USD INR ₹ 90.00
GBP INR ₹ 110.35
CAD INR ₹ 61.00
Articles

Spotlight On: PayPal, Its Payment Services & Fee Structures

Updated on November 24, 2020 01:14 pm
PayPal Fees review

If you make online purchases or send money online to your friends and family, you are probably familiar with the name PayPal. PayPal, headquartered in San Jose, California, USA., is a leading online payment service provider in the world. The digital payment company offers a range of payment services and solutions for both individuals and businesses. It has 48 central offices across 27 countries.

A Brief History of PayPal

Paypal history


PayPal was founded in December of 1998 under the name "Confinity". In 2000, it merged with X.com and soon became an online money transfer company with the current name, PayPal.

In October 2002, eBay, an online shopping platform best known for its auctions and popular with online merchants acquired PayPal. This partnership enabled buyers/sellers on eBay to send and receive payments securely and more efficiently than money orders or checks.

In 2015, it spun from eBay and became a public traded company, PayPal Holdings, Inc. PYPL.

PayPals Popularity

PayPal's reach is far and wide with a large user base. Currently, PayPal has 346 million active registered users.

Through PayPal, people can send and receive payments digitally in 25 currencies worldwide, pay for goods and services, or purchase or sell items online.

PayPal is a widely accepted payment method for online merchants, auction sites, and buyers. As of today, over 26 million merchants in over 200 markets accept PayPal.

It is the oldest peer-to-peer payment service available through its website and mobile app of PayPal and its sister brands such as Venmo and Xoom.

How Does PayPal Work?

To send money online with PayPal, all you need is to set up your PayPal account with your email address/mobile number for free through the PayPal site or its mobile app. To fund the money transfer, link your PayPal account with your bank account or a debit or a credit card.

Receiving money is also easy and convenient. All you need is the recipient's email ID or mobile number. You can opt to open a personal account or a PayPal business account.

If you ever need to close your account, transfer your PayPal balance to your bank account before closing it. You can download or take screenshots of transaction history for later use.

Venmo

Venmo

Venmo, a PayPal owned mobile payment app allows its users to transfer money back and forth between themselves or use it to purchase things from select merchants. You can either use your bank account or debit card or credit card to fund the transfer. It can also act as a digital wallet.

Venmo has 40 million users, mostly consisting of millennials. To use Venmo, you should be in the U.S. and download the Venmo app on your phone. Check out the alternatives to Venmo.

Xoom

Xoom is a PayPal remittance service that facilitates domestic and international money transactions. With Xoom, you can transfer money internationally to a bank account directly, send cash for pickup, pay international bills, or recharge a prepaid mobile phone from countries like the U.S. and Canada in 131 countries.

To send money with Xoom using your personal PayPal account, you'll be directed to the Xoom website where you will need to open an account in Xoom. This is fairly an easy process as you don't need to enter any details. You can use your PayPal credentials to create the Xoom account.

Xoom offers competitive exchange rates and it is one of the fastest ways to send money internationally in the cross-border payment industry.

Xoom

You can send money at zero cost if you use your PayPal balance to fund the international money transfer. It can save you both time and money.

Direct Money Transfers with Xoom

Xoom recently launched a new service that allows customers in the U.S. to transfer money directly to an eligible bank account or debit card without the need to open an account with Xoom or PayPal or fill up a form.

Xoom's new functionality has been introduced at a critical time when the unemployment rate in America reached a new record high due to the pandemic. People across the country who are financially affected by the pandemic are relying on family, friends, and loved ones for financial support.

With immigrants making up around 20 percent of the total workforce in various sectors such as retail, hospitality, and food that are heavily affected by the economic hardships, financial help is needed more than ever.

With Xoom, people can send money to support loved ones across the country either online or through the Xoom mobile app from the comfort of their home amid the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures.

The new service makes the process of sending and receiving money easy on top of being reliable and super affordable by simply visiting Xoom.com or downloading the Xoom mobile app.



PayPal Credit Card and Debit Card

PayPal also offers both credit and debit cards with several benefits. These are the PayPal Prepaid Card and PayPal Cash Card. You need to link your PayPal cards to your PayPal Cash Plus account to enable its usage.

