PayPal vs Revolut: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
PayPal
1.3PayPal is a widely-used online payment platform that also offers international money transfers, though fees and exchange rates can be less competitive than specialists.
Revolut
4.7Revolut is a digital banking app offering international money transfers at interbank rates during market hours, along with a full suite of financial services.
PayPal and Revolut are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. PayPal, founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Jose, USA, is best known for international money transfers. Revolut, operating since 2015 from London, UK, focuses on transparent, low-cost transfers. This comparison uses real transfer data collected from both providers across 6 popular corridors to show you exactly which one offers better value for your specific needs. Our data shows the difference can be significant — on a $500 USD → PHP transfer, Revolut delivers ₱1353.39 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: PayPal vs Revolut across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through PayPal vs Revolut on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | PayPal | Revolut | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹95,058.11 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,114.24 | €1,165.81 | Revolut (+€51.57) |
| USD → PHP($500) | ₱29,129.17 | ₱30,482.56 | Revolut (+₱1353.39) |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | MX$16,629.34 | MX$17,341.09 | Revolut (+MX$711.75) |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | — | ₨184,352.03 | N/A |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between PayPal and Revolut
PayPal vs Revolut: Feature comparison
| Feature | PayPal | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 1.3/5 (Poor) | 4.7/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | 5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max | Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5% |
| Exchange rate markup | 3% - 4% above mid-market | 0% weekdays, 0.5-1% weekends |
| Transfer speed | Instant to 3 days | Instant to 3 days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 150+ |
| Supported currencies | 25+ | 36+ |
| Max transfer | $60,000 | No limit |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal Balance | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Revolut Balance |
| Delivery methods | PayPal Account, Bank Deposit | Bank Deposit, Revolut Account |
| Regulators | FinCEN, FCA, Various | FCA, ECB, FinCEN |
| Founded | 1998 | 2015 |
Pros and cons
PayPal
Pros
- Widely accepted globally
- Instant transfers to PayPal users
- Buyer protection available
- Easy to use interface
- Available in 200+ countries
Cons
- High exchange rate markup (3-4%)
- Transfer fees can add up
- Recipient needs PayPal account for instant transfer
Revolut
Pros
- Interbank rates during market hours
- Free transfers between Revolut users
- Multi-currency account
- Virtual and physical cards
- Crypto and stock trading available
Cons
- Weekend markup of 0.5-1%
- Free tier has monthly limits
- Customer support can be slow
When to choose PayPal vs Revolut
Choose PayPal if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need a business account for commercial payments
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 150+ countries)
- You want zero transfer fees (5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max)
Choose Revolut if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need to transfer large sums (Revolut has no upper limit)
- You need a multi-currency account to hold and convert balances
Verdict: PayPal or Revolut?
Cost winner: Revolut
Revolut wins on cost in 3 of 6 corridors we tested. For example, on GBP → EUR (£1,000), the recipient gets €51.57 more with Revolut. Revolut achieves this through transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate.
Speed: Similar delivery times
Both providers offer similar transfer speeds. PayPal typically delivers in Instant to 3 days, while Revolut takes Instant to 3 days. The actual speed depends on the corridor and delivery method.
Wider coverage: PayPal
PayPal has broader coverage with 200+ countries and 25+ currencies. PayPal also offers PayPal Account, Bank Deposit.
Bottom line
Overall, Revolut edges ahead for most users thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. That said, PayPal is the better pick if you need international money transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PayPal or Revolut cheaper for international transfers?
Based on our data, Revolut is generally cheaper across most corridors. Revolut charges Free up to £1,000/month, then 0.5% with a 0% weekdays, 0.5-1% weekends exchange rate markup, while PayPal charges 5% with $0.99 min, $4.99 max with a 3% - 4% above mid-market markup. For example, on a £1,000 GBP → EUR transfer, Revolut delivers €51.57 more. However, costs vary by corridor, so always compare for your specific route.
Which is faster, PayPal or Revolut?
PayPal typically completes transfers in Instant to 3 days, while Revolut takes Instant to 3 days. Actual speed depends on the corridor, payment method, and delivery option you choose. Bank transfers tend to be slower than card-funded transfers, and bank deposits are generally faster than cash pickups.
Are PayPal and Revolut safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. PayPal is regulated by FinCEN, FCA, Various and has a 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating. Revolut is regulated by FCA, ECB, FinCEN with a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for PayPal vs Revolut?
PayPal has a maximum transfer of $60,000 (minimum $1), while Revolut allows up to no published upper limit (minimum $1). Limits may vary by corridor, account verification level, and payment method. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Can I get cash pickup with PayPal or Revolut?
PayPal offers PayPal Account, Bank Deposit. Revolut offers Bank Deposit, Revolut Account. Neither provider offers cash pickup — both deliver to bank accounts only.
Should I use PayPal or Revolut to send money internationally?
For most users, Revolut offers better overall value thanks to transparent pricing with the real mid-market exchange rate. However, PayPal is the better choice if you need international money transfers. The best provider for you depends on your corridor, transfer size, and whether you need features like Revolut Account.