15 Best PayPal Alternatives for Small Business

PayPal is a highly popular international payment processor, especially for solopreneurs and occasional sellers, because of its excellent multichannel capability and reasonable fees. It also has the advantage of one-click checkout, which helps increase customer purchases, and the ability to integrate quickly with most ecommerce platforms.

It provides a user-friendly POS that makes it easy to accept in-person payments. The funds are immediately available from your PayPal account, making it a seamless option for those with PayPal Business accounts.

• Occasional or low-volume sellers: It’s easy to request payments to your PayPal account using your email or PayPal.me. For those with inventory or needing a checkout system, there’s PayPal Point of Sale, formerly PayPal Zettle. This POS system for Android and iOS earned a spot in our best mobile credit card processors list. Learn more in our PayPal Zettle review.
• Online businesses: PayPal easily integrates into online systems. Some competitors on this list will also allow PayPal as an additional payment method. You can add a PayPal button just about anywhere, from social media to your online store or even your online invoices.
• International payments: We also like PayPal for international payment processing. It’s a highly versatile system, good for large corporations and individuals selling across borders. However, it has an extremely complex pricing structure, as rates depend on the payment method and country. Even cross-border fees vary.

Helcim is harder to get approved for than PayPal, but for established small businesses, it delivers much lower fees and more free tools. If you’re processing consistent volume, Helcim is one of the best ways to cut payment costs without giving up features.

PayPal is easier for casual sellers, but Helcim delivers lower costs and more free tools for established businesses processing consistent volume.

Helcim offers transparent interchange-plus pricing without monthly fees, making it one of the most affordable processors compared to PayPal’s flat-rate model. Businesses benefit from automatic volume discounts and the option to pass fees to customers with Helcim Fee Saver. On top of that, Helcim provides free POS software, invoicing, and a virtual terminal — tools that PayPal usually charges extra for.

• You process steady volume and want to reduce costs with interchange-plus pricing
• You need built-in tools like invoicing, POS, and virtual terminal at no extra cost
• You want automatic volume discounts without renegotiating with your provider

Stripe is more complex to set up than PayPal, but it’s far more flexible for online businesses, SaaS, and global sellers. With 135+ currencies, strong APIs, and transparent pricing, it’s one of the best PayPal alternatives for online payments, especially if you have developer resources and recurring or international transactions.

PayPal is simpler for casual sellers, but Stripe is a stronger choice for international businesses, SaaS, and merchants who want to customize checkout flows or save on ACH payments.

Stripe provides powerful APIs, SDKs, and integrations that make it a top choice for online businesses that need flexibility beyond PayPal’s plug-and-play model. It supports 135+ currencies, no monthly fee, and has advanced tools for recurring billing, fraud detection, and integrations with popular ecommerce and accounting systems. ACH fees are also much lower than PayPal, making it appealing for invoicing and B2B payments.

• You sell internationally and want support for 135+ currencies
• You need advanced integrations, recurring billing, or customizable checkout flows
• You want lower-cost ACH payments for invoices and subscriptions

Square is the strongest PayPal alternative for businesses that sell in person. Its free POS software, affordable hardware, and flat-rate pricing make it simple to start, while its integrations and add-ons give small businesses room to grow. PayPal Zettle is competitive, but Square offers a broader ecosystem for retail, restaurants, and service businesses like salons.

PayPal is better for simple online checkout and international sales, but Square is the stronger choice if you need a free, scalable POS system with integrated business tools.

Square combines payment processing with a full suite of business tools at no extra cost. Every account includes free POS software, invoicing, and an online store, plus a magstripe reader to get started. Its modular add-ons cover payroll, marketing, delivery, and inventory management, giving it more flexibility than PayPal. For businesses that need a POS system they can grow into, Square is often a more complete and scalable option than PayPal.

• You want a free POS system with advanced add-ons and inventory features
• You need affordable, industry-grade hardware for in-person sales
• You want one provider for payments, POS, and ecommerce in a single ecosystem

Shopify is the best PayPal alternative for businesses that want more than payments — it’s a full ecommerce platform with built-in checkout, shipping tools, and POS. While it’s more expensive than PayPal, the added features and Shop Pay’s higher checkout conversions make it a strong choice for growing online sellers.

