PayPal
If you’ve ever purchased something online, you’ve most likely come across PayPal. It’s the most prominent app for online shopping, enabling millions of clients to initiate and accept multiple forms of payment. PayPal was founded back in 1998, and since then, it has been a primary choice for online shoppers, merchants, and business owners. Not that long ago, the app made it possible to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, making it a one-stop shop for all your online payment needs.
| PayPal Pros | PayPal Cons |
| Convenient and secure | Hidden fees |
| Widely accepted | Hard-to-reach customer service |
| Supports crypto trading |
PayPal is the first choice for many users primarily because it offers security and convenience. As one of the most popular online payment apps, even small retailers accept it as a payment option.
Users can connect multiple bank accounts or credit cards to their PayPal and choose from which source they want to make payments. They can initiate transfers or request money from other users, making it an ideal choice for freelancers. More importantly, you don’t need a linked bank account to start your freelancing journey. However, this step is necessary if you want to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account.
Speaking of money withdrawals, PayPal doesn’t charge for this service, although you can use Instant Transfer to receive money faster. Free transfers usually take a few business days to process, while the instant withdrawal only takes a couple of minutes to complete. PayPal charges a 2.5% fee for this convenience, though.
Wise
Although less popular than PayPal, Wise is an excellent payment app for international transfers. Wise’s journey began in 2011, and since then, millions of customers rely on this service provider for fast and secure international transfers.
| Wise Pros | Wise Cons |
| Fast money transfers | Somewhat high transfer fees |
| User-friendly app | Limited support system |
| Supports multiple currencies |
Wise has one mission – to make payments as fast, secure, and hassle-free as possible. Although it’s not the cheapest option on the market, Wise doesn’t mark up exchange rates and is known for its convenience. So, in a way, it makes up for charging slightly higher transfer fees.
What we really appreciate about Wise is that it has a transparent fee structure. Users get a clear view of transfer costs upfront, which ensures no surprises. The app is also regulated by national authorities around the globe and offers users a quick and easy way to manage, transfer, and save money.
If the merchant accepts this payment solution, you can use your Wise virtual card for online and in-person purchases. So, the app is a great tool for international transfers and an excellent contactless payment solution.
Google Play
Developed to make the checkout process as convenient as possible, Google Pay could be your go-to payment option. Users can connect their existing cards or bank accounts with the app and even use it for contactless payments. Still, one of the main disadvantages of this app is that it is not as popular as other payment methods. Although some stores don’t allow Google Pay, this is still one of the most secure and convenient payment apps out there.
| Google Pay Pros | Google Pay Cons |
| Several layers of security | Limited list of compatible banks |
| Rich in features | |
| Impressive record keeping |
The intuitive Google Pay interface allows you to accomplish several tasks effortlessly. For example, you can use it for in-app purchases, to send and receive money, or even to track expenses and split a bill when you’re hanging out with family or friends. But you’re not limited to personal transactions only. Many users rely on Google Pay to cover expenses such as public transit services, earn rewards, or gain valuable insight into their spending habits.
Google Pay Wallet could be used as a storage for plane and event tickets, a reminder for the upcoming events you’ve bought tickets for, or even as a safe place for all your loyalty cards that could save you some extra money. All in all, the app is rich in features and a must-have choice for those who like to keep track of all their financial activities in one place.
Benefits of Using Mobile Payment Apps
Did you ever forget your wallet at home?
How about your smartphone?
Believe it or not, most people are much less likely to forget their mobile phones at home than their wallets. And as we all carry our phones with us everywhere, it only makes sense to use our shiniest toy for payments.
Mobile payment apps offer many advantages, ranging from security to convenience. Once you install the app of your choice, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or always keeping your wallet in your bag. But this is not about contactless payments only.
With just a few taps on the screen, users can transfer money, request payments, send gift cards, and even pay bills. The best part? Payment apps are usually protected by several layers of security, providing a stress-free approach to managing finances.
On top of that, mobile payments are easy to process. You can transfer money in a matter of seconds, and if you’re paying with your digital wallet or card, you won’t even notice the difference in processing. It’s just like using your regular credit card, but better.
Another reason to consider using a mobile payment app is that you won’t have to provide your card number, expiry date, and other security information to initiate a transaction when making online purchases. And since they’re widely accepted, you can pay for most online services with minimum effort.
