Founded in 1998, PayPal provides about 244 million active account holders with an open digital payments platform. PayPal strives to create an overall better money movement and management system with the combination of innovative technology and strategic partnerships. Both consumers and merchants are known to use PayPal services.

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The Good

No Hidden Fees
Personal and Business Services
Buyer/Seller Protection and Security
Refund Policy

No Hidden Fees

PayPal doesn't seem to have any hidden fees. All the costs are provided on its website, outlining the difference for pay-as-you-go and the monthly plan. Hidden fees are actually one of the most common reasons for negative merchant services reviews; so PayPal's lack of hidden fees is definetely a plus for people looking for a transparent payment processor.

Personal and Business Services

A major benefit of PayPal as your payment solutions company is personal options are available in addition to business options for merchants. For personal use, you can use PayPal's services for free with any shopping platform that accepts PayPal, which the majority of companies do. This makes your credit card and debit card transactions significantly more secure because the money is processed through your PayPal account rather than your bank account. PayPal also has additional fraud detection to keep your information secure. Personal use of PayPal can also include sending money to friends and family easily without having to bother with withdrawing cash or writing a check. It makes money transfers simpler and completely free.

PayPal also has extensive options for business owners. The company allows merchants to get paid on their website, their business app, in their business, or on-the-go. Additionally, PayPal works for email and over-the-phone transactions. Businesses that use PayPal can accept credit cards and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, PayPal Credit, and other forms of payment. The company also serves as a financial institution because it provides small business loans for merchants.

With several options for personal use as well as business use, PayPal is a simple and affordable payment processing company.

Protection and Security

The company advertises on its website that it provides both buyer and seller protection and security services. These services for buyers and sellers include the following:

Personal data privacy
24/7 monitoring
Secure technology
Fraud prevention/ merchant fraud prevention
Dispute resolution
Global buyer protection/ global transactions

Refund Policy

On its website, PayPal claims to provide a full refund, including the cost of original shipping, if consumers' orders fail to arrive or if their orders do not match the description of their original purchase.

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The Bad

Customer Complaints

Customer Complaints

PayPal has recieved quite a few negative payment processing services reviews. The highest number of complaints (over 2,300) stemmed from problems with the products and services. The second highest group of complaints (over 1,500) were about advertising and sales issues.

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The Bottom Line

Bottom line, PayPal is one of most common online payment processor names in today's market, and most widely accepted payment method via stores, Internet and now, individual merchants. PayPal offers something other payment processing solutions don't, and that is the online payment. Customers can type in an email address to send payment via the net. With per swipe charge or monthly plan, no additional hidden fees, and same-day money transfer, PayPal seems to be a top payment processing company.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.0

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82 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

49%

4 grade

24%

3 grade

11%

2 grade

1 grade

13%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Alex Rogerson Saratoga Springs, UT

My wife used to own a small photography company and would use PayPal here and there to collect payments. We found that the process was extremely easy and user friendly. We ordered a card swipe and received it within a few days. It was nice to not go through a lengthy application process like other merchant accounts, but the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the fees involved. They have high fees, but for the convenience, it is worth it.

7 years ago

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Luke Swierczynski Troy, MI

Fees are competitive for the industry and their system is quick. Relatively few if any issues ever occur, and they make sure you get a resolution between you and the customer.

3 years ago

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Megan Rigby

I feel safe and secure using PayPal when making online purchases. They keep my information secured and private and its a simple step of making a payment. no hassle of entering info over and over.

7 years ago

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Danielle Syracuse, UT

Paypal has been a great way to receive payment from my employer. It’s easy, fast, and very convenient. The transfer to my bank is quick and efficient. I’ve had great experiences with PayPal

7 years ago

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Ken South Jordan, UT

Paypal makes running my small business so much easier. Everyone uses Paypal and its payment options are intuitive for my customers. I also get good transaction reporting. The one major problem is customer service. You absolutely can NOT get a live knowledgeable person on the phone, or a reasonable response via email.

