Top Paypal Alternatives & Competitors in 2026
The best PayPal alternative for a business is Stripe for online payments, Kurv or Helcim for lower fees, Square if you also sell in person, and Airwallex if you get paid in other currencies. PayPal's user agreement lets it hold funds for up to 21 days on risk grounds, and up to 180 days after restricted activity
The best PayPal alternative for a business is Stripe for online payments, Kurv or Helcim for lower… Show more
The best PayPal alternative for a business is Stripe for online payments, Kurv or Helcim for lower fees, Square if you also sell in person, and Airwallex if you get paid in other currencies. PayPal's user agreement lets it hold funds for up to 21 days on risk grounds, and up to 180 days after restricted activity
Starting from: $0/month
PayPal Standard
- Easy Setup and Use
- Trusted by Consumers
- All-in-One Solution
- No Monthly Fees (Basic)
- Transaction Fees Can Be High
- Not Great for High-Risk or Large Businesses
- Limited Customization on Basic Plan
- Withdrawal Limits and Fees:
Starting from: $0/month
Flat Rate
- Reliable Merchant Services software
- Transparent transaction-based pricing
- Strong online payment solutions
- Responsive, knowledgeable support
- No money-back guarantee
- No free trial option
Starting from: 2.9%+30¢//transcation
Payments
- Integration capabilities
- Ease of use
- Numerous security features
- Diverse payment options
- High processing fees for disputes
- Geographical limitations
PayPal is a merchant service known for its easy setup and use, and is trusted by consumers. However, businesses often look for alternatives when they need Transaction Fees Can Be High, more competitive pricing than free, or features Paypal doesn't offer such as ach payment processing. Below we compare the best Merchant Services alternatives — ranked by overall rating, feature coverage, and value, so you can find the right fit for your business.
When you're choosing a Merchant Services software, you want something that feels reliable, modern, and genuinely aligned with how you do business. KURV positions itself as a people-first platform… Read more
When you're choosing a Merchant Services software, you want something that feels reliable, modern, and genuinely aligned with how you do business. KURV positions itself as a people-first platform that simplifies managing online merchant services without sacrificing flexibility or performance.Using one connected ecosystem, you can access online payment platforms, payment gateway technology, and secure online payment processing services designed to grow with you. Kurv offers merchant services software that helps you manage online payment solutions, e-commerce payment methods, and in-person transactions from one streamlined dashboard.
Learn more in our full Kurv review.
Pros & Cons
- Reliable Merchant Services software
- Transparent transaction-based pricing
- Strong online payment solutions
- Responsive, knowledgeable support
- No money-back guarantee
- No free trial option
Features
- Tap to Pay
- Fraud Monitoring
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- POS Integration
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- Windows
- Mac
- Instore Sales
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
- Electronic Signature
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Mobile Credit card processing
- Contactless NFC
- Mobile Card Reader
- Electronic Receipts
- 3rd-Party Integrations
Pricing
$0
mo/
month
$0
mo/
month
Screenshots
Stripe is one of the most recognized online payment platforms in the world, trusted by millions of businesses since its launch in 2010. As e-commerce has grown, Stripe has consistently kept… Read more
Stripe is one of the most recognized online payment platforms in the world, trusted by millions of businesses since its launch in 2010. As e-commerce has grown, Stripe has consistently kept pace—adapting to changing trends and supporting merchants with a powerful, flexible payment gateway. One of Stripe’s biggest advantages is its ease of setup. Businesses can get started quickly, without complex integrations or high upfront costs. This makes it especially appealing for online stores looking to reduce overhead and scale efficiently. With support for over 190 currencies, Stripe also helps businesses reach global customers with ease—making it a strong option for companies focused on international growth. In this review, we’ll explore the key features of Stripe’s merchant services and how they compare to other popular platforms in the market.
Learn more in our full Stripe review.
Pros & Cons
- Integration capabilities
- Ease of use
- Numerous security features
- Diverse payment options
- High processing fees for disputes
- Geographical limitations
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Cryptocurrency Processing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- POS Integration
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Mobile Credit card processing
- Contactless NFC
- Electronic Receipts
- Mobile Card Reader
- 3rd-Party Integrations
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- Windows
- Mac
- Freemium
- Monthly subscription
Pricing
2.9%+30¢
/transcation/
/transcation
$10
/month/
/month
$10
/month/
/month
2.7%+5¢
/transcation/
/transcation
Helcim Merchant Software provides retail and e-commerce businesses with a reliable payment processing solution that simplifies transactions. It offers credit card processing, invoicing, a… Read more
Helcim Merchant Software provides retail and e-commerce businesses with a reliable payment processing solution that simplifies transactions. It offers credit card processing, invoicing, a Point-of-Sale (POS) system, e-commerce tools, and customer management features. With no monthly fees and an interchange-plus pricing model, businesses benefit from cost savings and automatic volume discounts. Helcim’s all-in-one platform supports online and in-person payments, making it ideal for growing businesses. Its user-friendly interface, security features, and integrated reporting help streamline operations. In this Helcim Merchant Software review, I'll discuss features, performance, customer service, and Helcim pricing.