You need to load funds on the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard because it cannot directly pull funds from your PayPal account. Cardholders can enjoy special offers and cash-back rewards with this PayPal credit card.

With PayPal Cash Card, you don't have to load funds onto it as it is automatically linked to your Cash Plus account and pulls money directly from your PayPal account. You can also withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide or for free at MoneyPass ATMs with the PayPal debit card.

Do keep in mind there may be certain fees involved with these cards. Look out for alternatives to a PayPal Credit Card and compare to find the one that meets your financial goals.

PayPal's Cryptocurrency ServiceIn the latest development, PayPal users in the U.S. can now buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin directly from their PayPal accounts. The cryptocurrencies can be used as payments at 29 million stores around the world.

Crypto

PayPal's entry into the crypto space is not a new thing. Back in 2014, PayPal has already allowed its merchants to accept Bitcoin by partnering with payment processors like BitPay, GoCoin, Coinbase. Like many other companies and investors, PayPal is among the first companies to be interested in the use of blockchain technology in the financial service industry.

PayPal plans to expand the cryptocurrency services to Venmo and to select international markets within the first half of 2021 and allow users to pay PayPal merchants with the digital currencies by early 2021.

The recent spike in the prices of bitcoin coinciding with the launch of PayPal's cryptocurrency service is making headlines. PayPal's support for digital currencies may encourage people to adopt them rapidly.

How Secure Is PayPal?

PayPal is one of the safest and secure online payment companies. The company uses Industry-leading technology such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) to keep your information safe and confidential and prevent identity theft.

PayPal around-the-clock account monitoring, anti-fraud detection protocols, and safety policies protect both buyers and sellers.

Additionally, PayPal services are PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant.

PayPal is trusted by millions of users with online transactions because of its world-class security features and privacy protection measures.

Do take precautionary measures from your side to protect your money. Scams and data breaches can happen.

PayPal Fees

PayPal fees can vary depending on whether you use a personal or business account or sending money domestically or internationally, the country you are sending money to/receiving from, your location, or using credit or debit card to fund the payments.

For domestic transfers between friends and family, the platform is free if you use your bank account, as long as there is no currency conversion involved.

Paypal Fees

Fees are mostly associated with PayPal merchants receiving payments for goods and services, when there are international transactions involving currency conversion, or when you transfer using your credit card/debit card and moving your fund from your PayPal account to a debit or credit card.

Paypal Cards

The good news is that you only have to pay for payment processing fees with PayPal. There is no setup fee, no annual fee, or cancellation fee. For most online transactions in the U.S., the standard fee is 2.9%+$0.30. And there are tips to save on fees with PayPal.

There are no monthly fees when you use PayPal Checkout or Standard on your website. Although you need to have a recurring payment of $30 per month, in addition to the standard fee if you choose to use PayPal Payments Pro as your checkout tool.

Ways to Get in Touch With PayPal's Customer Service

You can get in touch with PayPal customer service via their phone number 1-402-935-2050.

PayPal also offers several ways to help and support its customers.

You can visit PayPal's Community Forum online where you can get advice and clear your doubts from other PayPal merchants or users.

You can find almost all the questions and answers related to PayPal with its self-help guide available on its site.

PayPal's Resolution Center is one way to solve your transactions and account related issues. 

If all else fails, tweet @AskPayPal

Customer Reviews

Paypal Customer Service

One of the main reasons for PayPal's wide use is because of its easy set-up and secure transactions. The company offers a variety of payment options ideal for small to medium-sized merchants. Sending money online abroad or within a country is easy and affordable through money transfer services like Venmo and Xoom.

However, there are reports of inconsistent customer support over the phone or issues with account stability.

Conclusion

PayPal's recent announcement with its cryptocurrency services in the U.S. is indeed a game-changer in the fintech world. The popularity of digital payments and e-commerce in today's climate is another reason for PayPal's better outlook in the coming years. Overall, PayPal is a reputable digital payment company, immensely popular with millions of online buyers/sellers.

