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To use PayPal for a U.S. business, open or use a PayPal Business account, confirm the business information PayPal requests, link a bank account, then choose how customers will pay: online checkout, invoices, payment links or buttons, QR codes, or in-person acceptance. Fees and product availability depend on the transaction type and account market, so check PayPal’s current U.S. fee schedule before setting prices.
Choose the right PayPal account
PayPal says all account types can send and receive payments, but it recommends a Business account if you operate under a company or group name, want to accept card and bank payments, need limited employee access, or want business products such as Checkout. A Personal account is aimed more at shopping and personal payments. PayPal’s U.S. business acceptance page and its account comparison explain the distinction.
The exact onboarding screens and verification requirements can vary by business. PayPal’s public guidance does not establish that every account will be available immediately or follow an identical setup path.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSet up PayPal for your business
- Open or sign in to a Business account. Enter or confirm the business details PayPal requests.
- Link a bank account. PayPal includes this in its guidance for getting started with online acceptance.
- Choose how you will collect payments. Use Checkout for an online store, invoices for direct billing, a payment link or button for a hosted payment route, or an in-person option for face-to-face sales.
- Review the fee schedule for your route. Check the current rates for your account market, payment type, currency, and applicable agreement before pricing or estimating proceeds.
Choose a way to accept payments
| Sales situation | PayPal option | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Customers buy through your online store | PayPal Checkout | PayPal describes payment choices that can include PayPal, cards, Venmo in the U.S., digital wallets, and Pay Later. Availability depends on product configuration and eligibility. |
| You bill a customer for goods or services | Invoices | An invoice sends a payment request. PayPal lists invoicing rates separately, so do not assume they match other Checkout or card rates. |
| You do not have a website, or want to take payment through a message or social post | Payment Links, Buttons, or QR codes | Create a hosted payment route and share it by email, social media, or text. PayPal says a website and coding are not required. |
| You sell face-to-face | PayPal point-of-sale or Tap to Pay options | PayPal promotes phone-based contactless acceptance without extra hardware. Confirm current device compatibility and account eligibility before relying on it. |
Online store: PayPal Checkout
Checkout is the option to consider when payments happen through an online store. The payment methods available to a customer can vary with your setup and eligibility; do not assume every listed method is enabled for every merchant.
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- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
- Accept contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere, with improved connectivity, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Pay one low rate for every tap or dip.
- No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees- and with offline payments, keep taking payments for up to 24 hours.
- Safely and securely accepts payments anywhere. Plus, get data security, 24/7 fraud prevention, and payment-dispute management at no extra cost.
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
No website: links, buttons, and QR codes
You do not need a website to accept PayPal. PayPal’s Payment Links page describes shareable hosted checkout URLs that can be used without a website or coding. PayPal also offers payment buttons and QR codes, which can be shared through channels such as email, social media, or text.
Invoices: request payment directly
Use an invoice when you need to bill a customer for a specific product or service. Check the invoice-specific fee category, because the rate can depend on the payment method the customer uses.
Rank #2
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Get set up quickly with no long-term commitments. Download the Square Point of Sale app for free, create an account, and start taking payments anywhere.
- Run your business all in one place with the free Square Point of Sale app. Track your sales, manage inventory, accept tips, send receipts digitally, and more.
- Works with Apple devices with a Lightning connector.
In person: contactless payments
PayPal describes Tap to Pay on a phone as a way to accept contactless payments without separate hardware. Whether it works for your phone and account depends on current device and account availability; check PayPal’s U.S. point-of-sale information for current details.
How much are PayPal business transaction fees?
There is no single universal PayPal business fee: rates vary by payment route and transaction category. PayPal’s U.S. merchant fee schedule, last updated October 1, 2026, lists these examples for domestic commercial transactions:
Rank #3
- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
| Transaction type | U.S. rate listed by PayPal |
|---|---|
| PayPal Checkout | 3.49% + fixed fee |
| Standard credit and debit card payments | 2.99% + fixed fee |
| PayPal Checkout, Venmo, or Guest Checkout through an invoicing transaction | 3.49% + fixed fee |
| Standard card payments and certain wallets through an invoicing transaction | 2.99% + fixed fee |
| International commercial transactions | Domestic rate plus an additional 1.50% percentage-based fee |
These are examples from PayPal’s U.S. merchant fee page, not a complete fee quote. The fixed fee varies by currency, and the page lists additional rates for other routes and categories. For a refund of a commercial or invoicing payment, PayPal says it does not charge a fee to make the refund, but the original fee paid to receive the payment is not returned. Check the schedule applicable to your account before calculating your costs.
Understand seller protection and disputes
Seller Protection is not blanket coverage for every sale or payment. PayPal says it is available only for eligible unauthorized transactions and item-not-received claims for PayPal Checkout merchants, and that limitations and exclusions apply. Review the terms and check a transaction’s eligibility in your PayPal account; do not assume a different payment route or dispute is covered.
Rank #4
- Pay one transparent rate per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
- Works in conjunction with most downloadable Square point-of-sale apps on your device. Customers can pay, tip and sign directly on your device. Track payments in cash, gift cards and more. Also lets you send receipts via e-mail or text message, makes it easy to apply discounts, keeps a data and sales history log and more.
- Accepts magstripe credit card payments, including those from Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express (fees apply).
- App sends deposits to your bank account within 1 to 2 business days, or enjoy instant deposits (fees apply).
Which payment method should you use?
Match the route to how customers buy from you: Checkout for an online store, invoices for direct billing, hosted links or QR codes when you need to share a payment route, and an in-person option for face-to-face sales. Compare the fee category, supported customer payment methods, setup needs, and any eligibility limits for your specific use. PayPal’s published options do not establish that one route always costs less or performs better for every business.
PayPal for business outside the U.S.
The setup examples and fee figures here are based on PayPal’s U.S. pages. Availability, account requirements, product names, and fees can differ by country. If your business is elsewhere, use PayPal’s local business and fee pages rather than applying U.S. rates or onboarding details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- PROTECTION: Durable bumper design shields against drops, scratches, and daily wear while maintaining full device functionality
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- PORTABLE DESIGN: Lightweight and slim profile allows for easy storage in pockets or bags while maintaining complete protection
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
