PayPal Review

Sending money today isn’t what it used to be. We’ve gone from standing in line at banks to tapping apps that move cash faster than gossip. So in this PayPal review, I wanted to see if one of the oldest digital wallets still keeps up in a world that barely sits still.

Some platforms, like Ogvio, are reinventing remittances by serving as a gateway to Web3 through its built-in crypto feature. This gateway can introduce you to reward-based activities like BitDegree’s Season 8 Airdrop, where you can get the chance to win $15,000.

So where does PayPal fit in? It may not be the flashiest player in the game, but it still delivers on trust, reach, and simplicity, which are the things that keep people coming back.

PayPal Review: Quick Overview

After I looked up existing PayPal reviews, I noticed that people usually want to know what it’s best for and whether it’s still worth using today.

At its core, what is PayPal if not one of the most popular online payment platforms in the world for sending money? Plus, it helps receive and manage money safely from one place. Here’s a quick overview to start this PayPal review:

Table: PayPal’s quick overview

If you look at the features, PayPal is doing more than simple money transfers. While its crypto feature is for US users only (at least for now), you can trade USDC by using its own stablecoin.

Note that if this is your first crypto trading experience, you’ll need to have a strong grasp of risks, security, and trading strategies.

Who’s PayPal For?

If you ask how does PayPal work, the answer depends on what you use it for. From what I see so far, PayPal is best for those who want something simple and familiar without worrying about a confusing technical setup.

But who exactly are those people? Here are a few examples:

• Online shoppers. Perfect for anyone who spends a lot online. PayPal’s one-click checkout and buyer protection make paying safer and faster.

• Freelancers and small business owners. PayPal makes getting paid easy. You can send invoices, receive money, and withdraw funds to your bank account directly.
• Friends and family. For personal transfers within the same country, PayPal is quick and free. Plus, sending or requesting money takes just a few taps!
• Travelers and expats. If you live or work abroad, you can rely on PayPal’s wide acceptance and currency support. It’s not always the cheapest option, but it offers you trust and consistency.

• Crypto-curious users (US only). In the US, PayPal doubles as a simple gateway to crypto.

In the end, PayPal is simply the type of platform that works, whether you’re sending money, making an online purchase, or getting paid.

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Advantages

Anyone reading PayPal reviews will see that most users praise the same strengths: ease of use, reliability, and security. Now, here are the things I want to highlight for this article:

Now, here are the main things I want to highlight for this PayPal review:

• Easy to use;
• Simple payment process;
• Strong security;
• Wide coverage;
• Access to crypto.

PayPal’s simplicity is one of its biggest advantages. Setting up an account takes only a few minutes. Once your card or bank is linked, you can send or receive money instantly. The layout is clear and beginner-friendly, but I’ll cover this more later in the article.

Payments feel effortless, too. You only need an email or phone number to pay someone, and transfers can happen in minutes. It saves time, and your information is stored securely in one place.

Security is another major reason people trust PayPal. It uses encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud protection to keep your money safe. The buyer protection feature also gives users peace of mind when shopping.

Another big advantage is the wide coverage. PayPal works in 200+ countries and regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many parts of Europe and Asia.

PayPal also works with millions of websites, online stores, and marketplaces worldwide. That means you can use the same account for shopping, freelance work, or personal transfers without switching platforms.

For US users, PayPal even includes a crypto feature that lets you buy, hold, and sell coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum right inside the app.

Whether you’re looking into how PayPal works or checking its fees, it’s easy to see why it remains one of the most trusted names in online payments.

Limitations

PayPal has plenty of strengths, but it’s not perfect. Some downsides show up often and can affect how smooth your experience is. The main issues are:

• High fees;
• Account freezes;
• Not available everywhere;
• Customer support issues.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

The first drawback is high fees. While PayPal is convenient, that ease of use comes at a cost. Sending or receiving money internationally can get pricey, especially with exchange-rate markups.

Another common complaint is account freezes. Sometimes, PayPal limits accounts if it detects unusual activity or payment disputes. It’s meant to protect users from fraud, but it can also lock your money for days (or even weeks) while the issue is reviewed.

Unfortunately, PayPal also isn’t available everywhere. While it works in over 200 regions, not every country supports the same features. For example, some users can’t access crypto services or instant transfers.

Finally, there are issues with PayPal’s customer support. From my research, many users say it’s hard to reach an agent. Response times can be slow, and the help center often directs users through automated options before they can speak to a real person (if at all).

Overall, PayPal’s main limitations come down to cost, access, and communication. It’s still one of the most reliable platforms around, but it needs to play catch-up if it wants to keep up with competitors who adapt faster to new technologies and customer needs.^[1]

Fees

Even though PayPal fees can be high and it falls under the limitations of PayPal, I’d say it’s still worth knowing, especially if you’ve ever wondered what affects the overall PayPal price for different transactions.

PayPal charges different rates depending on where you are and what you do in the app, so let’s go through the details.

