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Revolut vs PayPal for Merchants
- Revolut usually gives better exchange rates than PayPal when you make payments in other countries.
- PayPal is well known all over the world. Many people use it to pay for things online.
- Revolut works more like an online bank. It lets you trade cryptocurrency and use tools to help you budget your money.
- PayPal has good Buyer Protection and strong safety features. This helps people feel safe when they use it.
- Each platform has its own way of charging fees. The right one for you will depend on what your business needs most.
- Think about how many payments you make to other countries and if you need help from customer service before you choose.
Introduction
Picking the right payment processor matters for every merchant. As your business grows and sells in other countries, you need a platform that saves money and works well. The main choices people compare are Revolut and PayPal. Both help businesses take payments, but they are not the same in what they offer, how much they cost, and how they handle global transactions. This article places their features side by side to help you decide which one works best for your business.
Revolut and PayPal for Merchants
PayPal has been a major player in online payments for more than twenty years. It functions as a digital wallet and a processor for online transactions, making payments convenient for both businesses and their customers. Many shops and companies choose PayPal because of its widespread recognition and trustworthiness.
Revolut is a newer digital banking platform that combines several financial tools into one app. It enables payments, currency management, and features that feel like both a payment processor and a full-service bank. This makes it appealing to merchants who want more than just payment solutions.
Revolut Features for Business
Revolut aims to be more than just a payment tool. It promotes itself as a financial super-app, helping businesses manage multiple currencies and transfer funds internationally at competitive rates. Merchants benefit from its stronger exchange rates compared to traditional banks or PayPal.
Revolut also offers additional tools such as budgeting, expense tracking, and a business debit card, making it suitable for companies with diverse financial needs.
- Accounts that hold and exchange money in multiple currencies
- Budgeting tools with spending alerts
- Options for cryptocurrency and stock trading
- Free and paid plans with varying benefits
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PayPal Merchant Tools
PayPal is widely recognized for its simplicity and global reach. For merchants, the biggest benefit is customer trust. It is easy to set up, allowing businesses to start accepting payments quickly. The platform emphasizes fraud prevention and Buyer Protection, giving users confidence in their transactions. While it does not have banking features like Revolut, PayPal remains focused on providing reliable payment processing.
- Widely integrated into websites and apps
- Fraud detection and protection tools
- Buy Now, Pay Later options such as “Pay in 4”
- Responsive customer support
Revolut vs PayPal Merchant Comparison
| Feature | Revolut | PayPal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Digital banking and payments | Online payment processor | Revolut offers banking tools; PayPal focuses on payment processing |
| International Fees | Lower, competitive exchange rates | Higher, includes markup on currency conversions | Revolut is more cost-effective for cross-border payments |
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes, multiple accounts with multiple currencies | Yes, supports up to 25 currencies | Both allow foreign currency transactions; Revolut provides more flexibility |
| Customer Trust | Growing reputation | Highly trusted and widely recognized | PayPal has long-standing brand recognition and buyer confidence |
| Payment Methods | Card payments, payment links, Apple Pay, Google Pay | PayPal balance, card, PayPal button, Pay in 4 | Revolut integrates more wallets; PayPal has widespread e-commerce adoption |
| Fraud Protection | Advanced fraud detection, identity verification, selfie check | Buyer Protection, fraud monitoring, dispute resolution | Both platforms are secure; PayPal is more known for buyer guarantees |
| Business Tools | Budgeting, expense tracking, cryptocurrency and stock trading | Invoice creation, payment tracking, “Buy Now, Pay Later” integration | Revolut offers banking and financial tools; PayPal focuses on merchant convenience |
| Account Setup | Requires business info, government ID, sometimes selfie verification | Requires business info and linked bank/card; quicker setup | Revolut has stricter verification due to banking functions |
| Fees Transparency | Clear, subscription-based plans; transparent exchange rates | Transaction fees, conversion fees, higher costs for international payments | Revolut provides predictable costs; PayPal fees can add up for cross-border sales |
| Restricted Industries | Selective restrictions, stricter for some sectors | Excludes high-risk or prohibited businesses | Both enforce limits; Revolut is more selective |
| Global Reach | Available in multiple countries, growing user base | Available worldwide, highly recognized | PayPal is better for established international trust; Revolut is expanding |
| Integration | Payment links, API integration, card payments | PayPal buttons, API, e-commerce platforms, POS systems | PayPal integrates widely with existing online stores; Revolut is more flexible for tech-savvy merchants |
Requirements to Get Started
Setting up Revolut or PayPal is straightforward, requiring business and personal details for verification. Both platforms request linked bank accounts to move funds. Revolut typically requires more detailed checks since it operates like a bank, while PayPal’s setup is faster and simpler.
- Business name and address
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of address
- Bank details
- Mobile number for verification
Setting Up a Merchant Account
- Register Your Business: Visit Revolut or PayPal’s business page and sign up by entering your business details. PayPal accounts are active quickly, while Revolut also provides banking tools.
- Verify Identity and Link Bank Account: PayPal usually asks for email confirmation and bank details. Revolut often requests government ID and a photo check for added security.
- Integrate Payments Into Your Store: PayPal offers the familiar “Pay with PayPal” button. Revolut provides payment links, card payments, and wallet integrations such as Apple Pay.
Final Thoughts
Deciding between Revolut and PayPal can influence your business performance. Revolut is attractive for international transfers, with better exchange rates and financial tools. PayPal, on the other hand, offers strong customer trust and a familiar checkout process. Consider the scale of your payments, customer base, and support needs to determine the best option for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do fees compare?
Revolut offers plans with favorable exchange rates and transparent costs. PayPal does not charge setup fees, but its international transfer and conversion fees are higher. Merchants handling cross-border payments often find Revolut more affordable. PayPal’s advantage lies in convenience rather than cost savings. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the platform that suits their financial strategy.
Are Revolut or PayPal more secure?
Both platforms are considered safe for businesses. PayPal is widely known for its Buyer Protection program, which helps customers resolve disputes. Revolut focuses on fraud prevention with advanced verification steps. Each service complies with financial regulations to protect users. While they both emphasize safety, PayPal’s long reputation gives it an advantage in customer perception.
What advantage does Revolut have in currency exchange?
Revolut typically provides mid-market rates for currency exchange, making it less costly than PayPal. The fees are transparent, so businesses know what they are paying upfront. PayPal often applies additional charges to exchange rates, raising the total cost of international transfers. This makes Revolut more appealing for companies with frequent global transactions. Lower exchange costs can improve overall business margins.
Are there business restrictions?
Yes, both platforms maintain lists of restricted industries. Revolut is more selective and may impose stricter checks on certain sectors. PayPal also excludes specific high-risk businesses but generally provides wider acceptance. Neither platform replaces traditional banks for all services. Merchants should confirm eligibility before signing up to avoid complications.
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: Revolut vs. PayPal for Merchants: Is One Better than the Other?
https://fangwallet.com/2025/09/19/revolut-vs-paypal-for-merchants-is-one-better-than-the-other/The FangWallet Promise
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