If you’re running a small business, startup, or even managing freelance income, navigating financial platforms can be a bit overwhelming. Among the most popular tools today, PayPal and Revolut Business often come up in conversations about efficient, global-friendly financial solutions. Both offer online payments, multi-currency accounts, and business-friendly services — but how do they really stack up? And more importantly, which one is better suited for your unique business needs?
This article dives deep into how Revolut Business works, breaks down the fees of Revolut, and gives a clear comparison with PayPal. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch platforms, you'll find practical tips, firsthand insights, and helpful comparisons that go beyond the surface.
Revolut Business is a digital banking platform designed to streamline financial operations for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or scaling startup, Revolut offers features tailored for modern business models — especially those working internationally. Unlike traditional banks, Revolut offers a fully digital experience with easy setup, powerful integrations, and customizable tools.
At its core, Revolut Business offers multi-currency accounts, corporate cards, expense management, invoice creation, and automated payments. But where it really shines is in its flexibility and real-time control. Through its app and web platform, users can send and receive payments globally, hold funds in over 25 currencies, and manage teams — all from one dashboard.
Revolut Business also integrates with platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and Slack, making it easier to sync finances and operations. This is especially handy if you already use these tools and want to avoid manual entries or reconciliation headaches.
To decide if Revolut Business is right for you, let’s take a look at the most useful features that distinguish it from traditional banks and competitors like PayPal.
Revolut's sleek design and user-friendly app make it feel like a personal finance app — but under the hood, it's a serious business engine with the power to handle complex needs.
One of the biggest questions for any business owner is: "What are the actual fees?" Revolut Business fees vary depending on your plan and how you use the platform. Thankfully, Revolut is transparent, and its pricing tiers are straightforward.
Here’s a breakdown of the main pricing plans (note: pricing may vary slightly by region, so always check the latest on Revolut’s website):
Other fees to consider:
Compared to PayPal, Revolut’s fees for international transfers and currency exchange are significantly lower, which is a huge plus for businesses that operate globally.
PayPal has long been the go-to for online payments. It’s trusted, widely accepted, and embedded in many ecommerce platforms. It’s easy to send invoices, receive payments, and connect your PayPal account to marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Shopify. But while convenience is PayPal’s strength, its fees are where many businesses feel the pinch.
Let’s look at PayPal’s standard business fees:
While PayPal makes it incredibly easy to get paid — especially by customers who already have PayPal accounts — those fees can add up quickly. If you’re selling internationally or handling large volumes, you may find the cost of doing business on PayPal quite high.
This is the big question — and the answer depends on your business model, target market, and how you handle finances. Let’s break it down based on use case.
PayPal might be your best bet if your customers already use PayPal and you sell through platforms that integrate it easily. However, be cautious of the fees, especially for high-volume or international sales.
Revolut Business wins hands down with better currency exchange rates, faster payments, and cost-effective international transfers. Plus, you can pay freelancers or vendors abroad without burning money on hidden fees.
Revolut Business offers customizable features, automation via API, and team management tools that PayPal lacks. It’s more of a financial operating system than just a payment gateway.
Both platforms work well, but consider Revolut if you're juggling clients across borders. If most of your clients use PayPal, it might still be convenient to accept payments there — just be aware of the extra costs.
Let’s say you’re a web developer based in Canada, working with clients in the U.S., UK, and Australia. With PayPal, you’d receive payments in multiple currencies, often with conversion fees applied automatically. After PayPal takes its cut, you’re losing 5–8% per payment.
With Revolut Business, you could invoice clients in their local currency, receive payments into your multi-currency account, and convert funds only when rates are favorable. You might pay just 0.4% or even less in fees — saving hundreds per month as your business scales.
Or consider a small ecommerce brand sourcing products from European manufacturers. Paying your suppliers via PayPal could mean poor exchange rates and higher international transfer fees. Revolut allows you to pay directly in EUR or GBP, at close to interbank rates.
In many cases, yes. Some businesses use PayPal to accept customer payments and Revolut for managing backend finances. You can even link PayPal to Revolut to transfer funds, although PayPal doesn’t yet support direct withdrawals to Revolut accounts in all countries.
This hybrid approach allows you to take advantage of PayPal’s ubiquity and Revolut’s low fees. Just make sure you stay on top of transfers and track fees across both platforms.
At the end of the day, the best platform is the one that aligns with your cash flow, client preferences, and growth goals. With Revolut’s rising popularity and PayPal’s established network, your financial stack can be both powerful and flexible — if you make the right choice.
Have you used Revolut Business or PayPal for your company? What’s been your experience with international payments and fees? Do you use both tools or rely on one exclusively? Share your insights or questions in the comments — let’s help each other find the best solutions!
Q: Can I use Revolut Business and PayPal together?
A: Yes, many businesses do. You can receive payments through PayPal and manage your finances through Revolut by transferring funds between accounts.
Q: Is Revolut Business better than PayPal for freelancers?
A: If your clients are global and you want to avoid currency conversion fees, Revolut may be better. If your clients prefer PayPal, it might be worth keeping both.
Q: How fast are payments with Revolut Business?
A: Domestic payments are typically instant, while international transfers can take 1–2 business days depending on the country and currency.
Q: Does Revolut offer buyer protection like PayPal?
A: No, Revolut does not offer the same level of buyer or seller protection as PayPal, which is important if you sell physical goods online.
Q: Is Revolut Business available in my country?
A: Revolut Business is available in many countries across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Check Revolut’s official site for availability.