PayPal Fees for US Users

For US users, PayPal’s pricing is pretty straightforward. I looked it up, and buying is free in most cases. You only need to pay a fee when your transaction has a currency conversion (that’s when PayPal adds a small margin to the exchange rate).

But when it comes to selling, you’re charged either way. When you make a sale, it’ll cost you 3.49% plus $0.49 USD, and it’s automatically deducted from the transaction. While this is the standard, there might be slightly different rules depending on your business type.

When it comes to sending money to friends or family, transfers within the US are free as long as you use your PayPal balance or a linked bank account. The only time you’ll pay extra is if you pay by debit or credit card. In that case, the fee is 2.9% plus $0.30 USD.

Crypto transactions add another layer to PayPal fees. PayPal’s crypto feature is currently exclusive to the US (which is a bit unfortunate), and the trading fee depends on how much you buy or sell. Plus, the fees are tiered based on the trade size:

• 2.20% for transactions up to $75;
• 2.00% for $75–$200;
• 1.80% for $200–$1,000;
• 1.50% for amounts above $1,000.

Transferring crypto to another PayPal or Venmo account is free, but you'll pay a 1% network fee. For PYUSD (PayPal’s own stablecoin), the external transfer fee is 1.5% of the amount sent.

Finally, there’s the currency conversion. Like I mentioned quickly earlier before, PayPal adds its own spread to the exchange rate. But the markup isn’t fixed, so conversion costs can shift with market conditions (which can make things get pricey fast).

📚 Read More: Buy Crypto With PayPal

PayPal Fees for International Users

Outside the US, PayPal fees work much the same, but vary by country and currency. Buying is generally free, but payments in another currency include a small exchange-rate markup.

For sellers, PayPal charges around 3.4% plus a fixed fee, and that fee depends on your region. Based on what I found, it’s usually €0.35 in Europe, £0.20 in the U.K., or AU$0.30 in Australia. This fee is deducted automatically from each sale you make.

Same as the US users, sending money locally is free when you use your PayPal balance or linked bank account. For international transfers, PayPal charges a flat fee, typically €1.99-€3.99 EUR, $4.99 USD, or $6.99 NZD. When you use your card, it’s 3.4% plus a fixed fee.

Receiving money is also free unless there’s a currency conversion. Similar to US users, PayPal charges a spread over the base exchange rate.

Overall, I’d say the system remains easy to use but can get expensive. This would especially be true for frequent cross-border or multi-currency payments.

Quick Comparison Table

To get a better sense, here’s the quick comparison of PayPal fees for US and international users:

Table: Comparing PayPal fees for US and international users

The good thing is that PayPal fees are pretty easy to understand once you know how each payment type works. I’d say this is one of the reasons users remain loyal and continue using the platform.

Security

Whether you’re using PayPal or are a new user, you might wonder, “Is PayPal safe?” The answer is yes. PayPal uses several layers of protection to keep your account and money secure. Plus, it uses AI and machine learning (ML) for fraud detection.^[2]

One of the security features is passkeys. What it does is that it lets you sign in using your face, fingerprint, or device PIN instead of a password. Aside from convenience, it’s harder for scammers to steal your info.

There’s also 24/7 fraud monitoring that constantly checks for unusual activity. So if something looks suspicious, PayPal alerts you right away. What’s better is that linked cards in your wallet also get early fraud warnings for extra protection.

To keep connections secure, PayPal uses key pinning. This feature binds your phone or computer to only connect to PayPal’s verified servers. As a result, it blocks attempts by fake servers to steal your data.

PayPal also has security measures for buyers and sellers. Buyers get purchase protection, which gives them a refund if an order never arrives or isn’t as described. Sellers are covered, too, if they can prove they shipped an item that’s later disputed.

Together, these tools make PayPal one of the safest and most trusted ways to send, spend, and receive money online.

PayPal App

When writing this PayPal app review section, I was looking into existing reviews, and they’re saying the same thing: the PayPal app is built for convenience (I don’t find that hard to believe at all). Let me first show you what PayPal is saying about the app:

Tap into your money.

I’d say it’s a great way to show that the app has everything a PayPal user needs, from checking your balance to managing your cards (including your bank and linked accounts). The app’s design is also well thought out by making everything simple and easy to use.

At the center of the app is the PayPal Wallet. Similar to how digital wallets work, it’s where you can store, send, and receive money. You can also make online purchases without re-entering your card information and scan QR codes to pay in person.

And there’s more. Transferring money to your linked bank or card can happen almost instantly. You also receive real-time notifications for every transaction, refund, or payment request.

Overall, it’s clear to me that the PayPal app is made to make everyday transaction feels quick and practical.

User Experience

Similar to the previous chapter, I looked at the user review and PayPal app review scores to learn about how people feel about its user experience. The experience is generally smooth and reliable, which isn’t surprising.

On Capterra, PayPal holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating for ease of use, with most users saying that it’s simple and intuitive, especially for those who’ve used PayPal on a desktop before. Many are also saying how quick PayPal is for sending, receiving money, and making an online purchase.

