Choosing the right payment processor can save you thousands of dollars a year. While PayPal is the most famous, Stripe is the developer's choice, and Wise is the secret weapon for international freelancers.
The Quick Comparison
| Feature | PayPal | Stripe | Wise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Fee | 3.49% + $0.49 | 2.9% + $0.30 | From 0.41% |
| Intl Fee | +1.50% | +1.50% | Included |
| Currency Spread | 3.0% - 4.0% | 1.0% + $0.30 | Real Rate (Mid-market) |
Send money 8x cheaper?
See how much you save with Wise.
1. PayPal: The Trust Factor
PayPal is great because clients trust it. However, it is the most expensive option, especially for invoices (3.49%). Use it if your clients refuse to pay any other way.
2. Stripe: The E-commerce King
Stripe is perfect for online stores (Shopify, WooCommerce). The fees are standard (2.9%), and the checkout experience is much cleaner than PayPal.
3. Wise: The Cross-Border Hero
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a payment gateway like Stripe, but it is the best way to receive money internationally. If you are a freelancer, give your clients your Wise bank details. You will avoid the 4% currency conversion fee that PayPal charges.
🏆 The Final Verdict
- E-commerce Store: Use Stripe.
- Domestic Invoicing: Use PayPal (for trust).
- International Clients: Use Wise (to save 4%+).