PayPal
Pay online and in stores, send money to friends, and manage your PayPal balance and debit card from your phone
by PayPal, Inc. · listed Nov 1, 2026
Quick verdict
If you already use PayPal at checkout, the app is a practical way to track payments, send money and manage your balance. Check the fees before relying on it for international or instant transfers.
Best for People who shop online with PayPal and want an easy way to pay friends at home and abroad
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 1, 2026. How we review
PayPal review
PayPal's app is the mobile front end for a PayPal account. You can check out online and in stores, send and request money from people in the US and in more than 110 other countries, split costs with pay-later options, and manage the PayPal Debit Mastercard tied to your balance. It suits anyone who already uses PayPal at checkout, or who wants a familiar way to pay people without sharing card details.
Day to day, most people open it to see incoming payments, move money to a bank account, or send a quick payment to a friend. Purchase protection on eligible transactions gives some backup when an order goes wrong. In the US, the debit card lets you pick a monthly spending category that earns rewards points. The app covers a lot of ground, so some features take a bit of searching to find.
Why we picked it: PayPal is accepted by a huge number of merchants and works across many countries, so one app handles shopping, refunds and paying people.
Watch out for: Fees can apply to international transfers, currency conversion and instant transfers to a bank. Many features, including the card and rewards, are US-only.
What we like
- Accepted at a very large number of online stores
- Send money to people in more than 110 countries
- Purchase protection on eligible transactions
- Debit card with rewards points and no monthly fee in the US
- Pay-later options built in
What could be better
- Fees on international payments, currency conversion and instant transfers
- Card, rewards and some pay-later features vary by country
- Busy interface with many features competing for space
Questions about PayPal
Is the PayPal app free?
Yes, the app is free to download and has no in-app purchases. Some transactions carry fees, such as international transfers, currency conversion or instant bank transfers.
Which platforms does it run on?
It is available for iPhone on the App Store and for Android on Google Play.
Is PayPal a bank?
No. PayPal describes itself as a financial technology company, and its debit card is issued by a partner bank. Check PayPal's terms for how balances are held in your country.
Does it work offline?
No. Sending money, paying and checking your balance all need an internet connection.
What are some alternatives?
In the US, Venmo (also owned by PayPal), Cash App and Zelle are common for paying people. Wise is a popular choice for international transfers.
From the developer: how PayPal describes itself
PayPal is a smart way to securely shop in-store and online, earn rewards points on brands you love, send money and much more.
SHOP WITH PURCHASE PROTECTION Get built-in protection before and after you buy, with support when something doesn't go as planned. *PayPal Purchase Protection is available on eligible transactions. See terms and limitations: https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/buyer-protection
EARN POINTS ON EVERYDAY PURCHASES WITH THE PAYPAL DEBIT CARD Choose a monthly category and earn 5% back in rewards points on up to $1000 spend/month. Terms apply: http://paypal.com/rewardspal No monthly fees. The PayPal Debit Mastercard® is issued by The Bancorp Bank N.A. ("The Bancorp"), pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated and may be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. The Bancorp is issuer of the Card only and not responsible for the associated accounts or other products, services, or offers from PayPal. PayPal is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Card is linked to your PayPal Balance account. See PayPal Balance Terms and Conditions: https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/pp-balance-tnc#holding
SEND AND REQUEST MONEY, SECURELY & IN SECONDS Send money fast within the US and internationally to 110+ countries. Encrypted payments help keep financial details private and secure.
BUY NOW PAY LATER In store single-use card is valid for one purchase and must be used within 24 hours of loan approval. *Pay in 4 is available upon approval for purchases of $10 - $2000 and is currently not available to residents of MO. 18 years old or older to apply. The lender for Pay in 4 is PayPal, Inc. (NMLS #910457). Loans to CA residents are made or arranged pursuant to a CA Financing Law License. RI Small Loan Lender Licensee. NM residents: Go to paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/campaigns/newmexicodisclosure. Learn more at paypal.com/payin4.
TRACK YOUR PACKAGES View orders and delivery status until they arrive safely at your door. Not all sellers are participants. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ALL IN ONE APP The easy way to link and track all your subscriptions.
ALL YOUR MONEY AND TRANSACTIONS IN ONE PLACE The new Me Tab lets you navigate your money, accounts, and settings right where you’d expect them.
PayPal 2211 N 1st St San Jose, CA 95131
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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