7 years ago

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Lisa C Johnson Washington, DC

I actually like PayPal. When it was first introduced to me I was suspicious about them. I am guarded with my personal information. But i needed to order an item quickly and I didnt have my credit card with me. PayPal was an option on a website. It was easy to use and I felt it was secure. I use PayPal often now.

4 years ago

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Morgan whiting Los Angeles, CA

We received a Pay pal loan for our business. They took a cut of our profit to pay it back. It was super easy to do and we had the money fast. We had it paid back in a 1/4 th the time they gave us to pay it back. I would do it again.

4 years ago

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Druw Bernal Mesa, AZ

Using PayPal for my small business has been a great experience. With every new company you have about one or two problems, however PayPal customer service is top notch. Whether I was buying or selling items PayPal has always helped me with any questions I have. I never hesitate using PayPal knowing that I’m very protective

6 years ago

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Joseph Mirsky West Milford, NJ

There are tons of bad reviews for PayPal all over the Internet. One site had 15,000 one star reviews! I had 2 sales with PayPal on my Shopify site where I'm selling all my remaining inventory from my closed jewelry store at a little over cost/wholesale. The first one for $200 I was able to transfer to my personal bank account. But the second one for $750 wouldn't go no matter what. Message said couldn't tell who I was. PayPal support is almost impossible to contact, remaining in artificial stupidity mode until you figure out how to send a message. There's no live chat and phone says everything too busy right now. Finally got a human to reply after 36 hours and she said she had corrected it but it still failed. finally tried transferring to my business account which I was the initial account I used set up PayPal, even though I had set up the personal account with PayPal. It sailed right through. I had to keep the business account open long after I closed my store because I am expecting a small tax refund from NJ (been 5 months now) and my bank said I couldn't deposit it in my personal account (even though they took one for $8.00 after I twisted Big Brother's arm). I cancelled PayPal with Shopify and set up Amazon Pay instead.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Daryl Broadview Heights, OH

Find another way to pay. Their dispute process is a sham. I ordered a product from a website that required payment via PayPal. I ordered the product on Sunday, paid via PayPal, but never received an order # or verification from the website. On Monday, the PayPal transaction was updated (by the website) with shipping information showing the product had shipped Saturday (yes, the day before I ordered it), and that it had arrived at my house via USPS on Sunday (no mail delivery day) 4 hours after I had ordered it. I never received the product. I disputed the transaction via PayPal's dispute process and sent them this information. Despite anomalies such as the website somehow knowing what I was going to order and where to send it a day before I actually found their site and ordered the product....PayPal's crack dispute team denied the dispute simply noting that there was tracking information showing it was delivered. Bottom line, avoid PayPal at all cost since their dispute process and claims of protecting consumers of fraud are absolutely worthless.

4 years ago

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Pinky Plugs Mount Laurel, NJ

PayPal is the WORST merchant services in the WORLD! They deserve 0 stars. They are not for the small business. Stay aways please. They Side with the buyer and disregard the sellers policies. I have been with them over 10 years. I'm at my wits ENDS! They don't even let the buyer provide proof of damaged good they claimed they received. I am sick and tired of paypal and I hope a major merchant takes they out of Business. They fail to realize that the SELLER is their customer as well. They want you to respond to disputes then turn around and side with the buyer. WORST company ever. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH PAYPAL!

4 years ago

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Michael Martino Brooklyn, NY

I put 500 dollars in my paypal from my bank..simple transer..done it a dozen time,,this time..the money never gets there..6 long calls to paypal over 5 days running back and forth to the bank..bank is showing me thier conformation and even got on the phone to paypal "security" with me..was told I never transferred anything..I was told by a paypal rep.."paypal guarantees nothing"..Told by a rep that some times for "security" sales payments are held back,,thats after an hour explaining that I did a transfer from my bank,,this is not a sale..and then when the money showed up..they charged me a fee for the transfer..there is no fee if you move money into your paypal from your connected bank..they claimed that I made the deposit from a 7/11 store..NEVER AGAIN

7 years ago

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Emerald Scott West Jordan, UT

PayPal is really simple to use and set up. I used it to pay rent for two years and to pay friends or family back a few times. I don't really believe in using cash a lot so this is a great alternative.

