# PayPal vs Venmo: Features and Cost Comparison 2026 | Capterra

> PayPal vs Venmo: Which payment processing tool is right for you? Dive into our detailed comparison of their features, costs, and user experience to make your decision.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/compare/207944-222572/PayPal-vs-Venmo-

---

# PayPal vs Venmo Features and Cost Comparison

Last updated March 13th, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews  
moderated by our Reviews Verification team.[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

Your comparison:

PayPalVenmo2/4 selected

[PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)[4.6 (26280)](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

[Venmo](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/)[4.7 (9270)](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/reviews/)

[## PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)[4.6 (26280)](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

[## Venmo](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/)[4.7 (9270)](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/reviews/)

Starting Price

$0.29

Starting Price

$0.29

Value-for-Money

4.5

Functionality

4.6

Ease of Use

4.6

Customer Service

4.2

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Starting Price

Contact vendor for pricing

Value-for-Money

4.8

Functionality

4.6

Ease of Use

4.7

Customer Service

4.4

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [26,280 reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

Positive

24,703

Neutral

1,054

Negative

523

Positive

24,703

Neutral

1,054

Negative

523

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [9,270 reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/reviews/)

Positive

8,824

Neutral

299

Negative

147

Positive

8,824

Neutral

299

Negative

147

Best for (according to reviews)

-   **Business size**: Small businesses account for 19,138 reviews (74%), indicating strong adoption among this segment compared to enterprises (15%) and midsize businesses (11%).
-   **Industry**: Education management, IT services, and marketing/advertising each contribute 5% of reviews, reflecting a broad but not concentrated industry usage.
-   **Use cases**: Payment processing (67%), online ordering (25%), and billing/invoicing (24%) are the primary use cases, highlighting a focus on digital transactions and commerce.

Best for (according to reviews)

-   **Business size**: Small businesses account for 71% of reviews (6,539), demonstrating broad uptake among this segment compared to enterprises (18%) and midsize businesses (12%).
-   **Industry**: Education management, marketing & advertising, and health & wellness collectively represent 16% of reviews, indicating diverse industry adoption without a single dominant sector.
-   **Use cases**: Payment processing (69%), financial services (24%), and point of sale (23%) are primary, highlighting Venmo’s focus on streamlined transactions and financial management.

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## Reviewer verdict

PayPal

PayPal users find it best for secure and reliable payment processing, especially for businesses and online transactions that require integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and QuickBooks Online. Reviewers value its global reach, comprehensive security measures, and the ability to manage multiple payment methods, citing its suitability for both personal and business use despite concerns about higher fees and occasional account restrictions.

Venmo

Venmo users consider it ideal for fast, convenient money transfers, bill splitting, and everyday payments, appreciating its user-friendly interface and low-cost or free transactions for personal use. Reviewers highlight its speed, ease of linking cards, and integration with PayPal for added flexibility, though they note limitations with online retailer acceptance and occasional concerns about transaction visibility and fees for premium features.

## Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation

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## Features comparison

Choosing a payment processing solution like PayPal or Venmo involves more than just comparing prices. Evaluating the features and capabilities of each option is key to finding the right fit. Selecting a solution that integrates well with your needs can improve efficiency and prevent spending on features you don't require. Here's how these two options measure up in key areas. \[[1](#source-item-1)\]

Key features rated by users

Features selected based on 48,444 reviews from Payment Processing users.  
about the Fit Score methodology.

Fit Score methodology

To calculate the Fit Score, our proprietary methodology factors in the following:

  

-   The importance level for each feature. By default, this is determined by user reviews. They can rate a feature Critical, High, Low, or Not Used.
-   Feedback from real users on how the product performs for each key feature, derived from verified user reviews and ratings.

  

Please note:

  

-   To calculate the Fit Score, the number of reviews for those features and the actual rating carry the same weight. You might see that, in some cases, even though the ratings are the same, we still determine a winner because it had more reviews.
-   If the Fit Score is not shown for a specific product, that only means there are currently not enough relevant data points to develop a meaningful score. It does not indicate that the product should be excluded from further evaluation.