 36865 views
Rate article:
(5.0)
 
 
Money Transfer FAQ's
Related Articles
Wise Travel Card
The Wise Travel Card: Your Perfect Companion for International Travel

Traveling abroad comes with many exciting opportunities, but managing your money efficiently can sometimes be a challenge. This is where the Wise Travel Card becomes an invaluable tool. This prepaid travel card allows you to spend in multiple currencies, avoid high fees, and make your travel experience smoother. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Wise prepaid card, how it works, and why it’s one of the best travel cards available today.What is the Wise Travel Card?The Wise Travel Card, also known as the Wise prepaid card, is a prepaid travel card designed to help you manage your money when traveling abroad. Unlike traditional credit cards, this card lets you load money in different currencies before your trip, making it easy to pay for services and products in local currencies without dealing with high exchange rates.How Does the Wise Travel Card Work?The Wise Travel Card works by allowing you to convert your money into several currencies at the real exchange rate. You can load money onto the card before you travel, and once you’re at your destination, you can spend it in the local currency without paying extra fees. This makes it one of the best credit card alternatives for travel.For example, if you’re traveling to Europe, you can convert your home currency into Euros through the Wise account, load the Euros onto your card, and use the card to pay for everything from meals to souvenirs without any hidden fees. It’s a seamless way to manage your money on the go.Why Choose the Wise Prepaid Travel Card?There are many reasons to choose the Wise prepaid travel card over other options:Low Fees: Unlike traditional credit cards, the Wise travel card doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees or markups on exchange rates.Real Exchange Rates: Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate, which is often better than what most banks or credit card companies offer.Global Usability: The card works in over 150 countries, and you can hold more than 50 currencies on your Wise account.Security: You can freeze and unfreeze the card anytime using the Wise app, which adds an extra layer of security.How to Get a Wise Travel CardGetting a Wise prepaid travel card is easy. You need to sign up for a Wise account, complete a simple verification process, and then apply for the card through the Wise app or website. Once approved, the card will be delivered to you, and you can start using it as soon as you load money onto it. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a Wise travel card, the process is straightforward and can be completed within a few days.Is the Wise Travel Card Good for You?The Wise Travel Card is a great choice for many types of travelers. Whether you are going on a short vacation or traveling for business, the Wise card offers flexibility, lower fees, and global access, making it an excellent tool for managing your travel expenses. It’s also ideal for people who want to avoid the high fees associated with credit cards while traveling internationally. Many Wise travel card reviews from users confirm that it’s a good alternative to traditional credit cards.What Makes the Wise Card Stand Out?When comparing the Wise prepaid card to other travel cards, you’ll notice several advantages. First, it’s one of the few cards that offer the real exchange rate with no hidden charges. Second, it’s easy to manage through the Wise app, where you can track your spending, freeze your card, and convert currencies instantly. This level of transparency and convenience is why many consider the Wise card for travel to be the best choice.Are Prepaid Credit Cards Good for International Travel?Yes, prepaid credit cards like the Wise card are excellent for international travel. They offer control over spending, lower fees, and safety since you can only spend what you load onto the card. You don’t have to worry about incurring debt or paying high-interest fees, as is often the case with traditional credit cards. So if you’re wondering, “Are prepaid cards good for travel?” the answer is a resounding yes, especially when it comes to the Wise card for traveling.How to Apply for a Wise Travel CardTo apply for a Wise travel card, simply sign up on the Wise website or download the Wise app. After completing a quick verification process, you can apply for the Wise prepaid travel card. The card will be sent to you by mail, and you’ll be ready to use it once you load money onto it.Conclusion: Why the Wise Travel Card is the Best Option for TravelersIn conclusion, the Wise travel card stands out as one of the best prepaid travel cards on the market. It offers low fees, real-time exchange rates, global access, and user-friendly features through the Wise app. If you’re asking, “Is the Wise travel card good?” or “Which credit card is best for travel?” then the Wise card should be high on your list. Whether you’re looking for a reliable way to manage your travel funds or want to avoid the hidden fees of traditional credit cards, the Wise card for travel is a smart choice.