7 years ago

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Tanner Dastrup Pleasant Grove, UT

Paypal is a safe way to transfer my money. I felt like my money was always secure and didn't have to worry about my information being linked to 3rd party companies.

7 years ago

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Bria Daley Tallahassee, FL

What I like about PayPal is that it is a very trustworthy website that allows me to safely make purchases, and I am able to get my money back if the companies were not legit or I had dilemmas.

4 years ago

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Myah Freeman Jacksonville, FL

I use PayPal for my art business as a method of payment. For the most part, it is very convenient and dependable. The only downside I have is the percent taken out of payments because customers are reluctant to make up for the amount taken out. I do love how PayPal is always willing to help return your money when a seller has done dirty business.

4 years ago

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Jennifer Cale Conway, AR

The best parts about PayPal are its transparency and user-friendly interface. They are always willing to help with any issues that may arise and ensure that their customers' finances are secured.

4 years ago

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Kent Logan, UT

I use PayPal for just one online store, and not too frequently. Despite the infrequent use, there are never issues with account inactivity or anything like that. I have also never had any account security issues.

4 years ago

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Lottielyn Schwenke Orlando, FL

We use paypal services as a merchant payment option on our website and is it great. It integrates smoothly into our system and is a popular payment option among our shoppers. Works great!

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Jon Posey Riverton, UT

I have dealt with Paypal for a long time now and for the most part have had a good experience. There has been the occasional random issue and once or twice you don't understand their reasoning but for the most part they are good to work with.

4 years ago

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Anne Kimball Salt Lake City, UT

I use PayPal for a number of things and it is just so refreshing to not have to type in my information ever single time I need to buy things over and over again. It makes online shopping much quicker and more convenient.

6 years ago

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Stacy Kay Salt Lake City, UT

Works great. I have used this as a customer as well as a business (for the company I work for). Easy to use, and I have never had a problem with them. I had to contact customer service once and they were very professional and courteous.

7 years ago

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Greg Knott Alexandria, VA

Their mobile payment system sucks. I paid $70 for it I think. The battery is crap and it's supposed to hook up with Bluetooth and I'd say it only happens one at a four times. And what really is me off I went on their website and tried to contact somebody. Figured maybe I just got a lemon and they'll replace it, but there is no way to send them an email or contact them. It's an endless whole of questions in their help center. I'm going to switch to square.

6 years ago

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Chris Milke Olney, MD

Use it for personal payments and online payments frequently. Would be nice if all fees were more transparent. Good service that is reliable nonetheless.

4 years ago

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Whitney Wilkins West Valley City, UT

PayPal is such a great way to make payments and also get paid. As a business owner, it is so easy to keep track of payments and to pay employees or ambassadors.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Leisha Logan, UT

After receiving some shoes from a company in China, that said they were from England, I submitted a claim. It was denied even though I tried to return the shoes with the address label that the company provided. I was scammed out of $80. PayPal sided with the shop. I wish PayPal would refuse to work with fraudulent stores.

4 years ago

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Alyssa Hansel Tallahassee, FL

Paypal is super user-friendly and l love how secure the checkout process is. I use this for almost every online transaction, it's definitely a trust-worthy service!

4 years ago

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Tagg Ogden, UT

I like being able to offer PayPal as a payment method for my small online shop. It gives my customers the peace of mind to be able to pay that way and it is very easy to use and collect the money from PayPal.

4 years ago

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Lisa Burrup Los Angeles, CA

I have been a PayPal customer since the very beginning. It is great to have that extra layer of security while shopping online. It is also so easy and convenient to use.

4 years ago

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Jess Root Gilbert, AZ

I love PayPal. It is easy to make and accept payments. You don't have to have cash or write a check. And I have had to use the buyer protections. I got my money back.