PayPal

100%Fit

Feature ratings

Payment Processing

4.6

Data Security

4.6

Online Payments

4.7

Debit/Credit Card Processing

4.5

Venmo

100%Fit

Feature ratings

Payment Processing

4.6

Data Security

4.6

Online Payments

4.7

Debit/Credit Card Processing

4.6

Payment Processing

4.6 (3421)

4.6 (661)

PayPal users appreciate the platform's reliable and secure payment processing, noting that it allows for quick and efficient transactions both locally and internationally. They value the ability to link bank accounts and use various payment methods. However, some users report issues with high fees, account restrictions, and delayed refunds. Venmo users, on the other hand, highlight the ease and speed of payment processing, which they say includes instant transfers and real-time notifications. They find it convenient for both personal and business transactions, although some users mention occasional account freezes and customer service challenges. Overall, users find PayPal's payment processing reliable and secure, while they value Venmo for its speed and convenience.

Data Security

4.6 (3074)

4.6 (1645)

PayPal users commend the platform's robust data security measures, including encryption, fraud detection, and two-factor authentication, which they say build trust and protect sensitive information. They appreciate the continuous updates to security protocols. However, some users have experienced issues with scams and account breaches. Venmo users also value the platform's data security, citing encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure login features. They feel confident in the protection of their financial information, though a few users have faced account hacks and privacy concerns. In general, users think both platforms prioritize data security, noting that PayPal offers comprehensive protection measures, while Venmo provides reliable security features.

Online Payments

4.7 (3629)

4.7 (1579)

PayPal users find online payments fast, secure, and convenient, appreciating the platform's global reach and integration with numerous e-commerce sites. They value the ability to link multiple funding sources and the ease of making transactions without sharing financial information with merchants. Some users, however, mention high fees and occasional delays. Venmo users enjoy the simplicity and speed of online payments, which they say includes features like QR codes and easy account linking. They appreciate the ability to make payments directly from their Venmo balance or linked cards. However, they note that Venmo is not as widely accepted by online retailers as PayPal. Overall, users value PayPal for its extensive acceptance and security, while they find Venmo easy and quick for online payments.

Debit/Credit Card Processing

4.5 (1954)

4.6 (1385)

PayPal users appreciate the convenience of linking multiple debit and credit cards to their accounts, which they say allows for seamless online transactions. They highlight the platform's security measures and the ability to use cards without re-entering details. Some users, however, mention high fees and occasional issues with card linking. Venmo users find the debit/credit card processing fast and efficient, saying that they enjoy the ease of linking cards and making payments. They value the ability to use cards for both personal and business transactions. However, some users report difficulties with certain cards and occasional fees. In summary, users think PayPal offers secure and convenient card processing, while they find Venmo's card processing fast and user-friendly.

## Pricing comparison

### Starting prices

PayPal

$0.29

Other

Not provided by vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

[View pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/pricing/)

Venmo

Contact vendor for pricing

### Value-for-money analysis

4.5 (26280)

4.8 (9270)

An exploration of what reviewers say about both PayPal's and Venmo's value for money finds that PayPal reviewers see it as offering a wide range of user-friendly payment options and robust security features, while Venmo reviewers comment on its free and low-cost transactions for everyday use. Reviewers find that PayPal offers good value for money due to its comprehensive toolkit for businesses and non-profits, competitive transaction rates, and various payment options. They appreciate the security, speed, and reliability of transactions, as well as the continuous addition of new features. However, some users mention that PayPal's fees, especially for international transactions and currency conversions, can be high and sometimes lack transparency. When it comes to Venmo, reviewers appreciate its free and low-cost services for personal transactions, noting its ease of use and quick transfers. They find the platform cost-effective for small businesses and personal use, with minimal fees for most transactions. However, some users feel that the costs for instant transfers and certain premium features can be prohibitive, and they express concerns about the lack of incentives and rewards for regular users.

## Integrations

Popular Integrations

Compare available integrations between PayPal and Venmo.

### PayPal Enterprise Payments

PayPal

Venmo

### Cash App

PayPal

Venmo

### Shopify

PayPal

Venmo

### PayPal

PayPal

Venmo

### BigCommerce

PayPal

Venmo

### Meta for Business

PayPal

Venmo

### QuickBooks Online

PayPal

Venmo

### Wix

PayPal

Venmo

Total Integrations

52

Shopify

Reviewers mention that integrating PayPal with Shopify allows for seamless payment processing on e-commerce stores, which they note enhances customer convenience and trust, and supports global transactions.

