PayPal Alternatives (2026): 10 Options Compared

PayPal is the payment button most customers already know. It's quick to add to a website and buyers trust it, which is why so many small businesses start there. But it isn't the right fit for everyone. Some owners want a card reader for in-person sales, bank payments for repeat customers, better support for selling abroad or simply a second option so a held payment doesn't stop the business. That's where PayPal alternatives come in.

Here are ten alternatives to PayPal in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A few are household names and most are smaller or more specialised providers. I've taken every description from each provider's own website or help pages. This is general information, not financial advice, and availability differs by country, so read each provider's terms for your own situation. If you sell online, my comparison of online payment providers is a useful companion.

PayPal alternatives at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site names a free plan or says you can start for free. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the main pages don't name one, which isn't the same as having no way to start, so check the details on each site.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Airwallex	Business account	Global accounts, cards and checkout	No
GoCardless	Bank payments	Direct Debit and recurring collection	No
Lemon Squeezy	Merchant of record	Selling software and digital downloads	No
Mollie	Payment provider	Many European payment methods	No
Paddle	Merchant of record	Software subscriptions and tax handling	No
Payoneer	Cross-border payments	Receiving payments from abroad	No
Square	Payments and point of sale	Shops, cafes and service businesses	Yes
Stripe	Payment platform	Online checkout and subscriptions	No
SumUp	Card readers and POS	Taking card payments in person	Yes
Wise	International transfers	Sending and receiving across borders	No

Ten ways to take and send business payments instead of PayPal

Airwallex

Best for: Businesses selling or paying people in several countries who want accounts, cards and payment links on one platform.

GoCardless

Best for: Subscription, membership and invoice-based businesses that want to collect repeat payments straight from customers' bank accounts.

Lemon Squeezy

Best for: Creators and software makers selling downloads, licences or subscriptions who want tax and compliance handled for them.

Mollie

Best for: Online shops that want to offer lots of local payment methods through one integration, plus a business account.

Paddle

Best for: Software companies selling worldwide that want one partner to handle payments, tax and billing together.

Payoneer

Best for: Freelancers and sellers who get payments from overseas clients or marketplaces and need local receiving accounts.

Square

Best for: Shops, cafes and mobile services that want card readers, a till system, invoices and online ordering together.

Stripe

Best for: Online businesses and developers wanting flexible checkout, subscriptions and invoicing built into their own website or app.

SumUp

Best for: Market traders, salons and small shops who want a simple card reader and an app to get started.

Wise

Best for: Owners who pay overseas suppliers or contractors and keep money in several currencies in one business account.

What to look for in a payment provider

Payment providers do a similar job on the surface, so the differences are in how they fit your business. These are the questions worth asking before you sign up.

• Where you can use it. Is your country supported, and can it accept customers from the places you sell to?
• How customers pay. Cards, bank transfers, digital wallets and local methods all matter to different buyers.
• In person or online. Some providers shine at card readers, others at website checkout or subscriptions.
• Payout speed. How soon does money reach your bank account, and can you choose the schedule?
• Holds and reviews. What does the provider say about reviewing new accounts and holding payments?
• Disputes. How are chargebacks and refunds handled, and what evidence will you need to supply?
• Support. Can you reach a person when something goes wrong?

Which type of payment option suits which small business

• Shops, markets and salons usually want a card reader and a simple app.
• Online sellers need checkout that works well on a phone and supports several payment methods.
• Subscription and membership businesses benefit from recurring payments and automatic retries.
• Freelancers working abroad often need local receiving accounts and easy transfers.
• Software and digital product sellers may prefer a partner that also handles tax on their behalf.

If you're building a shop from scratch, my notes on choosing an online shopping cart for a small business cover the checkout side.

Why a second PayPal alternative is a smart safety net

Relying on one provider is a risk. An account review, a held payment or a technical outage can pause your sales for days. Many owners keep a second option set up and ready, so customers can still pay while a problem is sorted out.

• Set up a backup provider before you need it, and complete any identity checks early.
• Keep your business details and bank information consistent across providers.
• Make sure your checkout can show more than one payment option.
• Keep records of orders and customer messages in case of a dispute.
• Read each provider's terms on what you can sell, and where.

Moving away from PayPal without losing customers

Switching is easier when you plan it. List every place PayPal is connected: your website checkout, invoices, subscriptions, listings on selling sites and accounting software. Then move them one at a time rather than all at once.

• Run the new option alongside PayPal for a while before you remove anything.
• Tell regular customers how to pay if their subscription or saved details need to change.
• Check whether recurring customers have to re-enter their details with the new provider.
• Update your invoices, receipts and email templates with the new payment option.
• Reconcile the first few orders against your bank account and accounting records.

Why a smaller payment provider can be worth a look

Smaller or more specialised providers often focus on one thing, such as bank payments, in-person cards or digital products, so their tools can be simpler for that job. The trade-off is that they may support fewer countries or fewer extras, so check that your country, business type and products are covered before you commit.

Do you make payment software or a payments service? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A quick checklist before you choose a payment provider

Pick two or three that suit how you sell, read their terms on what's allowed, and check they support your country. Set up one carefully with a test order, keep a second ready as a backup and make a note to review your choice once a year. If you're unsure about tax or bookkeeping, speak to your accountant.

A well-chosen provider also helps with cash flow, and my guide on preventing late payments covers the customer side of that.

Frequently asked questions

Why do some businesses look for a PayPal alternative?

Reasons include wanting card readers for in-person sales, bank payments for repeat customers, better support for a specific country, or a backup if an account is reviewed or a payment is held.

Can I use more than one payment provider?

Yes, many businesses do. A second option keeps you selling if one has a problem. Check each provider's terms and make sure your checkout can display more than one choice.

Do I need a business account to take payments?

It depends on the provider and your country. Some let sole traders start with personal details, while others ask for business documents. Check the sign-up requirements on each site.

How long does it take to get set up?

It varies. Some providers let you start quickly, while others need identity or business checks first, so it's wise to apply before you need the account.

Is this financial advice?

No. This page is general information only. Availability, rules and terms differ by country, so check each provider's terms and speak to your accountant about your own situation.