Learn more in our full Helcim review.
Pros & Cons
- No minimum processing requirement
- Easily navigate surcharging, convenience fees, and service charge with one tool
- No monthly fees
- Excellent customer service
- Exclusive to low-risk industries
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- POS Integration
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Cash Transactions
- Contactless NFC
- Electronic Receipts
- Mobile Card Reader
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- Windows
- Mac
- Instore Sales
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
Pricing
1.83%
+ 8¢/
+ 8¢
2.27%
+ 25¢/
+ 25¢
Square is a trailblazer in merchant services, powering over 4 million businesses globally with its comprehensive suite of payment and business management solutions. From seamless point-of-sale… Read more
Square is a trailblazer in merchant services, powering over 4 million businesses globally with its comprehensive suite of payment and business management solutions. From seamless point-of-sale systems to advanced software for payroll, marketing, and customer loyalty, Square enables businesses to operate efficiently and scale effortlessly. With user-friendly hardware, secure payment options, and integrated financial tools like Square Banking, it transforms how businesses manage their operations. Square's innovative approach, supported by powerful technology and unwavering reliability, provides unparalleled value to entrepreneurs and enterprises across diverse industries, making it an indispensable partner in business success. In this review, I'll dive into Square pricing, performance, features, and customer service.
Learn more in our full Square review.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable chip card readers
- Competitive transaction fees (especially for low-volume businesses)
- Omnichannel selling capabilities
- No time tracking
- No late fee capabilities
- Doesn’t support high-risk merchants
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- POS Integration
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Contactless NFC
- Electronic Receipts
- Mobile Card Reader
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- On-place Installation
- Windows
- Mac
- Instore Sales
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
Pricing
$0
mo/
month
$29
mo/
month
Screenshots
Airwallex is a global payments and financial platform designed to help small and medium-sized businesses streamline their international operations. Founded in 2015 in Melbourne and now headquartered… Read more
Airwallex is a global payments and financial platform designed to help small and medium-sized businesses streamline their international operations. Founded in 2015 in Melbourne and now headquartered in Singapore, Airwallex enables companies to collect, manage, and send money across borders with ease. Today, it supports over 150,000 businesses in 27 locations and has processed more than $200 billion in global payments. Its platform is especially popular among ecommerce and growth-focused businesses that need to handle multiple currencies and markets efficiently.
Learn more in our full Airwallex review.
Pros & Cons
- Hold and manage funds in multiple currencies
- Fast, low-cost international transfers via local payment rails
- Access to interbank-level FX rates
- Strong integrations with tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and Shopify
- No point-of-sale (POS) system for in-person payments
- Some API and integration features require technical setup
- Limited live support options (no phone or chat for standard users)
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- Mobile Payments
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Electronic Receipts
- 3rd-Party Integrations
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- Windows
- Mac
- Free Trial
- Freemium
- Monthly subscription
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
Pricing
$0
mo/
month
$99
mo/
month
PaymentCloud stands is a leading provider of merchant services, offering secure, scalable, and innovative payment solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes and risk levels. Renowned for their… Read more
PaymentCloud stands is a leading provider of merchant services, offering secure, scalable, and innovative payment solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes and risk levels. Renowned for their white-glove approach, PaymentCloud integrates state-of-the-art fraud prevention tools, advanced payment gateways, and seamless API connectivity with platforms like Shopify, Authorize.net, and NMI. Their services span from credit card and ACH processing to mobile and contactless payments, empowering businesses to accept payments anytime, anywhere. With a commitment to personalized service and cutting-edge technology, PaymentCloud ensures businesses can optimize their payment processes, safeguard against fraud, and scale effectively in today’s competitive market. In this review, I'll cover the PaymentCloud pricing structure, top features, performance, and more.
Learn more in our full PaymentCloud review.
Pros & Cons
- Works with high-risk merchants
- Free credit card terminal
- No account setup fees
- Pricing not publicly available
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- POS Integration
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Cash Transactions
- Contactless NFC
- Electronic Receipts
- Mobile Card Reader
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- On-place Installation
- Windows
- Mac
- Monthly subscription
- Annual subscription
- Instore Sales
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
Stax is a merchant services provider that offers monthly membership pricing instead of percentage-based markups for payment processing. It provides useful features to complement its payment… Read more
Stax is a merchant services provider that offers monthly membership pricing instead of percentage-based markups for payment processing. It provides useful features to complement its payment processing services, such as its Omni Integrated Payments suite. Stax works well for high-volume businesses.