I also noticed that some users mentioning the convenience of paying or sending money with just an email address or phone number stands out as a major plus.

Of course, not every review is glowing. A few users on Capterra mentioned that PayPal limits their accounts if they don’t link a bank account. Still, the most common user reviews I found lean positive, and people trust it to work when they need it the most.

At the end of the day, PayPal’s user experience stands out with its reliability and consistency. It may not introduce new features, but it delivers a smooth, secure, and straightforward way to send money.

How to Use PayPal

Continuing this PayPal review, let’s get to the part about how to actually use the app.

The good thing is that getting started with PayPal is simple, whether you’re sending money, paying online, or cashing out your balance. Everything can be done in the app or on the website with just a few clicks.

This chapter walks through the main ways to use PayPal: adding money, sending payments, and withdrawing funds.

How to Add Money to Your PayPal Balance

To fund your account, you’ll first need to link a bank or card. Once connected, you can use them to send or receive money directly, or your balance will grow automatically when someone pays you.

In some regions, PayPal doesn’t require you to manually add funds, so payments and withdrawals only work from your linked accounts.

How to Send Money With PayPal

Sending money with PayPal is one of its most popular features. You can pay friends, family, or businesses in just a few steps.

Note that transfers between PayPal accounts are instant, while card payments can take longer and may include a small fee.

How to Withdraw Funds From PayPal

Withdrawing money from PayPal is simple once you’ve linked your bank account or card. You can move your balance to your preferred account anytime, and most transfers arrive instantly or within a few business days. Here’s how to do it:

With your bank or card connected, withdrawing funds from PayPal is fast, flexible, and easy to manage.

Comparing PayPal With Other Fintech Services

PayPal might’ve set the stage for online payments, but today it faces tough competition from modern fintech services. Each one brings its own take on how people move, hold, and even grow money.

Adding more to this PayPal review, let’s see how it compares to three major names: Ogvio, Revolut, and Wise.

PayPal VS Ogvio

Both PayPal and Ogvio make sending money simple, but they have different approaches. PayPal focuses on traditional transfers and online payments, with limited crypto transactions. On the other hand, Ogvio is planning to blend fintech with Web3 features.

PayPal has limited access to crypto (only through PYUSD) and select coins in the US, but Ogvio will support a wider range of crypto on the Base network, like BTC, ETH, and PENDLE.

When it comes to transfer speed, PayPal can take anywhere from immediate and up to three business days (depending on the payment type). Ogvio is aiming for instant global transfers (through its @Tag feature). Ogvio’s earliest rollout will target the US, UK, and Europe before expanding worldwide.

As for fees, you’ll see in any PayPal review that they tend to be higher. On the flip side, Ogvio’s structure will focus on lower costs through blockchain technology. I believe this is appealing to users who want both instant delivery and better control over fees.

📚 Read More: Ogvio Review

PayPal VS Revolut

First, let me say that PayPal shines because of its online checkout and peer-to-peer transfers, while Revolut adds more things like multi-currency accounts, savings vaults, and stock trading. This setup shapes Revolut to feel more like a digital bank than a payment app.

Next, fees and transfer speed are also where Revolut wins. Domestic transfers are free, and there are fee discounts for international transfers. On the other hand, PayPal can add extra costs through conversion rates and payment method fees.

Both Revolut and PayPal offer earning features, though it’s not exactly apples-to-apples. Revolut’s focus is on interest savings and cashback, while PayPal’s focus is mostly on payments and online shopping.

PayPal VS Wise

Compared to PayPal, Wise was created with one single thing in mind: to make money move across borders. Because of that, I’d say PayPal works best for shopping and personal transfers, while Wise is best for international payments with better exchange rates.

Wise’s appeal is its mid-market rate, meaning when you transfer money, it always gives the best exchange rate. It also charges a small, transparent fee that’s usually cheaper than PayPal’s markup-based pricing.

As for transfer speed, Wise also offers instant sendouts (usually within 20 seconds). Like PayPal, this instant transfer has a fee, but the actual number depends on the currency and payment method.

In terms of ease of use, both PayPal and Wise win. PayPal’s long-standing reputation gives it a familiar feel, and Wise’s app design makes it a favorite among freelancers, travelers, and expats sending money abroad.

📚 Related Reading: PayPal Alternatives

Conclusions

Wrapping up this PayPal review, the platform remains one of the most popular options for all the good reasons. Focusing on safety, convenience, and reliability, PayPal delivers on what most users care about.

While its fees can be high and some features feel outdated compared to newer fintech platforms, we can’t ignore its strengths. PayPal’s global coverage and strong security still make it a solid choice for everyday payments.

Scientific References

1. Trautman L.: ‘E-Commerce, Cyber, and Electronic Payment System Risks: Lessons from PayPal’;

2. Dagher J.: ‘PayPal's Place in FinTech: From Industry Pioneer to Modern Innovator’.

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