Leaving PayPal? Here's everything you need
Compare 1 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
PayPal is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wise Wise by Wise PLC is an online money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money internationally at low fees. It uses real exchange rates to provide transparent pricing and enables users to hold multiple currencies in their accounts. Ideal for individuals and businesses looking to manage cross-border transactions efficiently. | 🌍GB | Free plan available | Medium | Varies |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Wise by Wise PLC is an online money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money internationally at low fees. It uses real exchange rates to provide transparent pricing and enables users to hold multiple currencies in their accounts. Ideal for individuals and businesses looking to manage cross-border transactions efficiently.
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Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Wise by Wise PLC is an online money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money internationally at low fees. It uses real exchange rates to provide transparent pricing and enables users to hold multiple currencies in their accounts. Ideal for individuals and businesses looking to manage cross-border transactions efficiently.
Advantages
- Wise offers low transfer fees, averaging 0.5% to 1% per transaction.
- Real exchange rate used by Wise, unlike PayPal's markup on rates.
- Multi-currency account allows holding 50+ currencies in one place.
- Wise debit card supports spending in multiple currencies without fees.
Trade-offs
- Migrating accounts and funds may require time and effort.
- PayPal's buyer protection is not available with Wise transfers.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Wise's interface.
Before You Switch
Export your data from PayPal before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your PayPal account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. PayPal is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to PayPal?
There are 1 European alternatives to PayPal. Wise are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from PayPal?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from PayPal?
Yes, most services including PayPal allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your PayPal account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from PayPal to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from PayPal first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your PayPal subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from PayPal to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.