Ranked & compared
Best PayPal Alternatives in 2026
PayPal isn't the only e-wallet — and for gaming, crypto, freelancing, and international sending it's usually not the best. Here's what to switch to.
Open a Skrill accountTop 5 PayPal alternatives at a glance
| Wallet | Best for | FX fee | Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skrill | All-round specialist wallet | 1.29%–3.99% | ✅ 200+ sites |
| Wise | Cheapest international transfers | ~0.4% (mid-market) | ❌ |
| Revolut | Everyday spending in EU/UK | Free up to plan cap, 0.5% after | ❌ |
| Neteller | Forex broker promos | 3.99% | ✅ |
| Payoneer | Freelancers receiving USD | 2% on conversion | ❌ |
1. Skrill — the closest 1:1 replacement
If you want a PayPal-style wallet without the FX pain and gaming restrictions, Skrill is the answer. Cheaper merchant fees (1.9% vs 2.9%), instant gaming deposits, built-in crypto, and the Knect loyalty program that pays real cash back. FCA-regulated in the UK.
2. Wise — cheapest for pure remittance
Wise is a transfer service, not a wallet. Real mid-market FX + ~0.4% fee. No gaming, no crypto, no merchant checkout. Perfect if you only need to move money between bank accounts internationally.
3. Revolut — everyday spending in the EU/UK
Great debit card and multi-currency account. Free FX up to a monthly plan cap (then 0.5%). Weak on gaming and international support outside Europe.
4. Neteller — for Forex-broker promos
Owned by the same parent as Skrill. Similar features, narrower merchant coverage, but some Forex brokers offer Neteller-only deposit bonuses.
5. Payoneer — for freelancers receiving USD
Local-currency receiving accounts (USD/EUR/GBP) so US clients can pay you like a local. High conversion fees; not a consumer wallet.
Which alternative should you pick?
- All-round PayPal replacement → Skrill
- Only sending money abroad → Wise
- Just need a card in Europe → Revolut
- Getting paid by US clients → Payoneer
Fee comparison on a €1,000 international payment
| Wallet | Approx. total cost | Arrives in |
|---|---|---|
| Skrill (Diamond VIP) | ≈ €13 | Instantly, spendable wallet |
| Wise | ≈ €6 | Hours, bank account |
| Revolut (in cap) | ≈ €0–5 | Instantly, IBAN account |
| Skrill (no VIP) | ≈ €54 | Instantly, spendable wallet |
| PayPal | ≈ €45–50 | Instantly, PayPal balance |
| Payoneer | ≈ €20 | 1–3 business days |
Run your own scenario in the Skrill fees calculator.
How to switch away from PayPal without losing money
- Withdraw in your home currency — converting inside PayPal costs roughly 4%.
- Move the balance to your bank first, then fund the new wallet from that account; wallets do not transfer to each other directly.
- Update recurring billing before closing anything, or subscriptions will fail.
- Keep PayPal open but empty for stores that accept nothing else and for buyer protection on physical goods.
Are these alternatives regulated?
Skrill and Wise are authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, Revolut holds a Lithuanian banking licence, and Payoneer operates under US and Irish supervision. All safeguard customer money in segregated accounts, but only bank-licensed balances carry deposit insurance. More on the safeguards in is Skrill safe.
For a deep dive read Skrill vs PayPal, Skrill vs Revolut, Skrill vs Wise, Skrill vs Payoneer, or the full best e-wallets ranking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest alternative to PayPal?
Skrill is the closest 1:1 alternative: online-first e-wallet, prepaid Mastercard, instant sends, merchant checkout, and FCA regulation — with cheaper FX and gaming support PayPal doesn't offer.
Which PayPal alternative has the lowest fees?
Wise wins on pure remittance FX (mid-market + ~0.4%). Skrill wins on merchant checkout and gaming deposits. Revolut is cheapest within its free monthly FX cap.
Are PayPal alternatives safe?
The major ones — Skrill, Wise, Revolut, Neteller — are all regulated as electronic-money institutions and safeguard customer funds. They are not banks, so funds are protected via safeguarding rather than deposit-insurance.
Which PayPal alternative works for gambling and betting?
Skrill and Neteller. Both are accepted as cashiers at the majority of licensed betting brands with instant deposits, while PayPal, Wise, Revolut and Payoneer restrict or block gambling merchants.
What is the best PayPal alternative for freelancers?
Payoneer if marketplaces or businesses pay you by bank transfer, since you get local receiving accounts. Skrill if clients pay you wallet-to-wallet and you want instant access and a spending card.
Can I switch from PayPal without losing money?
Yes. Withdraw your PayPal balance to your bank account, then fund the new wallet from the same bank. Do it in your home currency to avoid PayPal's ~4% conversion markup on the way out.
Which PayPal alternative supports crypto?
Skrill supports buying, selling and sending 30+ coins in-wallet. Revolut supports buy and sell. Wise and Payoneer offer no crypto at all.