PayPal is one of the oldest and most trusted online payment platforms in the world. But it’s not perfect for everyone, especially since it doesn’t operate fully in some countries. The good news is, there are other reliable alternatives you can use to receive payments right on your smartphone. That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this article on NaijaKnowHow.
It’s worth noting that PayPal imposes restrictions, particularly in countries not classified as Tier 1. Similarly, some PayPal alternatives also have limitations. In such cases, you might need to use a VPN or get help from someone in a supported country.
Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, blogger, or affiliate marketer, you need a secure and reliable payment app. Since most organisations now send money digitally, PayPal and other strong alternatives remain essential tools for getting paid.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into it!
List of PayPal Alternatives
1. Venmo
Venmo has grown into one of the most popular mobile payment apps in the US. While it first launched in 2009, it’s in recent years that the app truly exploded in popularity, thanks to its simplicity and social-friendly features.
Sending money on Venmo feels as easy as sending a text. Whether you’re splitting the bill at dinner, paying your share of rent, or reimbursing a friend for tickets, it only takes a few taps. Another big plus? Venmo doesn’t charge transaction fees for most standard transfers, making it a budget-friendly choice for quick and reliable payments.
Download Venmo:
2. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is the most popular PayPal alternative for iOS users. It works seamlessly on iPhone and Apple Watch running iOS 11.0 or later, and all you need is a valid credit or debit card linked to your account. Payments received via Apple Pay can be used as store credit on the Apple Store, perfect for buying apps, games, and other digital services.
Many online stores and in-app checkouts also accept Apple Pay, making it a quick and secure option for shopping. It’s easy to set up, hassle-free to use, and eliminates many of the restrictions that can come with PayPal.
Download Apple Pay:
3. Payoneer
Payoneer is a global payment platform built for businesses, freelancers, and professionals who need a secure way to send and receive money. It operates in over 190 countries and supports more than 200 currencies, making it one of my preferred alternatives to PayPal. Whether you’re paying suppliers abroad or receiving payments from international clients, Payoneer offers a smooth and reliable experience.
The platform is trusted by leading financial institutions like HSBC and Chase Bank. It uses strong security measures such as card tokenisation to protect your personal and financial information. With Payoneer, you can also get a prepaid MasterCard for direct spending or withdraw funds straight to your local bank account.
Download Payoneer:
4. Skrill
Skrill is a trusted online payment platform available in over 180 countries, making it a strong alternative to PayPal. It offers a fast and affordable way to send and receive money online, whether for personal use, business transactions, or online shopping. You can easily withdraw funds from your Skrill account directly to your bank account, and it even provides a free prepaid Visa card for seamless payments on any website.
The platform is beginner-friendly, with a simple interface and round-the-clock customer support. Skrill is also widely accepted by thousands of websites, giving you flexibility in how and where you use it. Whether you’re making international transfers or paying for services online, Skrill ensures your transactions are smooth and secure.
Download Skrill:
5. Google Pay
Google Pay is Google’s official mobile wallet, designed to make payments simple, secure, and fast. While it may not be as widely used as PayPal, it offers the advantage of letting you pay using your Android device or a linked physical card. You can also send money to others using just their email address or phone number, making it a convenient tool for personal and business transactions.
If you’ve ever struggled with payment errors when using virtual credit cards on the Google Play Store, Google Pay can help resolve those issues. It integrates smoothly with many online platforms, allowing you to complete purchases without unnecessary delays.
Although primarily designed for Android users, Google Pay stands out for its ease of use and flexibility. Payments can also be received in the form of Google Play gift cards, which you can redeem online for apps, games, movies, and more.
Download Google Pay:
6. Wise
Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is another reliable alternative to PayPal. This global payment platform operates in more than 170 countries, making it easy to send, receive, spend, and convert money across borders without unnecessary hassle.
With Wise, you can receive payments directly into your account and transfer them to your local bank whenever you want. It also offers a debit card you can use for online shopping or cash withdrawals. Another advantage is that Wise gives you real bank account details for multiple currencies, so clients or friends can pay you as if you had a local account in their country.
Unlike PayPal, Wise imposes fewer restrictions on transactions. Transfers are quick, transparent, and come with clear exchange rates, so you always know exactly how much you’re sending or receiving. Once you have signed up and your account is active, you can manage all your transfers right from your phone.
Download Wise:
7. Xoom
If you need a money transfer service that works in most parts of the world, Xoom is one of the best platforms to consider. Interestingly, Xoom is owned by PayPal, but it doesn’t come with the same heavy restrictions that often frustrate PayPal users. It offers a fast, safe, and reliable way to send money, whether you’re making local transfers or sending funds internationally.
One of Xoom’s biggest advantages is its speed. Transactions are processed quickly, almost on par with PayPal itself. On top of that, the platform boasts zero transaction fees in certain cases, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent transfers. Sending money to another Xoom user is straightforward, and you won’t be charged a penny for it.
Xoom also offers multiple ways to send funds. You can choose direct bank deposits, wallet-to-wallet transfers, or even cash pickups for recipients who prefer to collect physical cash. This flexibility makes it convenient for different situations, from family remittances to business payments.
Despite being a product of the same parent company as PayPal, Xoom feels more user-friendly and is available in more countries. If you want PayPal-level speed without PayPal-level limitations, Xoom is worth keeping on your list.
Download Xoom:
8. Cash App
Cash App is one of the most popular and trusted peer-to-peer payment platforms in the United States. It has built a solid reputation for being simple, fast, and reliable for sending and receiving money. However, it’s only available to residents of the US, Canada, and the UK. So, if you’re outside these regions, you won’t be able to use it.
