PayPal lets you take credit card payments in three ways: through PayPal.me links, PayPal Checkout on your website, or the PayPal mobile app
The method you choose depends on whether you sell online, in person, or both. PayPal.me is the simplest — you create a personalized link and send it to customers, who pay without needing a PayPal account. PayPal Checkout integrates directly into your website or online store. The mobile app works for in-person transactions if you have a card reader. All three accept credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal balances.
You will need a PayPal account to start. If you do not have one, you can create a personal account free at paypal.com, then upgrade to a business account later if you plan to take payments regularly. PayPal charges a fee for each transaction — the rate depends on which method you use and whether the customer is in the United States or abroad.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal.me links are the fastest way to start: create one link, share it, and customers pay without a PayPal account.
- PayPal Checkout integrates into your website or online store and handles the payment process without sending customers away.
- The mobile app with a card reader lets you take payments in person, useful for markets, events, or service calls.
- PayPal charges a percentage of each transaction plus a small fixed fee; rates vary by country and payment method.
- You receive money in your PayPal balance and can transfer it to your bank account, usually within one to two business days.
Setting up PayPal.me for quick payment links
PayPal.me is the easiest entry point if you are just starting out. Log into your PayPal account, go to Settings, then select PayPal.me. Choose a unique username — this becomes your public link (paypal.me/yourname). You can customize the link to include a preset amount or leave it blank so customers enter their own.
Once your link is live, you can share it anywhere: email, text, social media, or your website. When someone clicks it, they see a payment screen. They can pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal balance without creating an account. You receive the money in your PayPal balance when ready, though it may take a day or two to transfer to your bank.
This method works well for freelancers, small service providers, and anyone who sends invoices or takes one-off payments. There is no setup fee, but PayPal charges a transaction fee each time someone pays.
Adding PayPal Checkout to your website or store
If you run an online store or website, PayPal Checkout lets customers pay without leaving your site. The payment window appears right on your checkout page, and customers enter their card details there. This keeps the experience seamless and reduces cart abandonment.
To set this up, you need a website or online store platform. PayPal integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Squarespace, and many others. If you use one of these platforms, search for PayPal in the payments section and follow the connection steps — usually just logging into your PayPal account and authorizing the connection.
If you have a custom website built by a developer, they can integrate PayPal's API (the technical connection) into your checkout. PayPal provides documentation and code samples to make this easier. Once live, customers see a PayPal button at checkout, click it, enter their card details, and the payment processes automatically.
Accepting payments in person with the PayPal app
The PayPal mobile app lets you take card payments face-to-face using a small card reader that plugs into your phone. You can swipe, insert, or tap a card, and the payment goes through when ready. This is useful for markets, pop-up shops, service calls, or any business where customers are physically present.
To use this feature, read the PayPal app on iOS or Android, then order a card reader from PayPal's website. The reader costs money upfront, but PayPal charges a lower transaction fee for in-person payments than for online ones. When a customer pays, the money goes into your PayPal balance the same day, though transfer to your bank takes one to two business days.
You do not need an internet connection to swipe a card — the reader stores the transaction and syncs when you reconnect. This makes it reliable even in areas with spotty service.
Understanding PayPal's transaction fees
PayPal charges different fees depending on how the payment comes in. For PayPal.me links and online payments, the fee is a percentage of the transaction plus a fixed amount. For in-person card payments through the mobile app, the percentage is lower. International payments cost more than domestic ones.
The exact rate depends on your account type and location. A personal account typically has higher fees than a business account. You can see the current rates on PayPal's pricing page before you set up, and PayPal shows the fee to the customer before they complete the payment, so there are no surprises.
Some businesses pass the fee to the customer; others absorb it. PayPal allows you to add a fee to the customer's total if you want, though this is optional and may reduce conversions.
Moving money from PayPal to your bank account
When someone pays you, the money lands in your PayPal balance. You can leave it there to spend on PayPal purchases, or transfer it to your bank account. To transfer, log into PayPal, go to Wallet, select your bank account, and choose how much to move. Standard transfers take one to two business days and are free.
You can also set up automatic transfers so money moves to your bank on a schedule — daily, weekly, or monthly. This keeps your PayPal balance from building up and ensures you have cash in your actual bank account to use.
If you need the money faster, PayPal offers when ready transfers to a debit card for a small fee. This is useful if you have an urgent expense, but for regular business, the free standard transfer is usually sufficient.
Choosing between PayPal.me, Checkout, and the mobile app
The right method depends on how you do business. Use PayPal.me if you send invoices, take payments by request, or work with a small number of customers. It requires almost no setup and works for any business model.
Use PayPal Checkout if you run an online store or sell products on your website. It integrates into your existing checkout flow and feels native to your site, which customers prefer.
Use the mobile app with a card reader if you take payments in person — at a market, event, or customer location. The lower in-person fee makes it worthwhile, and the portability is essential.
Many businesses use more than one. A freelancer might use PayPal.me for most clients but add Checkout to their website for product sales. A service provider might use the mobile app at customer locations and PayPal.me for remote clients. Start with whichever fits your current workflow, then add others as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do customers need a PayPal account to pay me?
No. With PayPal.me links and Checkout, customers can pay with a credit or debit card without creating an account. They enter their card details on the payment screen, and the transaction goes through. Only if they choose to pay from a PayPal balance do they need an account.
How long does it take to receive money after a customer pays?
The money appears in your PayPal balance when ready. Transferring it to your bank account takes one to two business days with a standard transfer, or minutes with an when ready transfer (which costs a small fee). In-person payments through the mobile app also appear when ready in your balance.
Can I set a fixed price on my PayPal.me link?
Yes. When you create your PayPal.me link, you can add a preset amount so customers see the price before they click. You can also leave it blank and let customers enter their own amount, which is useful for tips or donations.
What happens if a customer disputes a payment?
PayPal has a dispute resolution process. If a customer claims they did not authorize the charge or did not receive what they paid for, PayPal investigates. Keep records of what you sold or the service you provided, and communicate with customers in writing when possible. This protects you if a dispute arises.
Is there a monthly fee to accept payments through PayPal?
No. You only pay when you receive a payment. There is no monthly subscription or account fee for basic payment processing. If you upgrade to a business account or use advanced features, some have optional fees, but standard payment processing is free to set up.