PayPal is easier and cheaper for casual sellers, but Shopify is the stronger choice for businesses running a full ecommerce store that want integrated payments, higher conversions, and robust inventory management.

Unlike PayPal, which mainly offers payments and invoicing, Shopify provides a full ecommerce ecosystem. Its online store builder, inventory management, and multichannel integrations (including Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay) make it a one-stop solution.

Shop Pay, its one-click checkout, rivals PayPal checkout and has been shown to increase conversions. Plus, Shopify Payments eliminates the need for a third-party gateway and reduces transaction costs for businesses that stick within the Shopify ecosystem.

• You want a full ecommerce platform with integrated payments and inventory management
• You want Shop Pay to boost checkout conversions on your online store
• You sell across multiple channels and need centralized inventory and order management

Dharma isn’t the fastest or cheapest way to get started, but for established small businesses, it’s one of the most transparent and stable traditional merchant account providers. With interchange-plus pricing and a strong reputation for ethical practices, it’s a reliable PayPal alternative for businesses that value clarity and long-term savings.

PayPal is simpler for low-volume or occasional sales, but Dharma is a better choice for established businesses and nonprofits that want predictable interchange-plus pricing and reliable service.

Unlike PayPal’s flat-rate model, Dharma uses interchange-plus pricing, which often lowers costs for businesses processing consistent volume. It includes discounted rates for nonprofits and offers strong customer support. While PayPal is easier for casual sellers, Dharma provides a stable merchant account that reduces the risk of account freezes and offers predictable margins.

• You process steady volume and want transparent interchange-plus pricing
• You run a nonprofit and qualify for discounted processing rates
• You want the stability of a traditional merchant account rather than an aggregator

Chase Payment Solutions is a strong PayPal alternative for businesses that want faster, more reliable access to funds. Backed by one of the largest banks in the US, it combines flat-rate or custom interchange-plus pricing with the advantage of same-day funding for Chase account holders.

PayPal is better for casual sellers or global reach, but Chase is a stronger choice for businesses that want bank-backed reliability and faster payouts into Chase accounts.

Chase offers flat-rate simplicity for small businesses but also supports custom interchange-plus pricing for larger merchants. Its biggest advantage over PayPal is speed: businesses with Chase accounts often receive funds the same day, at no extra cost. Plus, being bank-backed adds credibility and stability, reducing the risk of unexpected account freezes that PayPal is known for.

• You bank with Chase and want same-day access to your funds
• You prefer having a dedicated, bank-backed merchant account provider
• You process higher volumes and want custom rates beyond flat pricing

GoCardless is a specialized PayPal alternative designed for recurring billing and invoice payments. Instead of charging card rates, it pulls funds directly from customer bank accounts via ACH debit, often saving businesses significant fees. It isn’t a complete checkout or POS replacement, but for B2B and subscription-based companies, it’s a lower-cost, reliable option.

PayPal is more versatile for online and POS sales, but GoCardless is the better choice if you want to cut costs on recurring billing or client invoicing through ACH debit.

Unlike PayPal’s flat-rate card fees, GoCardless charges around 1% per transaction, capped at a few dollars. This can be a huge cost saver for recurring or high-ticket payments. It also integrates seamlessly with accounting and CRM tools, automating invoicing and reconciliation. While PayPal supports recurring billing, it’s more expensive and less flexible for ACH payments.

• You invoice clients or run a subscription business and want lower payment costs
• You need ACH debit instead of credit card processing
• You want automated reconciliation with accounting software

Payoneer is one of the strongest PayPal alternatives for freelancers and contractors who work with international clients or global marketplaces. It’s widely accepted by major platforms and offers lower cross-border transfer costs than PayPal. While it isn’t a replacement for online checkout or in-person sales, it’s a reliable solution for getting paid across borders.

PayPal is better for ecommerce and POS, but Payoneer is the stronger choice for freelancers and service providers who need affordable, reliable cross-border payments.

