Revolut Business vs PayPal Business (2025) – Fees, Features & Comparison

Colin Young

Choosing the right platform to manage your business finances can make a big difference in how smoothly your operations run. Revolut Business vs. PayPal Business are two popular options that cater to American entrepreneurs, freelancers and growing companies looking for flexible payment solutions. They both offer ways to send, receive and manage money online, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Revolut Business focuses on multi-currency accounts, international payments and expense management, whereas PayPal Business is more useful for e-commerce, invoicing and quick payment acceptance. So let’s take a look at the differences so you can choose the right option for your U.S. firm, and see how these platforms stack up against an alternative like Wise Business.

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Table of contents

Understanding the Core Features of Revolut Business vs. PayPal Business

Revolut Business functions like a digital bank, offering multi-currency accounts, virtual and physical cards, expense management and competitive exchange rates.1 It is particularly useful for U.S. companies managing international transactions or remote teams.

PayPal Business is a little different in the sense that it focuses heavily on online payments, invoicing and e-commerce integration, so it’s ideal for American freelancers and online sellers.2 Revolut emphasizes financial management and global money movement, but PayPal helps firms in quick customer payments and marketplace compatibility.3

Businesses that need multi-currency handling and internal expense control may prefer Revolut, whereas those prioritizing fast, secure online payment acceptance will likely find PayPal the better fit.5

FeatureRevolut BusinessPayPal Business
Hold multiple currenciesYesLimited (primary currency focus)
Currency conversion ratesCompetitive interbank ratesHigher, includes PayPal margin
International transfersLow-fee, multi-currency transfersAvailable, but higher fees
Multi-currency account managementYesMostly single-currency based
Global acceptanceModerate (bank transfers/cards)High (widely accepted for online sales)

multi-currency-cash-flow

International Payments vs. Multi-Currency Management

Revolut Business and PayPal Business differ significantly in how they serve global operations. For example, Revolut Business empowers U.S. companies to hold, send, and receive across more than 30 currencies, with competitive interbank rates and no exchange fees up to plan limits on weekdays.1 A Grow plan, for example, offers a free exchange allowance (e.g., up to $20,000) and charges 0.6% thereafter during business hours.1,2 Weekend exchanges on paid plans may have reduced or no fees depending on your subscription level.3

However, PayPal Business supports holding funds in multiple major currencies, but applies a 3% to 3.5% markup over mid‑market exchange rates on every currency conversion, so it’s notably more expensive for high-volume FX.2 Transfers are available but often incur currency conversion and cross‑border fees on top of the base payment rate.

If your U.S. business is optimizing for cost‑efficient cross‑border transfers and flexible currency holdings, Revolut Business can provide a solution, while PayPal remains strong for convenience and global payment acceptance.

FeatureRevolut BusinessPayPal Business
Hold multiple currenciesYes (more than 30 currencies supported) 1Yes (limited to major currencies) 2
Currency exchange ratesInterbank rate up to allowance; 0.6% after 1~3% to 3.5% above mid‑market rate 2,4
Weekday FX feesFree within allowance (Grow plan example 1Always markup applies 2
Weekend FX feesReduced or none on paid plans; ~1% on free plan 3Same high markup; no special weekend pricing2
International transfer costsLow‑fee or free within plan limits11.29% plus fees plus FX markup 2

Revolut’s comparison table (accurate as of Jan. 22, 2025) confirms free exchange within plan limits, 3% markup by PayPal; Revolut’s fee structure details the 0.6% weekday and weekend FX charges; pay‑per‑conversion fees for PayPal are widely reported around 3% to 3.5%.1,2,4

Fees, Transaction Costs and Hidden Charges to Watch Out For

Managing business payments can be tedious, so let’s break down these three important areas so you can make a smarter decision for your business.