One of the main appeals of Cash App is that it makes transactions effortless. With just a Cash Tag (a unique username), you can send or receive money instantly without sharing bank details. It’s not just for personal transfers either; many small businesses in supported countries use Cash App as a payment option because of its speed and ease of use.
Beyond money transfers, Cash App offers a range of financial tools. You can buy and sell US stocks directly in the app, invest in Bitcoin, and even get a free debit card (Cash Card) for ATM withdrawals and purchases in stores or online. The app also integrates cashback offers and discounts at partnered merchants, making it more than just a simple payment tool.
Navigation is smooth thanks to its clean, modern interface, and account registration is straightforward as long as you’re in a supported region. Whether you’re splitting bills with friends, investing in stocks, or dabbling in cryptocurrency, Cash App offers a versatile all-in-one platform.
Download Cash App:
9. Remitly
Remitly may operate a bit differently from PayPal, but they both share a core mission, which makes it simple and secure to send and receive money. While PayPal is often recognised for its global online payment capabilities, Remitly focuses more on personal money transfers, especially for people sending funds to family and friends across borders. It has become one of the go-to options for international remittances thanks to its competitive exchange rates, low fees, and quick delivery times.
With Remitly, you can simply link your debit or credit card, choose your recipient, and select how they’ll receive the funds. It can be done directly to a bank account, via cash pickup, or even through mobile wallets in supported countries. One notable advantage is that in many cases, the receiver doesn’t pay any fee, which makes it even more attractive compared to traditional money transfer services.
The platform supports transactions from over 22 countries to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting with 3,000+ banks globally. Whether you’re helping loved ones pay bills, covering emergencies, or sending gifts, Remitly ensures your money gets there fast. Plus, their 24/7 customer support means help is always available whenever you need it.
If you’re looking for an alternative that specialises in personal and cross-border remittances, Remitly is worth considering. Simply download the app, sign up, and start transferring money in minutes.
Download Remitly:
10. WorldRemit
If you’re looking for a payment service that’s simple, reliable, and flexible, WorldRemit checks all the boxes. Much like Remitly, it offers a seamless way to send and receive money across borders without dealing with complicated banking procedures. Whether you’re sending funds to family overseas, making an urgent transfer to a friend, or handling small business payments, WorldRemit makes the process smooth from start to finish.
One of the things users love about WorldRemit is its variety of transfer options. You can choose to send money via direct bank transfer, cash pickup at partner locations, mobile money services, or even airtime top-ups for mobile phones. This flexibility means the person receiving the funds doesn’t always need a bank account, making it a convenient choice for regions with limited banking access.
Another standout feature is its competitive exchange rates, which often beat those offered by traditional banks. Transactions are typically processed quickly, but sometimes within minutes, saving you from long waiting times. While PayPal can be slow and occasionally frustrating, WorldRemit delivers a quicker and user-friendly experience.
If you’re tired of the limitations or high fees associated with PayPal, WorldRemit offers a refreshing alternative. Simply download the app from your preferred store, set up your account, and you’ll be ready to send money globally with just a few taps.
Download WorldRemit:
11. Zelle
Zelle is one of the most recognised payment apps in the United States, often compared side-by-side with PayPal for its speed and convenience. In fact, for many users who prefer quick bank-to-bank transfers without extra fees or complicated steps, Zelle is the go-to option. It works seamlessly with most banks and credit unions in the USA, meaning you can send and receive money directly without needing to go through a third-party account.
With Zelle, you can top up your account straight from your bank or credit card, and the transfer is almost instant. Whether you’re splitting a dinner bill, paying rent, or sending cash to a family member, Zelle handles it in just a few taps. The app also supports linking multiple credit cards, giving you flexibility in how you make payments. Its user-friendly interface makes it appealing to people of all ages, from tech-savvy users to those just getting used to mobile payments.
Signing up is easy. Simply download the app through the link below, register with your Visa or Mastercard linked to a U.S. checking account, and you’re ready to go. You can either fund your Zelle account first or send money directly from your linked card. There are no complicated processes.
If you want a payment solution that’s faster than PayPal for domestic transfers and works directly with your bank, Zelle is definitely worth trying.
Download Zelle:
12. NETELLER
NETELLER is a reliable digital wallet you can turn to if you’re searching for a solid alternative to PayPal. This platform isn’t just for sending and receiving money; it’s a complete payment solution that works across different countries and purposes. With NETELLER, you can transfer funds, pay for goods and services online, and even enjoy the convenience of prepaid cards for everyday spending.
One of its biggest strengths is speed. Transactions are processed quickly, making it ideal for anyone who values time and efficiency. NETELLER supports transfers to over 100 countries worldwide and currently operates with 22 different currencies, giving it a strong global presence. Whether you’re paying for an online service, topping up your betting account, or sending money to a family member abroad, NETELLER makes the process seamless.
Another standout feature is the NET+ Prepaid Mastercard. This card allows you to make secure POS transactions, shop online, or withdraw cash at ATMs without directly exposing your main bank account. You can also link NETELLER to your existing bank account or credit card for added flexibility. The platform’s security measures ensure your funds and personal information remain protected at all times.
For frequent online shoppers, freelancers, and digital business owners, NETELLER is one of the most convenient PayPal alternatives available today.
Download Neteller:
Conclusion
PayPal offers a great way to send, receive and make payments online, but the stress of having or keeping one can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, blogger, or affiliate marketer, you need a secure and reliable payment app. The PayPal alternative apps offer faster transactions, fewer restrictions, and region-specific benefits.
