You probably have heard about this app before. Truth be told, it has been around for quite a while and is one of the most popular payment apps in the world. If you are a business owner in need of a tool to charge for your products or services, or an individual looking for a safe app where to keep your money, PayPal is one of the most common solutions.
This is how it works
PayPal allows you to send and receive money from any other person or business with a PayPal account, safely. Many businesses around the world offer PayPal as a payment method and you only need your account credentials to make an online payment, no card involved.
How to create an account
The process to create your own PayPal account is quite straightforward. To sign up, you only need an email address, some basic personal information, and a credit or debit card to link to the new PayPal account. Your phone number will also be verified to complete the setup process. Bear in mind that more information may be required from the user later on to confirm their identity.
Types of accounts
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* Depends on the country where you live, not available in all countries.
PayPal app
PayPal has an app that can be downloaded on smartphones with iOS and Android operating systems. You can easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
The app interface is quite simple and, in my opinion, a bit limited. If you have a personal account, it shows your balance, and you can keep track of how much you earn and spend. It also shows offers, but that is pretty much it. The accounts for small businesses have a few more functions, like the possibility of sending invoices to clients, but do not expect much more than that.
Location matters when it comes to PayPal
PayPal works best in the US, where it is widely accepted and all products, services, and functionalities are available. PayPal offers credit and debit cards, a rewards program for clients who use their cards and accounts frequently, and loans for small businesses. However, if you do not live in the US, chances are you will not be able to have access to all these features.
If you are considering opening a PayPal account, I would recommend doing some research about the features available and checking if PayPal issues debit cards in your country. Otherwise, the use of your money can become quite limited.
Do not forget to compare fees
PayPal does charge fees for the transactions executed through them, and they can be quite high when compared to some of their competitors, especially if you are making or receiving payments internationally. Also, fees change based on your country, so keep that in mind when comparing your options.
The bottom line
PayPal is a very popular payment app that allows you to use your money safely and in an easy manner. If you live in the United States, it can be a good alternative for you and/or your business. It provides convenient services for business owners and reward programs for individual users. If you live outside the US, however, I would recommend having a look at some of the alternatives available, which might provide some other benefits besides just receiving and sending money.
