What you should know about PayPal

So what exactly is PayPal?

PayPal is without doubt the most popular "middleman service" for purchasing online in the world. Currently more than 325 million accounts are in use worldwide (Valid: May 7, 2020) by Internet users who prefer to use PayPal to send money to each other via email or make online purchases. PayPal has become such a convenient and trusted way to transfer money online, a staggering 95% of eBay's purchases go through PayPal.

How does PayPal work?

As an online financial transaction broker, PayPal allows people to send money to each others email addresses. At no time can either party see the other's credit card information or bank information.

PayPal acts as the 'middleman' and holds the money similar to an escrow service. Due to its outstanding business integrity, practices, and policies, PayPal has earned the trust of both parties involved in the transaction. With multiple guarantees in place, buyers and sellers entrust PayPal with their credit card and bank information. PayPal keeps the customers private information secret, which is the key to its great success. Because each party's confidential information is totally cloaked, strangers can safely send money to each other through PayPal and email.

What are the requirements of PayPal?

You do not need any special software or a business license to send and receive money through PayPal.
The only requirements are a valid email address and a valid credit card or bank account.

Just how secure is PayPal?

PayPal is just as safe as any online bank. Of course there is no such thing as a 100% foolproof system, but PayPal has designed numerous safeguards into its system to keep error and fraud to an absolute minimum. You certainly won’t find any other online financial institution that’s better at protecting its customers than PayPal.

By utilizing the very latest in secure technology and employing a large team of experts in all areas of online security, PayPal continues to be a leader in safe online payments around the world.

PayPal is guaranteed against fraud and identity theft.

PayPal guarantees you 100% protection against unauthorized payments from your account. Every transaction is confirmed by email to the PayPal account holder. Any transaction you wish to dispute will give you access to a 24/7 support team of analysts who will sort out your problem for you.

Can I use a credit card with PayPal?

Yes, you can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express with PayPal. Plus, when you pay with PayPal, you do not expose your credit card number to the merchant.

Transferwise was started in 2011 by two friends living in London who were tired of paying the high rates that banks charge. So they started Transferwise to help people transfer money at a lower cost. Transferwise vs. Paypal: Which is better for Your Business?