Fees

Revolut Business provides a fairly straightforward fee system. You get a set amount of free currency exchanges per month, depending on your plan. For example, the Grow plan lets you exchange up to $15,000 at interbank rates with no fee on weekdays.1 After that, a small 0.6% fee kicks in.2 Weekend currency exchanges on free plans often carry a 1% surcharge, though this can be waived on paid tiers.3

With PayPal Business, you are charged higher fees on currency conversions, typically around 3% to 3.5% above mid-market rates.2,4 So PayPal is convenient, but these extra fees can add up fast, especially if you do a lot of international business.

Transaction Costs

Revolut Business usually keeps things affordable in terms of transaction costs. You can send money internationally with low fees or even free transfers, depending on your subscription.1 This is great for American businesses that regularly deal with cross-border payments. PayPal Business also supports international transactions, but adds several layers of fees. Aside from the usual processing fees, PayPal charges extra for cross-border transactions and currency conversions, which can significantly reduce your margins if you’re handling large volumes.2

So while PayPal is very user-friendly, U.S. businesses with frequent global transactions might find Revolut more cost-efficient.

Hidden Charges to Watch Out For

Even with transparent pricing, some hidden charges can catch you off guard. For Revolut, the main surprise is often weekend FX fees, which can be around 1% on free plans but are reduced or waived on paid plans.3

Meanwhile, PayPal’s hidden costs tend to come from withdrawal fees, cross-border charges and the markup on currency conversions.2,4 These layered fees might not be obvious at first glance but can quickly add up, especially for high-volume sellers or businesses in the United States with many international customers.


Wise Business Could Help Your Company Save on Global Payments


Integrations, E-Commerce Tools and Business Usability

Both Revolut Business and PayPal Business offer solid but different experiences in terms of integration of e-commerce tools and overall business usability. PayPal is widely known for its excellent integration with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce, so it’s a favorite among online sellers who want easy payment solutions. It provides built-in invoicing, buyer protection and quick checkout options that customers recognize and trust.

Revolut Business, meanwhile, is growing its ecosystem with integrations for accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks and offers powerful expense management tools designed for business control and transparency.3 While it may not be as universally accepted as PayPal in online stores yet, Revolut’s multi-currency capabilities combined with business cards and instant payments make it a smart choice for U.S. companies managing global operations. For usability, PayPal is user-friendly for beginners, while Revolut appeals more to businesses wanting deeper financial insights and control.3

Wise Business easily syncs with your accounting software

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Security Features and Fraud Protection

Both Revolut Business and PayPal Business provide security measures.

Revolut Business employs advanced security protocols to protect your funds and data. The platform utilizes sophisticated machine learning for identity verification, so that only authorized users can access accounts. On top of that, Revolut offers biometric security features, requiring fingerprint or facial recognition to access the app, adding an extra layer of protection. For transaction security, Revolut supports 3D Secure authentication and provides real-time alerts for unusual activities. In the event of a compromised card, users can instantly freeze it via the app.

In contrast, PayPal Business leverages its extensive experience in online transactions to offer comprehensive fraud protection. The platform provides tools like Fraud Protection Advanced, which uses AI to analyze transaction patterns and detect potential fraud in real-time. PayPal also offers Seller Protection, which covers eligible transactions against claims of unauthorized purchases or items not received.

So both platforms prioritize security but cater to different business needs. Revolut Business is ideal for American companies seeking proactive, real-time fraud prevention with advanced authentication features. PayPal Business suits U.S. businesses that require extensive online transaction protection and fraud detection tools. So with that being said, both provide fraud protection, but to various degrees.

FeatureRevolut BusinessPayPal Business
Identity VerificationAdvanced machine learningStandard procedures
Biometric AuthenticationFingerprint/Face IDNot supported
3D Secure AuthenticationSupportedSupported
Real-time Transaction AlertsYesYes
Card FreezingInstant via appNot specified
AI-based Fraud DetectionYesYes (Fraud Protection Advanced)
Seller ProtectionNot SpecifiedYes
Two-factor AuthenticationNot SpecifiedSupported

This table highlights the key differences in security features between Revolut Business and PayPal Business, so you can make a decision based on your business needs.

Revolut Business Vs PayPal Business: Which Platform is Better for Your Business Needs in 2025?

