PayPal vs Revolut

PayPal or Revolut

Picking PayPal or Revolut is less obvious than it looks. The useful question is how much ends up on the other side once the fee and the rate markup are counted. This page puts a number on that.

On our site, PayPal belongs to the money transfer service category and handles Currencies, while Revolut is filed under broker with support for Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Precious metals. That alone tells you something about where they overlap and where they do not.

Below the calculator you can read how we work out the cost, what each one is good at and which one fits which situation. Because the rates are live, today’s result is not set in stone.

Using both, or switching

You do not have to pick just one. A second account gives you a backup and an easy price check. Opening an account is usually free, though identity verification can take a while.

For anything above everyday amounts, check the calculator on this page, because the cheapest option can change with the rate and the amount. It takes a minute and can save real money.

When you move away from one provider, withdraw or spend your remaining balance first and keep a copy of your transaction history.

Our verdict: Revolut is cheaper more often

Across 7 of the 7 comparisons that PayPal and Revolut both support, Revolut left you with more money after fees and rate margin. That gives Revolut the edge for most typical transfers.

Still, PayPal is not out of the race. The scenario table above shows where PayPal comes out ahead. If your currency pair and amount are among them, the overall tally matters a lot less.

Price is also not the only factor. PayPal may support a payment method, a currency or a delivery option you need. On a modest amount, a small price gap is often worth less than that convenience.

Delivery time and ease of use

PayPal lists its quickest option as Instant, while Revolut lists Instant. Treat these as the best case rather than a promise. Weekends, first-time checks and the recipient’s bank can slow things down.

Speed often depends on how you pay. A card payment or instant bank transfer is usually quicker than a regular bank transfer, but it can cost more. If the money is not urgent, the slower and cheaper route is often the smart choice.

Then there is everyday use: a clear app, transfer tracking and quick support make a difference when something goes wrong. Try the app before you move a large amount.

How the numbers are worked out

There are two parts to the price of any conversion: a fee and an exchange-rate margin. As a benchmark we use the live mid-market rate, the rate banks and large traders use among themselves. That gap is the margin, which we add to the fee to get the total cost.

We test a range of sample amounts, small, medium and large, since a fixed fee hurts more on small sums. We update rates every 30 minutes and take fees from each provider’s public price list. Special offers or paid plans can change the price you actually pay.

We are not owned by any provider. Affiliate links help pay for the site, but the ranking is based on cost alone. If a provider we earn nothing from is cheaper, it still comes out on top.

Why the amount can change the winner

Who comes out ahead can flip as the amount grows. On small sums the fixed part of the price dominates, on large sums the percentage does. So look at the row closest to the amount you plan to convert.

If you move larger sums regularly, check whether tiered pricing applies, and your own price may then be better than the one shown. For any large transfer, confirm the final quote in the app before you approve it.

Where the real cost hides

“No fees” is one of the most common claims in money transfer, and one of the most misleading. If the exchange rate you get is worse than the mid-market rate, you pay through the rate instead. On a large amount, a small margin can add up to more than a fixed fee would.

That is why we always look at the total: fee plus margin. PayPal and Revolut may structure their pricing differently, one with a visible fee and a tight rate, the other with no fee and a wider spread. Only the amount that arrives tells you who is really cheaper.

Also look beyond the conversion: withdrawal and network fees, card costs and fees at intermediary banks. Not all of these show up in our scenarios, so read the fee page before you send a large amount.

PayPal or Revolut: which fits your situation?

If you mainly spend abroad on holiday, look at card fees, cash withdrawal limits and weekend surcharges, not just the transfer price. Whichever of the two offers a usable card for your destination has a head start.

For transfers to family or bills abroad, look at the amount received and how fast it arrives. With bigger sums, ask about limits and extra checks before you start.

When buying crypto, check that crypto is supported at all, then compare spreads and withdrawal fees. For business payments, check whether a business account is available and what it costs. This page compares cost, not suitability as an investment.

Safety checks before you sign up

Before you look at cost, check who is looking after your money. A legitimate provider is licensed or registered with a financial regulator. You can usually find the licence details in the footer or legal section of the provider’s website.

With e-money and transfer services, ask about safeguarding: your balance should be ring-fenced from the business’s own accounts. Safeguarding is not the same as a deposit guarantee, so a transfer app is no replacement for a savings account.

Crypto exchanges deserve extra scrutiny: check their registration, how they store customer assets and whether withdrawals to your own wallet are possible. Whichever you choose, switch on two-factor authentication and use a unique password.