6 years ago

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Chase H Provo, UT

It is easy to install a PayPal button on a site. PayPal makes payment very easy for customers who already have an account. Setup for the merchant can be kind of a hassle though. My account was difficult to activate. Then, it can be a pain having to transfer money from PayPal to an account once you have already been paid.

7 years ago

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Joyce Hanson Bend, OR

We used Pay Pal for a couple of months and then they shut our web site down without notice due to us selling HEMP CBD WITH NO THC. We were also told that anyone who ever even ordered anything with cbd online their pay pal account was also shut down. I don't have anything good to say about Pay Pal! What a rip off!!!!!!!

6 years ago

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Rhonda stewart Queen Creek, AZ

Love PayPal. Convenient in so many ways. Able to pay for services, get paid or just send money to family members

6 years ago

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John Burns Hendersonville, TN

I used to have Paypal until they wanted all access to my bank accounts; since then I buy a lot thru Ebay, but it is processed with Paypal. Paypal is now blocking my payments to vendors unless I sign up with them again. Not that they have a 96% disapproval rating with the BBB.

7 years ago

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Zach Dastrup Sandy, UT

Paypal is one of the best companies I know that have your back when making purchases. They are on top of their game

7 years ago

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Joannetta Jarman Secaucus, NJ

We love paypal for our public events when you have that person who doesn't have cash or card. Also, its a lifesaver for sending quick invoices.

4 years ago

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Mom of three Brigham City, UT

Good customer service. PayPal is easy to use for eBay purchases or sending money. They keep fees low. I will continue to use them.

4 years ago

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Katie Elliott ,

PayPal has really saved me. It has really made sending and receiving money from family easier since I live on the opposite side of the state.

4 years ago

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Mark Park City, UT

I have used PayPal for online purchases link many people have, and it's very convenient. That's the good part. But I have also used them for business transactions. And I have noticed that their fee amounts seems to be inconsistent, to the point that I don't recommend my clients pay me through PayPal anymore.

4 years ago

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Keld Sperry Lehi, UT

I really like that PayPal exists. I wish the ease of the website was better. Sometimes I get lost in really simple things that I need to do. I also don't like that they are always advertising to get their PayPal credit card.

4 years ago

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Tyler Williams Gilbert, AZ

I used PayPal in the past, but with all the other merchant services out there, it seems it gets lost in the shuffle. I also wish they had better customer service to answer my questions.

6 years ago

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Cassandra Larsen Mesa, AZ

PayPal has always been really easy to use and we use their merchant service for our business. Money comes to our account very quickly.

6 years ago

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Toni Purdy Bullhead City, AZ

Not happy with pay pal because when you have an issue they close your case without doing their homework. No one you can talk to no phone number.

4 years ago

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Agustin Dayton, OH

Paypal is a Scam company. They froze my account of 7 years with 10K for 6 months without prior notice... ...AND without explanation. I called support many times, nothing was explained, no access to my funds.

6 years ago

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Jill Dastrup Eagle Mountain, UT

PayPal is great at making things easy!! Wish it had easier transferring and pay options like Venmo though.

7 years ago

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Alle South Jordan, UT

I use paypal for my small business. It's an easy and fast way to collect money from customers.

7 years ago

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Jessica Chen Elmira, NY

Many people has told me that Paypal is like a scam and shouldn't be trusted. The last time I used it in the past, transaction was slow but the money went through. I wouldn't reccomend because of all the negative reviews and experienced customers have faced. I deleted my account due numerous weird emails coming from Paypal.

4 years ago

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Kyle Johnson Portland, OR

PayPal has been a great way to easily transfer money. Love that there is a secure way to send money.

4 years ago

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Carol Knight Salt Lake City, UT

I like using PayPal for online payments. I feel confident that my sensitive information is protected and secure. Great service.

4 years ago

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Max Winkel Lindon, UT

Great tool. I've used it for years. It's easy to use. Appears to be secure. Trusted by most sellers.

4 years ago