Learn more in our full Stax review.
Pros & Cons
- Quickbooks integration
- Transparent monthly pricing with no percentage markups
- Omni Integrated Payments platform
- US-based merchants only
- Pricy for low-volume businesses
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- Online payment processing
- PCI Compliance
- POS Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Electronic Receipts
- Mobile Card Reader
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- Monthly subscription
- Instore Sales
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
Pricing
$99
mo/
month
$199
mo/
month
$199
mo/
month
Why do businesses leave PayPal?
Cash flow first, fees second.
- Holds and limitations: a hold can be set at the transaction level or at the account level, and other reviewers describe limitations "without clear explanations". Search terms like "paypal limited my account for no reason" show how often it happens.
- The fixed fee: every PayPal Checkout payment carries a fixed fee on top of the percentage, which hurts most on small orders.
- Currency conversion: PayPal charges a conversion spread plus an international surcharge, per its fee page.
- Chargebacks and disputes: both carry their own fees.
- Support that is hard to reach, which makes a hold harder to resolve.
Which PayPal alternative fits your business?
Read the table as: your main problem with PayPal, the Sonary-reviewed switch, and the trade-off.
Your problem with PayPal | Switch to | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|
Fees on online sales | Stripe | Developer-friendly, some setup work |
Fixed fee on small tickets | Kurv | 24-month auto-renewing agreement |
Flat-rate markup | Helcim | Low-risk industries only |
Selling online and in person | Square | Square can also hold funds |
Currency conversion costs | Airwallex | No POS, email or callback support |
Limited because of your industry | PaymentCloud | Rates are quoted, not published |
Fees at $15K+ a month | Stax | Monthly subscription, US only |
Kurv and Helcim: what does a small order really cost?
On a $10 online order, Kurv's 2.90% + 25¢ comes to 54¢ and Stripe's 2.9% + 30¢ to 59¢, with no monthly fee on either (vendor pricing pages, 24 Sep 2026). PayPal Checkout's fixed fee alone is 49¢, set in its 2021 rate change. Kurv's catch is a 24-month agreement that renews automatically, though merchants may be able to end it early under certain circumstances. Helcim uses interchange-plus with no monthly fee and charges its $15 chargeback fee only when you lose the dispute, but it only takes low-risk businesses. Helcim uses interchange-plus with no monthly fee and charges its $15 chargeback fee only when you lose the dispute, but it only takes low-risk businesses.
Stripe: the default switch for online sellers?
For most online stores, yes - Stripe charges 2.9% + 30¢ per domestic card with no monthly fee, 1% on currency conversion and $15 per dispute (Stripe pricing page, 24 Sep 2026). You get custom checkout, subscriptions and invoicing. Stripe also holds funds when it sees risk, so read the Stripe alternatives page too if holds are your main problem.
Square: one system for the counter and the website
Square fits a business that sells in person first - one POS, one online store, next-business-day transfers. Sonary's review is clear on the catch: Square can freeze funds when transaction patterns look unusual, so do not switch to Square to escape holds.
Airwallex: when currency is the real cost
If you pay suppliers abroad or sell in other currencies, the conversion spread matters more than the card rate. Airwallex converts at 0.5% above the interbank rate for major currencies and has a free plan (Airwallex pricing page, 24 Sep 2026). Sonary's review notes no POS and email or callback-only support.
PaymentCloud and Stax: high-risk and high-volume sellers
PaymentCloud underwrites the businesses PayPal limits - supplements, CBD, dropshipping, firearms, subscriptions - and quotes 24 hours to 5 days to go live. Expect a reserve agreed upfront. Stax replaces the percentage markup with a monthly subscription and 0% markup on interchange. It pays off at volume, not for a small shop.
How PayPal holds work, and why they block your exit
PayPal's User Agreement (updated 14 September 2026) sets two clocks:
- Risk-based holds "generally remain in place for up to 21 days" from the date the payment was received. New sellers get this on their first payments until they build history.
- On a limited account, PayPal can hold the balance "for up to 180 days".
The exit trap is in PayPal's help center: "It's not possible to close an account with a remaining balance, an account limitation, or other unresolved issues", and a closed account cannot be reopened. So a limited account keeps you tied to PayPal until the hold clears. Merchants on Shopify's community forum describe it bluntly - one called a 180-day hold a "180 days interest free loan".
