online, send remittances, exchange currency and withdraw, calculate conversion rates before exchanging, etc.
In addition to this, there are no monthly or annual fees to be paid to utilize the service.
https://www.payza.com/
12) WePay
WePay is an online payment service provider in the United States.
The company provides a payment API to platform businesses such as crowdfunding sites, marketplaces, and small business software.
This is a convenient platform for those who wish to transfer payments without the hassle that usually comes with the money transfer.
It also promises advanced security and easy processing of payments. WePay takes liability for fraud off your platform, so you can focus on growing your business worry-free.
There are also no fees for sending and receiving payments. In fact, payments can also be facilitated via text messages.
The only drawback which may not even be a drawback is that withdrawals are only expected to be in excess of $10 dollars.
In other words, in order for a given user to withdraw money from their account, it has to be $10 or more.
The plus, however, is that with no fees attached as was stated before, this shouldn’t adversely affect the user’s accounts as they would still essentially be left with no money.
For credit card transactions, WePay charges 2.9% of the transaction value + $0.30 and 1% +$0.30 for all bank related payments.
The site can be located at www.wepay.com
13) 2CheckOut
The offer affordable credit card processing services to small business owners globally.
The benefits of using this option are in the range from zero monthly fees, intense security screening and among others, the option of choosing multiple currencies to facilitate all transactions.
2CheckOut credit card merchant services for small businesses is awesome and hassle-free.
They have great support and their integration system is easier than most.
They also offer one of the best mobile credit card processing for small businesses and large corporations as well.
Please note however that there is an extremely minimal fee of 1% charged for payments made outside of the United States and this is one of the cheapest credit card processing service around the corner.
There are also other fees which may apply to each transaction based on the options chosen. These fees can be reviewed at www.2checkout.com as well as other information which may be required.
Overall the signup process to use the site is convenient and 2CheckOut is a great PayPal alternative if you wish to take card payments.
Visit 2CheckOut to open an online business merchant account.
14) Skrill
Skrill is an e-commerce business that allows payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet, with a focus on low-cost international money transfers.
Skrill has been around since 2001, and now supports over 100 payment options for customers, who can send and receive money in more than 200 countries worldwide in nearly 40 different currencies.
The Skrill Global Payment Suite allows you to accept global payments easily, securely and at low cost.
It is perfect for business transactions, payments and receivables, local and international transactions and boasts competitively low transaction fees.
Funds can be withdrawn with ease to a selected bank account or by using Automated Teller Machines (ATM) globally.
Merchant fees vary from 1.4% to 3.9% + €0.35.
15) Intuit
Intuit is almost an essential service if you’re a small business owner who needs help with your finances.
It enables startups and businesses to accept payments anywhere with mobile credit card processing.
Besides being able to accept payments, both online and in-person with GoPayment, Intuit can also help you pay employees, calculate payroll taxes, and file payroll tax forms.
With Intuit payment gateway, you can accept payments for your E-commerce stores, accept all major credit and debit cards, process transactions securely, link up with QuickBooks if you wish.
16) ProPay
ProPay Can Be Your Single Source Provider for Global Payment Processing Needs.
It allows for the easy transfer and receipt of funds worldwide.
And also affords users the opportunity to ACCEPT and MAKE payments in multiple international currencies.
The best part, sign up is a breeze. In as little as 10 minutes you can sign up online and be ready to accept card payments anytime, anywhere!
There are no hidden fees by which users may be charged, however, there is an extremely minimum fee to be paid on an annual basis. Apart from this, Propay is one of the best mobile credit card processing company for small businesses.
https://www.propay.com/
17) FastSpring
FastSpring allows online credit card processing for websites.
You don’t have to deal with global merchant accounts, PCI compliance, or global tax (ie VAT) compliance.
It’s an all-in-1 solution for selling digital goods and SaaS globally.
Order pages get branded to look like the rest of your website so users don’t get taken to a 3rd party payment-looking order page.
FastSpring offers countless merchandising features for optimizing conversion / maximizing Avg order size. The customer support is phenomenal and unlimited.
Dozens of foreign currencies and alternative payment methods are accepted around the world by FastSpring, as are purchase orders, pay-by-check, etc.
Store setup is free, recurring or one-time payments are supported, and order pages are mobile-optimized.
In Conclusion
There you have it, 17 PayPal alternatives which can be used by a person resident in the various countries worldwide for financial transactions.
These PayPal alternatives are beneficial in one way or the other but it is up to the user to decide which is more convenient based on the information provided.
Each solution has its own advantages and can be used as a PayPal alternative.
So which is the best solution for you?
Well, it comes down to what is important to you and a good fit for your needs.
In the end, it will come down to a combination of 4 things: support, simplicity, security and price and only the right blend of these elements should you ever consider using when it comes to choosing your perfect PayPal alternative.
Importantly, your decision should not be dictated based on price alone.
Additional information on each can be obtained from their respective websites or by searching for reviews online.
In summary, our best PayPal alternatives are Google Wallet, Stripe, Transferwise, Shopify, Amazon Payments, Payoneer, Authorize.net, PayU, ApplePay, Paymate, Payza, WePay, 2Checkout, Skrill, Intuit, ProPay, and FastSpring.