Deciding which platform is better for your business needs really depends on your specific priorities and how you operate. If your business deals frequently with international clients and requires multi-currency accounts with competitive exchange rates, Revolut Business might be a more cost-effective choice due to its flexible currency management and low transfer fees.1

However, if you run an e-commerce store or need widespread payment acceptance with trusted buyer protections, PayPal Business is a popular option with deep integrations across many online sales platforms.2 Both platforms provide useful business tools. Revolut leans toward expense management and financial insights, while PayPal excels at invoicing and quick payment processing.3

Your decision may also hinge on factors like fees, supported countries and user experience preferences. So ultimately, reviewing the features, costs and integrations relevant to your business model will help determine which fits best in 2025.

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

  • Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers

  • Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local

  • Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account

  • Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met

  • Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices

  • No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

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BatchTransfer

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Revolut Business vs. PayPal Business ultimately comes down to your company’s priorities and how you operate day to day. Revolut Business is well-suited for businesses managing international clients or suppliers, with multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates and expense management tools. PayPal Business, however, excels in e-commerce integration, quick payment acceptance and buyer protection.

Both platforms provide strong security features and fraud protection, but they shine in different ways. Revolut leans toward financial control and low-cost international operations, while PayPal focuses on convenience and global trust. Evaluating factors like transaction fees, integrations, security and usability will help you determine which platform aligns best with your goals. For some businesses, using both strategically may even provide the best of both worlds, with PayPal’s reach and Revolut’s cost-effective international tools.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use both Revolut Business and PayPal Business for my company

Yes, many businesses use both Revolut Business and PayPal Business to complement each other. Revolut Business is particularly effective for companies that manage international clients, and PayPal Business is widely recognized for its e-commerce compatibility, letting you accept online payments quickly and securely.2

For many businesses, this combination allows them to take advantage of PayPal’s global acceptance for customer-facing transactions while leveraging Revolut’s cost-effective international transfers for back-end operations.1

Which platform has lower fees for international payments?

Revolut Business usually offers more competitive fees than PayPal Business. Revolut provides access to interbank exchange rates, with minimal fees once free allowances are exceeded, making it cost-effective for frequent cross-border transactions.1

PayPal Business, in contrast, typically charges a 3% to 3.5% currency conversion markup, plus cross-border fees on top of the base transaction fee.2 This can add up quickly for businesses that deal with a high volume of international clients.3

Does PayPal Business support multi-currency accounts like Revolut?

PayPal Business allows you to hold balances in multiple major currencies, but it doesn’t operate like a full multi-currency account. You can receive payments in different currencies, but PayPal often applies a currency conversion fee if you convert or withdraw those funds, which can be costly for frequent exchanges.1

Which is better for e-commerce businesses, Revolut vs. PayPal Business?

If your primary focus is e-commerce, PayPal Business often has the edge because of its widespread acceptance and easy integration with online stores like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.2 Customers trust PayPal’s quick checkout and buyer protection, which can help improve conversion rates and build credibility for your store.

Revolut Business, while excellent for international transfers and expense management, is still growing its e-commerce integrations and lacks the same universal recognition among online shoppers.3 Many businesses that operate online use PayPal as the main checkout solution and pair it with Revolut to save money on international supplier payments or payroll.2

Can I invoice clients using both platforms?

Yes, both Revolut Business and PayPal Business allow you to invoice clients, but they do so differently. PayPal Business has ready-to-use invoicing tools that allow you to send professional invoices with payment links that clients can pay instantly.2 This is convenient for e-commerce and service-based businesses looking for simplicity.

Revolut Business is especially good for international transactions, and invoices can be linked directly to your multi-currency accounts.


Sources:

  1. Instarem – Revolut Business vs PayPal Business: Which is better for your business?
  2. Noda – Revolut vs. PayPal for Merchants: A Comprehensive Review
  3. Revolut official website – Revolut Business vs PayPal Business comparison
  4. SoftwareWorld – Revolut Business vs PayPal Checkout comparison (via SoftwareWorld listing)
  5. Adam Fayed – Revolut vs PayPal detailed comparison article


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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