Unlike PayPal, which takes a higher cut on international payments, Payoneer supports multi-currency accounts and offers more competitive FX and withdrawal fees. It makes it easy to bill international clients directly, withdraw funds to local bank accounts, or use its debit card for spending. For freelancers and service providers, it’s often more affordable and practical than PayPal.

• You receive payments from global clients or marketplaces like Upwork or Amazon
• You want lower-cost cross-border transfers than PayPal offers
• You need to hold or withdraw funds in multiple currencies

Wise Business is a top PayPal alternative for international B2B transfers. Unlike PayPal, which charges a spread of around 4% on currency conversions, Wise uses the mid-market rate and adds only a small, fixed transfer fee. It isn’t a substitute for credit card processing, but for supplier payments and cross-border invoicing, Wise is one of the most cost-effective and transparent options available.

PayPal is better for ecommerce and customer checkout, but Wise is the stronger choice for international B2B transfers and supplier payments where low FX fees matter most.

Wise Business lets you open local bank details in multiple currencies, making it easier to receive payments from overseas clients without expensive bank wires. Funds can be held in your Wise account, converted at the real exchange rate, or sent to your local bank. Compared with PayPal’s international fees, Wise is almost always cheaper and more transparent, especially for larger B2B payments.

• You make frequent cross-border B2B payments and want lower FX costs
• You need to hold balances in multiple currencies
• You want transparent, predictable international transfer fees

BitPay is the leading PayPal alternative for businesses that want to accept cryptocurrency payments. While PayPal supports crypto purchases inside its wallet, it doesn’t allow merchants to directly accept crypto at checkout. BitPay fills that gap, letting businesses take crypto online or in person, while settling payouts in either fiat or crypto. It’s not a mainstream solution, but for crypto-friendly audiences, it’s a useful option.

PayPal is better for mainstream card and wallet payments, but BitPay is the go-to choice if you want to accept crypto directly and settle securely without worrying about volatility.

BitPay offers flexible settlement options: merchants can keep payments in crypto or auto-convert to fiat to avoid volatility risk. Pricing is tiered — starting at 2% + 25 cents for lower volumes and dropping to 1% + 25 cents for high-volume merchants. BitPay also integrates with major ecommerce platforms, provides hosted checkout, and allows invoicing in crypto.

• You want to accept cryptocurrency directly at checkout
• You want flexible settlement in either fiat or crypto
• You serve a crypto-savvy customer base and want to expand payment options

SumUp is a lightweight PayPal alternative for microbusinesses, hobbyists, and small service providers that need a quick and affordable way to accept in-person and mobile card payments. It’s not as feature-rich as Square or Shopify, but its flat-rate simplicity and low-cost hardware make it an accessible entry point for card acceptance.

PayPal offers more flexibility for online and international sales, but SumUp is a better fit for microbusinesses that want a simple, affordable POS solution with no monthly cost.

Every SumUp account includes flat-rate processing (2.75% per transaction), no monthly fees, and inexpensive card readers starting at under $50. The platform is mobile-first, making it easy to pair with a smartphone or tablet for sales on the go. While PayPal Zettle offers similar features, SumUp is especially attractive for very small businesses that want simplicity above all else.

• You’re a microbusiness or hobby seller that wants affordable card readers
• You don’t need advanced POS tools or ecommerce integrations
• You want simple, predictable flat-rate pricing with no monthly cost

PaymentCloud is one of the best PayPal alternatives for high-risk merchants who struggle to get approved by mainstream processors. While PayPal often freezes or shuts down accounts in restricted industries, PaymentCloud works with multiple back-end banks to place high-risk merchants and keep them processing. The trade-off is more complex onboarding and potentially higher fees, but it provides access where PayPal doesn’t.

PayPal may be cheaper and simpler for standard merchants, but PaymentCloud is the go-to option if your business is in a high-risk industry, where PayPal won’t approve or keep your account active.