WooCommerce

Users report that integrating PayPal with WooCommerce facilitates secure and reliable payment processing for online stores, which they say simplifies transactions and ensures customer confidence.

Wix

Reviewers state that integrating PayPal with Wix provides a secure and convenient payment option for e-commerce websites, which they indicate is critical for higher sales and customer satisfaction.

QuickBooks Online

Users say that integrating PayPal with QuickBooks Online automates transaction recording and reconciliation, which they note improves bookkeeping accuracy and streamlines financial management.

PayPal Integrations (52)

-   [123FormBuilder](https://www.capterra.com/p/122770/123ContactForm/)
-   [17hats](https://www.capterra.com/p/144328/17hats/)
-   [Acuity Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/)
-   [AthletaDesk](https://www.capterra.com/p/167629/AthletaDesk/)
-   [BetterUnite](https://www.capterra.com/p/172631/BetterUnite/)
-   [BigCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/131883/Bigcommerce/)
-   [Cash App](https://www.capterra.com/p/246167/Cash-App/)
-   [Chargebee](https://www.capterra.com/p/131433/Chargebee/)
-   [Cognito Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/138990/Cognito-Forms/)
-   [commercetools](https://www.capterra.com/p/174960/commercetools/)
-   [Constant Contact](https://www.capterra.com/p/31898/Constant-Contact/)
-   [Donorbox](https://www.capterra.com/p/156860/Donorbox/)
-   [Ecwid](https://www.capterra.com/p/143648/Ecwid/)
-   [Formsite](https://www.capterra.com/p/118995/Formsite/)
-   [Fundraise Up](https://www.capterra.com/p/174380/Fundraise-Up-Online-Giving-Widget/)
-   [GiveSmart](https://www.capterra.com/p/130794/GiveSmart/)
-   [GiveWP](https://www.capterra.com/p/10007439/GiveWP/)
-   [Google Pay](https://www.capterra.com/p/212826/Google-Pay/)
-   [Gravity Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/206381/Gravity-Forms/)
-   [Invoice Simple](https://www.capterra.com/p/165683/Invoice-Simple/)
-   [Invoice2go](https://www.capterra.com/p/81858/Invoice2go/)
-   [Joist](https://www.capterra.com/p/230138/Joist/)
-   [Jotform](https://www.capterra.com/p/158456/JotForm-4-0/)
-   [Keap](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/)
-   [Miva](https://www.capterra.com/p/83913/Miva-Merchant/)
-   [Ninja Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/204315/Ninja-Forms/)
-   [nopCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/148685/nopCommerce/)
-   [OpenCart](https://www.capterra.com/p/143516/OpenCart/)
-   [Paymo](https://www.capterra.com/p/137033/Paymo/)
-   [Payoneer](https://www.capterra.com/p/187086/Payoneer/)
-   [PayPal Enterprise Payments](https://www.capterra.com/p/213069/Braintree/)
-   [QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)
-   [REPAY](https://www.capterra.com/p/246248/REPAY/)
-   [RocketRez](https://www.capterra.com/p/146552/RocketRez/)
-   [Salesforce Commerce Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/180822/Salesforce-Commerce-Cloud/)
-   [Shift4Shop](https://www.capterra.com/p/14378/3dcart-Shopping-Cart-Software/)
-   [Shopify](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/)
-   [Shopware](https://www.capterra.com/p/145605/Shopware/)
-   [Spreedly](https://www.capterra.com/p/114956/Spreedly/)
-   [Squarespace](https://www.capterra.com/p/143461/Squarespace/)
-   [SubscriptionFlow](https://www.capterra.com/p/197713/SubscriptionFlow/)
-   [TutorBird](https://www.capterra.com/p/181623/TutorBird/)
-   [UltraCart](https://www.capterra.com/p/99529/UltraCart/)
-   [Venmo](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/)
-   [Volusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/32398/Volusion-eCommerce/)
-   [Wix](https://www.capterra.com/p/169007/Wix/)
-   [WooCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/)
-   [WordPress](https://www.capterra.com/p/131687/WordPress/)
-   [Wufoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/224990/Wufoo/)
-   [X-Cart](https://www.capterra.com/p/33849/X-Cart/)
-   [Xero](https://www.capterra.com/p/120109/Xero/)
-   [Zuora](https://www.capterra.com/p/84232/Z-Billing/)

Total Integrations

4

PayPal

Reviewers mention that integrating PayPal with Venmo provides seamless fund transfers, linked bank accounts, and enhanced payment security, which they say improves convenience and flexibility for both personal and business transactions.