UK to Philippines
How to Send Money from the UK to Philippines

Sending money from the UK to the Philippines is a significant financial transaction that requires careful consideration to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security. As an immigrant or someone supporting family and loved ones back home, understanding the process and selecting the right remittance service is crucial. Do not worry. CompareRemit is here to guide you through all of your remittance needs. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps, considerations, and top remittance providers to help you make informed decisions and maximize the value of your money transfers.Things to Consider Before Transferring Money from UK to PhilippinesBefore initiating a money transfer, it's crucial to grasp two essential factors: exchange rates and transfer fees. The exchange rate refers to the value of one currency relative to another. For example, if the GBP to PHP exchange rate is 1 GBP to 71.81 PHP, it means one British pound is equivalent to 71.81 Philippine pesos. Transfer fees, on the other hand, are charges imposed by remittance companies for their services.It's worth noting that exchange rates and transfer fees can vary significantly across different companies. While some providers may offer competitive exchange rates, they might compensate by charging higher transfer fees. Conversely, others may provide lower transfer fees but offer less favorable exchange rates.It's essential to find a balance between favorable exchange rates and reasonable transfer fees to maximize the value of your remittance. Some companies may offer promotional rates or discounts for first-time users, while others may have ongoing promotions or loyalty programs. Comparing different remittance providers using platforms like CompareRemit can help you find the best combination of rates and fees for your transfer.Will GBP to PHP Increase or Decrease?As of the latest data, the GBP to PHP exchange rate stands at 1 GBP to 71.81 PHP. CoinCodex forecasts a potential 9.43% rise in the GBP to PHP exchange rate over the next year, reaching approximately ₱ 78.22 at some point during the year. While exchange rate predictions provide valuable insights, they are subject to change based on various economic and geopolitical factors. Monitoring exchange rate trends regularly can help you identify favorable opportunities for sending money to the Philippines.When is the Best Time to Send Money from the UK to Philippines?Determining the best time to send money involves strategic planning and analysis of exchange rate fluctuations. Referencing forecast predictions and using comparison sites like CompareRemit can help you track the best exchange rates and promotional offers from top remittance companies. By timing your transfers during periods of favorable rates or promotions, you can optimize the value of your remittance and save on transfer costs.How to Transfer Money from the UK to PhilippinesOnce you've finished comparing and contrasting the top providers and selected the best remittance provider through CompareRemit’s Compare Tool, the next step is to initiate the money transfer. Remittance services typically offer various transfer methods, including online transfers, bank deposits, and cash pickups.Sign up: Create an account with your chosen remittance provider and complete any required verification steps.Enter recipient details: Provide the recipient's information, including their name, address, and contact details.Select transfer amount: Enter the amount you wish to send, ensuring it meets any minimum or maximum transfer limits.Choose delivery method: Select the preferred delivery method for the recipient, such as bank deposit or cash pickup.Review and confirm: Double-check the transaction details, including exchange rate and fees, before confirming the transfer.Complete the transfer: Submit your payment and wait for confirmation of the successful transfer.Top Remittance Providers for Transferring Money from the UK to the PhilippinesXe Money TransferXe offers competitive exchange rates, low fees, and fast transfers, making it an excellent choice for sending money from the UK to the Philippines. Their user-friendly platform ensures a seamless remittance experience for users.Wise Money Transfer Formerly known as TransferWise, Wise provides transparent exchange rates and minimal fees, allowing users to send money with confidence. With millions of satisfied customers worldwide, Wise offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for international transfers. Instarem Money TransferInstarem offers competitive rates, no hidden fees, and real-time tracking, ensuring transparency and security throughout the transfer process. With Instarem, users can send money to the Philippines quickly and conveniently.PassToPassTo specializes in tailored remittance solutions for migrants, offering flexibility, convenience, and personalized service. With a focus on customer satisfaction and reliability, PassTo is an excellent choice for sending money to the Philippines and beyond.Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: What are the best rates from GBP to PHP?A: As exchange rates fluctuate, it's advisable to monitor platforms like CompareRemit to find the best rates from GBP to PHP offered by various remittance providers.Q: When is the best time to transfer money from the UK to Philippines?A: Monitor exchange rate trends and utilize comparison tools to identify favorable transfer windows.Q: How can I compare money transfer services from the UK to Philippines?A: Utilize comparison sites like CompareRemit to compare money transfer services based on exchange rates, fees, transfer speed, and customer reviews.Q: What is the best way to transfer money to the Philippines online?A: The best way to transfer money to the Philippines online is to use a reputable remittance provider, ensuring competitive rates and secure transactions.Q: How can I ensure the safety and security of my money transfers?A: Choose reputable remittance providers with robust security measures in place to safeguard your transactions.

