16 Alternatives to Paypal for Online Payments and Money Transfers

Posted by SusanBrown under Management
From http://growingyourbiz.co 3892 days ago
Made Hot by: Squawk Media on August 24, 2013 10:15 pm

Being able to accept payments online (even Paypal payments) is still possible without a Paypal account. Here are 16 options to choose from.

Who Voted for this Story

Top BizSugar Users

This week's most active BizSugar users. Join Them!

Comments

Written by lyceum
3888 days ago

Susan: I didn't see anything about Payoneer in the PDF when I glanced through it, but I could I have missed the ref. in the text.

- 0 +

Written by SusanBrown
3888 days ago

Sorry, should've included a brief explanation... Several years ago, there was a study conducted by Dr. Elliot Aronson. Participants were presented with a concocted newspaper article relating an interview with a fictitious mobster, Joe “the Shoulder” Napolitano. In one group, Joe argues for stricter courts and more severe sentences for serious crimes. The other group read about an interview where Napolitano advocated for more lenient courts and penalties that were far less harsh.

Those who read the criminal’s appeal for less prison time found it totally unconvincing. But, when he argued for stricter courts and tougher sentences, Joe “the Shoulder” was extremely effective.

By saying positive things about Paypal, Payoneer did two things:

1. It built up its credibility as a payment processor based on the priniciple above

2. It comes out looking like the “good guy” since people are used to seeing competing politicians, stars, athletes, etc bashing each other. It's a refreshing change that could make people more likely to do business with them.

- 0 +

Written by lyceum
3888 days ago

Susan: I agree with you and that is why I am thankful for your work with compiling the list. Talking about Payoneer, I got a letter from them today. The context is that we should be grateful for PayPal taking up the fight with the conservative banks regarding the high fees on financial transactions. That is how it all got started...

- 0 +

Written by SusanBrown
3888 days ago

My first thought after reading your comment: Wow, what a smart marketing move for Payoneer. By openly giving kudos to their competition, they are building up their own credibility. See the study mentioned above

- 0 +

Written by lyceum
3889 days ago

I am fan of PayPal and I have been an user for a long time. I admire what the founders and PayPal partners (e.g. Elon Musk and Peter Thiel) have created during the years. With that said, I am glad to see competition on the marketplace. I have heard good things about Payoneer.

- 0 +

Written by SusanBrown
3888 days ago

Hi Martin,

I'm also a Paypal user for a long time. But, while I do find value in the service, there is definitely a lot of room for improvement. With little real competition, though, there's little motivation to change. I've also heard a lot about Payoneer- especially for those outside of the US.

- 0 +

Written by tcamba
3890 days ago

What made me read your article is your headline. Because lately, I was wondering if there are another online e-commerce business like PayPal that allows you send and receive money online. Good thing you shared this post Susan. Now, I know there are not just only one alternative but 16 of them. I want to ask you among the 16 alternatives, which do you think is the best? I am hoping I can get a feedback coming from you.

- 0 +

Written by SusanBrown
3890 days ago

Hi Tcamba,

The real answer is that it really depends on what you are looking for. I've personally had good experiences with Click2sell and Clickbank. These are really good platforms for selling digital products.

For freelancers and contractors looking to get paid without needing a Paypal account and without inconveniencing clients, I would look into Dwolla. I haven't personally used this platform, but it definitely has the most promising setup. The only real problem is that it's only for people in the U.S.

- 0 +

Written by HeatherStone
3890 days ago

Hi Susan,

I think many of us have that same love/hate relationship with PayPal, a service that, while it may not be the greatest, is often used because of its wide level of acceptance. That said, it's nice to review some of the other options. I'm wondering if you have a favorite and, if so, why. I'd love if you'd share your thoughts in the comment section of the BizSugar community where all of our members could benefit.

- 0 +

Written by HeatherStone
3889 days ago

Hi Susan,

Thanks so much for the added insights on PayPal alternatives, Susan! Very helpful stuff.

- 0 +

Written by SusanBrown
3890 days ago

Hi Heather,

Both Click2sell and Clickbank definitely get my votes for selling any kind of digital product, and I would suggest Dwolla for US based freelancers/contractors.

For anyone working outside of the US, I would start with Skrill and Payoneer. Based on the research I've done, they seem to have the best network and global reach.

- 0 +