The best way to manage your money is to choose a platform that works for you, not against you.
I’ve used PayPal for over 8 years to handle international payments, and it was a game-changer when I first started my online business. Back then, PayPal made it easy to receive money from clients worldwide.
But as someone based in India, strict local banking rules eventually made PayPal less reliable for me compared to users in places like the U.S. or U.K. This pushed me to discover other payment tools that work globally, charge lower fees, and offer better features.
In this post, I’ll share the best paypal alternatives options I found—perfect for freelancers, small businesses, bloggers, and affiliates. I’ve also included extra tips and hidden gems to help you pick the right platform.
1. Payoneer
Payoneer is one of the pioneers in global payments, now widely available in countries such as India, Pakistan, and many others. With a solid reputation built over years of service, it enables seamless transactions from major markets like the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia, and China.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Low Transaction Fees: Enjoy lower fees compared to many other platforms, which helps preserve your earnings.
- Bonus Offers: After processing $1,000 in transactions, you receive a bonus (for example, $25), adding extra value to your account.
- Global Accessibility: Ideal for freelancers and businesses looking to tap into international markets.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed to make receiving and sending money as straightforward as possible.
Extra Insight:
For those looking to expand their client base globally, Payoneer also offers a prepaid MasterCard, which makes it easier to access funds anywhere. More detailed reviews on their services can be found on tech and finance blogs dedicated to online payments.
2. Stripe
If you’re running an online store or managing subscriptions, Stripe offers a comprehensive payment gateway that integrates easily with most e-commerce platforms. While it’s primarily a U.S.-based company, Stripe has a global reach.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Flexible Integration: With plugins and APIs for almost every e-commerce system, Stripe makes it simple to embed payment processing into your website or app.
- Stripe Atlas: Not in a supported country? Stripe Atlas lets you incorporate a U.S. company and open a bank account, broadening your business reach.
- Transparent Pricing: Charges typically stand at 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction, with no hidden fees.
- Recurring Payments: Ideal for subscription-based businesses, offering robust tools for managing recurring transactions.
Extra Insight:
Many online entrepreneurs appreciate Stripe’s seamless integration with global card networks, making it easy to accept payments from 135+ countries. Its support for one-time and recurring payments has made it a go-to solution for modern businesses.
3. Razorpay
A major player in India’s payment ecosystem, Razorpay has built its reputation by offering localized solutions that support both domestic and international transactions.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: With international transaction fees as low as 3%, Razorpay helps businesses reduce processing costs significantly.
- Local Payment Methods: Supports a variety of local payment options like Trustly, POLi, Giropay, and Sofort, ensuring you never lose a customer due to unfamiliar payment options.
- International Bank Transfers: Facilitates payments via ACH (USA), SEPA (Europe), SWIFT, and CHAPS (UK), providing broad coverage for global transactions.
- Digital FIRC: Simplifies the process of obtaining foreign inward remittance certificates, eliminating the usual 45-60 day wait period.
Extra Insight:
Razorpay is particularly beneficial for exporters and Indian businesses that regularly receive international payments. Its suite of services and integration capabilities make it a competitive alternative in the digital payment space.
4. Coingate
As the world of digital currency grows, Coingate offers a crypto-friendly payment alternative for both personal and business use. It supports payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 20 other crypto assets.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Crypto Integration: Accept payments in cryptocurrencies with an option to automatically convert them to fiat, providing flexibility in managing digital assets.
- One-Click Integration: Easily add a “Pay with crypto” button to your e-commerce site with minimal setup.
- Future-Proof: Perfect for businesses looking to tap into the burgeoning crypto market.
Extra Insight:
Coingate’s interface is designed for both beginners and seasoned crypto enthusiasts, making it a practical tool for diversifying your payment methods while keeping transaction fees low.
5. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Founded by the minds behind Skype and backed by industry leaders like Richard Branson, Wise has become synonymous with transparent pricing and real exchange rates. It is particularly popular among users who want to avoid hidden fees on currency conversions.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Low Fees & Fair Rates: Its low transaction fees and genuine currency conversion rates mean you don’t lose money during international transfers.
- Ease of Use: The platform is designed with simplicity in mind, whether you’re sending money to family or receiving payments for business services.
- Fee-Free First Transaction: New users can typically enjoy a fee-free first transfer (up to a certain limit), making it a risk-free trial.
Extra Insight:
Wise’s multi-currency account is a standout feature, allowing you to hold and convert money between different currencies without opening separate accounts. Detailed guides and user testimonials can help you understand the benefits of this global solution.
6. Instamojo
Instamojo serves as a local alternative for Indian users, offering a seamless way to both send and receive payments using simple identifiers like usernames or email addresses.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Local Convenience: Ideal for individual sellers, freelancers, and small businesses in India.
- Online Store Setup: Allows you to create an online store to sell digital products or services without extensive technical know-how.
- User-Friendly: A straightforward interface that’s continually evolving to meet market demands.
Extra Insight:
After using Instamojo for nearly two years, I’ve found that its continuous improvements and focus on the Indian market make it a robust alternative, especially for those who prefer local payment solutions.
7. Skrill
Skrill is a well-regarded alternative, particularly noted for its favorable currency conversion rates. It caters to a global audience, making it a reliable option for those who need to transact internationally.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Low Currency Conversion Fees: One of Skrill’s main attractions is its competitive rates when converting currencies.
- Prepaid Mastercard: The prepaid card offered by Skrill is accepted in millions of locations worldwide, providing quick access to your funds.
- Mobile Accessibility: With dedicated iPhone and Android apps, managing your transactions on the go has never been easier.
Extra Insight:
Skrill is particularly popular among freelancers and international businesses due to its ease of use and transparent fee structure. Its mobile solutions further enhance its appeal in a fast-paced digital environment.