Understanding USD to PHP
Understanding USD to PHP Exchange Rates in 2024

For many immigrants or individuals supporting their families in the Philippines, understanding the fluctuations in USD to PHP exchange rates is very tricky. Navigating the intricacies of these rates involves examining a spectrum of economic, political, and social factors.CompareRemit is here to make life easier for you, so you can make the best decision with little to no hassle on your part. In this guide, we'll unravel the complexities surrounding USD to PHP exchange rates, providing valuable insights to empower you in making informed decisions for your money transfers.​​Interest Rates: The Currency Tug-of-WarOne of the primary factors that influence exchange rates is  interest rates. When the U.S. Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends ripples through the currency market. Generally, higher interest rates attract foreign investment, strengthening the USD against the PHP. For individuals, keeping an eye on interest rate differentials between the U.S. and the Philippines can offer insights into potential shifts in exchange rates.Inflation: The Balancing ActInflation, the rise in the price of goods and services, plays a pivotal role in currency valuation. Countries experiencing lower inflation rates often witness an appreciation in their currency. Comparing inflation rates between the U.S. and the Philippines allows you to gauge the potential strength of the USD. A lower inflation rate in the U.S. compared to the Philippines may contribute to a stronger USD.Government Policies: Shaping Economic StabilityGovernment decisions and economic policies, both domestic and international, have large impacts on exchange rates. Policies promoting economic stability, prudent fiscal management, and sound monetary measures contribute to a stronger currency. Staying informed about the policies of both the U.S. and the Philippines will allow you to gain an understanding of the economic health and help predict dips and rises in exchange rates. Trade Balances: A Global PerspectiveThe dynamics of global trade, including exports and imports, definitely impact currency values. A country with a trade surplus, exporting more than it imports, may see a stronger currency. It might be very tedious to stay up to date with trade imbalances between the U.S. and the Philippines, but doing so can serve as an indicator of potential exchange rate movements.Historical Data: Patterns and PredictionsAnalyzing historical USD to PHP exchange rate trends can reveal patterns and provide insights. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding how rates responded to similar economic, political, or social events can guide your decisions. Historical data offers a valuable tool for predicting potential movements in exchange rates.Practical Tips for Informed Money TransfersStay Informed: Regularly follow financial news and updates from both the U.S. and the Philippines to understand the broader economic context. Regularly read our blogs to stay up to date with all the major money transfer news. Utilize Reliable Tools: Use CompareRemit’s online comparison tool and email alerts to track real-time exchange rates, ensuring you get the best value for your money transfers.Seek Professional Advice: Consulting financial experts or using professional services can provide personalized insights tailored to your specific situation, enhancing your decision-making process.In conclusion, comprehending the factors influencing USD to PHP exchange rates empowers you to make informed decisions when sending money to the Philippines. By staying attuned to economic indicators, leveraging historical data, and adopting a proactive approach, you optimize your money transfers, securing a more stable financial future for your loved ones.

Download the CompareRemit App
Download the CompareRemit App
Personalize your CompareRemit experience with your preferred corridor and receive target exchange rate notifications, seamless transitions to partner apps, and real-time comparisons of top remittance providers at your fingertips.
Personalize your CompareRemit experience with your preferred corridor and receive target exchange rate notifications, seamless transitions to partner apps, and real-time comparisons of top remittance providers at your fingertips.

Get Listed or Advertise

Download Our Free App

Try our faster, enhanced mobile app for a better experience

CompareRemit App