Fees are the second push. Since 2 August 2021, PayPal Checkout has been 3.49% + 49¢. On a $10 sale that is 84¢, or 8.4%. Cross-border sales add 1.5%, and currency conversion carries a 3% to 4% spread.
Each PayPal alternative, up close
Alternative | Best for | Not for | What fixes the PayPal pain | Watch out for | Moving from PayPal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stripe | Online and SaaS businesses with a developer | Sellers who want a phone rep who can act, high-risk categories | 2.9% + 30¢, payouts in 2 business days by default, portable card data | First payout takes 7 to 14 days, $15 + $15 dispute fees. US accounts cannot process PayPal through Stripe natively | Stripe imports cards from other processors within about 10 business days of receiving the data |
Kurv | Small in-person or online merchants looking for competitive rates and responsive, human customer support | Anyone who will not accept a multi-year agreement | $0 monthly, 2.90% + 25¢ online, 2.50% + 10¢ in person, next-business-day deposits | 24-month auto-renewing agreement, $25 chargebacks, $395 for unreturned rental hardware | [KD: no published import tool] |
Helcim | US and Canadian low-risk sellers who want interchange-plus and no contract | High-risk verticals | $0 monthly, interchange + 0.50% + 25¢ online, $15 chargeback only if you lose | Recurring billing adds 0.4%, totals vary by card type | [KD: import path unverified] |
Square | Businesses that also sell in person | Online-only merchants chasing the lowest rate | POS, invoices and online checkout in one stack, no monthly fee on Free | Square Online and invoices are 3.3% + 30¢, Square can freeze funds on unusual spikes too | [KD: unverified] |
Airwallex | Businesses paid mostly in foreign currencies | In-person sellers | Settle in the customer's currency, FX at 0.5% above interbank on major currencies | International cards 4.30% + 30¢, limited live support | [KD: unverified] |
PaymentCloud | High-risk merchants PayPal limited or refused | Low-risk sellers | Built for CBD, nutraceuticals, subscriptions, firearms and more, with a dedicated account manager | Pricing is not published, reserves of 5% to 10% for 90 to 180 days are typical | [KD: unverified] |
Stax | US merchants at $150K+ a year | Low-volume sellers | 0% markup on interchange plus $99 to $199+ a month | US only | [KD: unverified] |
Three situations and the right switch
1. Digital downloads at $8 a sale, 2,000 sales a month ($16,000) - Kurv or Stripe.
Option | Math | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
PayPal Checkout | 3.49% × $16,000 + 2,000 × 49¢ | $1,538.40 |
Stripe | 2.9% + 30¢ | $1,064 |
Kurv (online) | 2.90% + 25¢ | $964 |
On small tickets the fixed fee is the whole story. Kurv is cheapest with $0 monthly, in exchange for a 24-month auto-renewing agreement. Stripe costs $100 more with no term and portable card data. Either way, keep a PayPal button for buyers who insist on it.
2. A US seller billing EU customers in euros - Airwallex. PayPal adds 1.5% cross-border and a 3% to 4% conversion spread. Stripe adds 1.5% plus 1% conversion. Airwallex lets you keep euros as euros, or converts major currencies at 0.5%.
3. A supplement or CBD brand that PayPal limited, with funds held - PaymentCloud. It is built for those verticals. Keep the PayPal account open until the 180-day window clears, because PayPal will not close an account with a limitation.
How do you leave PayPal cleanly?
- Open the new processor and run it beside PayPal first.
- Subscriptions: PayPal's vault export covers card data only, sent to a PCI-compliant receiver over SFTP in 1 to 2 weeks. PayPal-wallet billing agreements have no documented export, so those customers re-enter a payment method or stay on PayPal until they churn.
- After importing, confirm the old recurring billing is cancelled so no one is charged twice.
- Download transaction history and reports.
- Withdraw the balance and resolve open disputes and limitations. Only then can you close, and closing is permanent.
- 1099-K: the federal threshold is back to more than $20,000 and more than 200 transactions (IRS, October 2025). Each processor reports on its own.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How long is the first payout delay, and when do you place rolling reserves?
- Is there a contract term or auto-renewal, and what does leaving cost?
- What is the fixed fee per transaction, and is it different for invoices or payment links?
- What does a dispute cost, and is the fee refunded if I win?
- Can you import my PayPal card vault export, who pays, and how long does it take?
- Can I settle in foreign currencies, and what is your FX markup?
- Is my industry on your restricted list?
See Also:
- best merchant services for small business
- best high-risk merchant accounts
- best credit card payment apps
- PayPal vs Stripe
- Stripe alternatives