PaymentCloud accepts industries that PayPal and many other providers reject. Merchants get personalized support and dedicated reps to guide them through underwriting and chargeback mitigation. It integrates with popular ecommerce platforms, CRMs, and POS systems, making it easier for high-risk businesses to keep operations running smoothly once approved.

• You’re a microbusiness or hobby seller that wants affordable card readers
• You don’t need advanced POS tools or ecommerce integrations
• You want simple, predictable flat-rate pricing with no monthly cost

iATS is a nonprofit-focused PayPal alternative that specializes in handling donations and recurring gifts. It integrates with leading donor management platforms and offers tools tailored to fundraising, making it a good fit for organizations that need more than just payment acceptance. While PayPal offers discounted charity rates, iATS often provides deeper nonprofit-specific integrations that streamline operations.

PayPal is better for nonprofits that want global reach and donor familiarity, but iATS is the stronger choice for organizations that prioritize CRM integrations, recurring giving, and event-based fundraising.

iATS was built for nonprofits, not general retail. Its tight integrations with CRMs and donor databases make it easier for organizations to track gifts, manage campaigns, and improve donor retention. Unlike PayPal, which treats nonprofits like standard merchants with discounted pricing, iATS provides a purpose-built ecosystem that aligns with nonprofit needs.

• You need direct integration with donor management CRMs like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge
• You rely heavily on recurring donations or pledge programs
• You want tools specifically designed for nonprofit fundraising events

Zelle isn’t a full replacement for PayPal, but it’s a useful tool for small businesses that need quick, no-fee transfers from trusted clients or partners. Payments move instantly between bank accounts, which can improve cash flow. However, it lacks the consumer protections, invoicing tools, and global reach that PayPal offers.

PayPal is better for ecommerce, POS, and international transactions, but Zelle is a free, instant option for trusted US-based transfers between bank accounts.

Most US banks integrate Zelle directly into their mobile apps, making it easy for customers to pay without needing another platform. Transfers are fast and free, which can be appealing for small service providers or local businesses that don’t need card acceptance. Unlike PayPal, though, Zelle cannot be embedded into an online checkout or POS system.

• You need instant, no-fee transfers between trusted US clients or customers
• You don’t require card acceptance, invoicing, or POS tools
• You want to avoid processing fees for simple peer-to-business payments

Amazon login and stored payment details to complete purchases quickly, which can improve conversion rates. While it doesn’t replace PayPal for international reach or in-person sales, it’s a strong addition for ecommerce businesses that want another trusted wallet option at checkout.

PayPal has broader global coverage and POS tools, but Amazon Pay is a powerful option for ecommerce businesses that want a trusted, one-click wallet checkout to compete with PayPal.

Amazon Pay integrates easily with ecommerce platforms and allows merchants to leverage the trust of the Amazon brand at checkout. It supports recurring payments and voice-activated commerce via Alexa, while offering merchants fraud protection and A-to-Z Guarantee coverage. Unlike PayPal, however, it does not extend to POS systems or global buyer familiarity in as many markets.

• You need instant, no-fee transfers between trusted US clients or customers
• You don’t require card acceptance, invoicing, or POS tools
• You want to avoid processing fees for simple peer-to-business payments

For the most part, security is a huge concern for small businesses, and PayPal is a well-known popular target for phishing scams. Naturally, some merchants, particularly retailers with storefronts who are more comfortable with traditional credit card payment processors, would prefer alternatives that offer physical card readers for accepting payments.

PayPal offers some of the most affordable transaction fees for small businesses. However, depending on your preferred payment methods and sales volume, PayPal’s flat-rate fees and monthly subscription cost for certain payment services may become expensive. PayPal merchant fees are also somewhat difficult to navigate. Helcim is our top pick for cheaper fees, but it is best for established businesses.

Based on its pricing structure, we often recommend PayPal for hobbyists, solopreneurs, and micro businesses. Even feature-wise, there are a number of cost-effective alternatives to PayPal for merchants who regularly accept payments and are looking to aggressively grow their business. For example, consider upgrading your PayPal Zettle POS when you have a growing inventory that requires better tracking and management or if you want seamless integration between your brick-and-mortar shop and online store.