8. Verifone (Formerly 2Checkout)
Known previously as 2Checkout, Verifone is a trusted name among online entrepreneurs who need a reliable global payment processor. It supports multiple currencies and caters to businesses with an international clientele.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Wide Currency Support: Accept payments in a variety of currencies, including USD, Euro, GBP, and many others.
- Global Reach: Designed to support transactions from markets across the globe, making it a versatile option for businesses of all sizes.
- Easy Onboarding: The setup process is straightforward, and their customer support is noted for being responsive.
Extra Insight:
While the transaction and transfer fees can be on the higher side, maintaining a high payment release threshold can help mitigate these costs. This platform is especially recommended for businesses that are ready to scale internationally.
9. Coinbase Commerce
For businesses that are comfortable with cryptocurrency transactions, Coinbase Commerce offers a seamless way to accept payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDC. It’s especially useful for merchants targeting a tech-savvy customer base.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Zero Fees on Crypto Transactions: Accept digital currencies without incurring additional fees, which can translate to significant savings.
- Stablecoin Option: If volatility is a concern, you can opt to accept USD coin, ensuring your funds remain pegged to a stable value.
- Fast Settlement: Quick settlement times mean you’re not left waiting for your funds to clear.
- Broad Integration: Easily integrate Coinbase Commerce with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and more.
Extra Insight:
While using crypto as a payment method might require a bit of technical know-how, the potential cost benefits and market reach make Coinbase Commerce a worthy alternative if your audience is crypto-friendly.
10. Google Pay
Google Pay is not only a popular peer-to-peer payment method but also a robust tool for integrating payment options directly into websites and apps. Its extensive reach and ease of integration make it a versatile choice.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Versatile Integration: Easily add Google Pay to your e-commerce store, mobile app, or website using plugins available for platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Multiple Payment Options: Supports credit cards, debit cards, and UPI transfers, ensuring broad customer adoption.
- Competitive Pricing: Typically charges 2.9% on credit card transactions, with zero fees on debit card and bank transfers.
Extra Insight:
Google Pay’s rapid withdrawal time (1-3 days) and secure payment processing make it a strong contender for businesses aiming for a long-term solution in the digital payment landscape.
11. Remitly
If your transactions frequently involve sending money to countries like India or the Philippines, Remitly offers tailored solutions that combine speed with cost efficiency.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Promotional Offers: Enjoy promotional deals such as fee-free transfers on amounts over $1,000, which can be a significant cost saver.
- Flexible Speed Options: Choose between an instant transfer (with a small fee) or a fee-free option that takes up to three days, depending on your urgency.
- User-Centric Design: Its interface is designed to make international transfers as straightforward as possible, even for first-time users.
Extra Insight:
Remitly’s dual-option system allows you to balance speed against cost, providing flexibility based on the needs of your recipients. It’s an excellent option for those who value both efficiency and affordability.
12. PayU
PayU is a widely used payment gateway in India, offering a seamless way to send and receive money online. It is an excellent alternative to Square, especially for freelancers, bloggers, small business owners, and e-commerce platforms operating in India.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Multiple Payment Options – Accepts UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, digital wallets, and EMI payments.
- Easy Integration – Works effortlessly with WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and other e-commerce platforms.
- Fast Settlements – Merchants get quick access to their funds, improving cash flow.
- Competitive Transaction Fees – Lower fees compared to some international gateways.
- International Transactions – Supports multiple currencies, making it a great option for businesses with global customers.
Extra Insight:
With PayU, businesses and freelancers in India can efficiently manage online payments without the restrictions that come with Square. It is a secure and reliable choice for hassle-free transactions.
13. Paytm
As a leading digital wallet in India, Paytm has evolved into a full-fledged online payment platform with international capabilities. Its extensive ecosystem includes services ranging from bill payments to banking.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Local Dominance: With its deep roots in India, Paytm is widely trusted for everyday transactions and offers seamless integration for online payments.
- Multi-Service Platform: In addition to online payments, Paytm supports services like recharges, bill payments, and even small loans, providing a one-stop digital financial solution.
- International Transactions: Expanded to support international transfers, making it a versatile option for businesses and freelancers. Till the time of writing this post, international locations where UPI is accepted, UAE, Bhutan, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and France.
Extra Insight:
Paytm’s user-friendly design and comprehensive financial services make it an attractive alternative for anyone looking to streamline their digital payments, especially within the Indian market.
14. PhonePe
PhonePe is one of the most popular digital payment platforms in India, offering a seamless and secure way to send and receive money. It is a strong alternative for businesses and freelancers looking for an easy-to-use payment solution.
Why Choose PhonePe?
- UPI-Based Payments – Instant and secure transactions using Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- Supports Multiple Payment Methods – Accepts UPI, credit/debit cards, wallets, and net banking.
- No Transaction Fees for UPI Payments – A cost-effective option for businesses and individuals.
- QR Code & Payment Links – Easy payment collection for freelancers and small businesses.
- Business Solutions – PhonePe for Business allows merchants to accept payments effortlessly with real-time settlements.
Extra Insight:
With its fast and secure transactions, low fees, and widespread acceptance, PhonePe is an excellent addition to the list of PayPal alternatives for Indian users.
Final Thoughts
Each of these payment platforms brings its own unique features and advantages to the table. Whether you’re focused on reducing transaction costs, expanding into new international markets, or exploring the benefits of cryptocurrency, there’s an option here tailored to your needs. Personally, I lean toward Payoneer for its reliability and cost efficiency, while Stripe or Razorpay might be ideal if you run an e-commerce store with a global audience.
Bonus
Few other services which are popular to send & receive money internationally:
What payment solution are you currently using or considering as your next step away from PayPal? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Also Read: 7 Essential Website Conversion Tools to Boost CRO