Venmo Integrations (4)

-   [Cash App](https://www.capterra.com/p/246167/Cash-App/)
-   [Meta for Business](https://www.capterra.com/p/213257/Facebook/)
-   [PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)
-   [PayPal Enterprise Payments](https://www.capterra.com/p/213069/Braintree/)

For each product, we show you the most common integrations according to our user reviews and analyze themes in what reviewers say to highlight what you need to know.

## How does the user experience compare on PayPal vs Venmo?

### Overall rating

4.6 (26280)

4.7 (9270)

### User interface

PayPal

Venmo

### Customer service and support

PayPal

Email/Help Desk

FAQs/Forum

Knowledge Base

Phone Support

24/7 (Live rep)

Chat

Venmo

Email/Help Desk

FAQs/Forum

Knowledge Base

Phone Support

24/7 (Live rep)

Chat

## What users say about the pros and cons of PayPal vs Venmo

These payment processing software solutions have been evaluated by verified reviewers on Capterra. Check out what real users say about PayPal and Venmo to find out which one would work best for your needs. Users appreciate PayPal for its secure payment processing, easy integration with online stores, and the ability to manage card payments without directly accessing bank details. They also value its purchase and sales management features, which help businesses grow and streamline transactions. When it comes to Venmo, reviewers highlight its convenience for money transfers, bill splitting, and its robust security features, noting that it is widely accepted and easy to use for both personal and business transactions. As for the cons, PayPal users mention issues with money transfers, slow issue resolution, and high transaction fees. Meanwhile, Venmo users point out concerns with transaction visibility, card transaction limitations, and transaction fees. \[[2](#source-item-2)\]

Pros

PayPal

EB

Emma B

Financial ControllerNon-Profit Organization Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“We can easily track and audit all transactions and it integrates with our accounting software leading to quick and accurate reconciliation of accounts.“

January 25, 2026

Yuriy Y

OwnerLogistics and Supply Chain, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“It provided a secure, widely accepted platform for online payments and cross-border transactions, reducing friction and increasing confidence in everyday financial interactions.“

January 2, 2026

Venmo

AS

Amber S

Business AdministratorBusiness Supplies and Equipment, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I like how people are able to add pictures specifying it is them, the additional code option to type in the last 4 digits of their cell phone number before sending to also confirm, as well as seeing other people’s transactions.“

September 13, 2025

DH

Denise H

paralegalLegal Services, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I also like that you are not only able to use the app but can also get a venmo debit card that not only can you use but it will also keep track of your spending.“

January 23, 2026

Cons

PayPal

Rabindra k

Network Security AdministratorComputer & Network Security, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“The biggest drawbacks are the fees that add up quickly—especially the 3-4% currency conversion markup on international payments, the 1.75% instant transfer fee, and dispute charges for sellers.“

December 4, 2025

NAGESH B

Sr Transaction Processing OfficerInformation Technology and Services, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“PayPal’s automated security systems are notoriously aggressive. If they detect a "spike" in your sales or a "suspicious" login, they can freeze your balance for 21 to 180 days.“

February 3, 2026

Venmo

VW

Victoria W

CreatorArts and Crafts, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I have used Venmo's customer support system 2 times in order to attempt to cancel payments 1 that was accidentally sent to the wrong person and another that I completed a payment and did not receive my product.“

December 3, 2025

BY

Brian Y

Visa Consulting SpecialistLegal Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I do not like the restricted business functionality and the random payment flag that make it not as reliable with bigger or more serious client transactions.“

December 25, 2025

* * *

Sources

1.  Our research team identified features from vendor websites based on their analysis of what users find valuable or expect from payment processing software. This list is not exhaustive. For additional features, refer to the vendor’s website.
    
2.  Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts are evaluated for positive or negative sentiment and receive a sentiment score. They represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar.
    

* * *

Need Help Deciding Between PayPal and Venmo?

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