PayPal - the practical guide.

PayPal is one of the original online payment networks, with 400M+ active accounts globally. For ecommerce, the PayPal button at checkout is one of the most recognised payment options online and is shown to lift conversion - particularly with cross-border buyers and shoppers who don't want to type card details. PayPal also owns Venmo, Braintree (a Stripe-style developer-first PSP) and Hyperwallet.

Almost any online merchant - SMB to enterprise - that wants the PayPal button as a checkout option alongside cards. Particularly valuable in Europe, where PayPal is the default wallet for many shoppers, and for cross-border sellers wanting buyer protection to reduce friction. Less of a primary processor for high-volume marketplaces, where Adyen or Stripe Connect typically lead.

Standard online transaction fees in the UK are around 2.9% + £0.30 for domestic and higher for international. US transaction fees broadly 3.49% + $0.49 for online digital payments. Micropayment, charity and high-volume rates negotiable. Currency conversion adds 3-4% spread on top.

Right as an additional checkout option alongside cards - the PayPal button typically adds incremental conversion without cannibalising card revenue. Wrong fit as a sole processor for serious DTC brands - costs and dispute handling beat dedicated PSPs.

Account holds and reserves can hit growing accounts unexpectedly - keep documentation ready. Buyer protection is generous and dispute resolution often favours the buyer. FX spreads are uncompetitive vs Wise or Revolut Business. Customer data sharing back to the merchant is limited compared to direct card processing.