The world has gone digital and we are officially in the age of the app. With mobile apps being so widespread, it makes sense that they would also change the way we make payments.
The days of sending bank checks and money orders are long gone thanks to the development of several major payment apps that simplify the checkout process and make receiving money a breeze. But which is the best to manage your money?
When it comes to your finances, these are the best payment apps that you can use to make and receive payments.
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Costs: Free with additional fee for currency conversion
PayPal has been a popular choice for many years and remains the best payment app today. Over 400 million users today use the service with simple QR codes to pay and receive payments. If you’re struggling to pay your bill in full, there’s an option to buy and pay now through four interest-free installments. Simply select the “Pay in 4” option at checkout to proceed. Another unique option is the ability to pay with cryptocurrency. Instead of needing a crypto credit card, you can use PayPal as a taxable transaction in millions of stores, giving you another option. PayPal is free to use, but there is an additional charge if you need currency conversion. PayPal is available through the mobile app and also offers online access. Plus, there’s a $5 reward upon signup if you spend $10 or more.
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- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Costs: Free
The Cash App makes it free to send and receive money, saving you tons of money on transfer fees. Just create a $cashtag and use it to pay anywhere. The Cash Card bears the Visa® logo and allows you to make both in-person and online purchases using your Cash App balance. It is compatible with both Apple Pay and Google Pay for ease of use. Getting cash is also easy. If you deposit $300 each month, you will receive three free ATM withdrawals per month. One of the best aspects of the Cash App is that you can get your paycheck up to two days early when you open an account. You can also buy bitcoin from as little as $1 in a format that is easy to use for both novice and experienced investors. There are built-in security measures to keep your information private, such as B. Verification locks and data encryption.
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Free to use Easy to use Tax return tools |
Advanced features are missing International Restrictions |
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Costs: 2.9% + 30¢ per successful charge. Custom packages are also available.
Stripe boasts some pretty impressive stats — 90% of adult Americans make a purchase from a business that uses Stripe. It’s easy to see why – it’s available in 35+ countries and supports 135+ currencies. It’s also used by millions of businesses large and small, including Instacart, Google, Shopify, and Amazon. The app is used not only for sending but also for receiving payments. There are also integrations for multiple systems, including Shopify, NetSuite, and WooCommerce. You can embed your own custom checkout using JavaScript with a custom UI toolkit for full personalization. With extreme care built into its systems, customers can enjoy over 99.99% uptime with additional compliance procedures.
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- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Costs: 3% when sending money from a linked bank account, debit card, or Venmo account
Venmo is popular for sending money between family and friends thanks to its over 83 million users. Whether it’s paying for family groceries or splitting the rent with a friend, Venmo is super popular for sending and receiving money between acquaintances. You can also invest in crypto directly from the app as it supports multiple types of cryptocurrencies. For businesses, there is an opportunity to create a profile so you can get more exposure for both existing and new customers. You also have the option to get a Venmo credit card with up to 3% cashback and a personalized QR code to make receiving and sending payments easier. Award categories change on a rotating basis.
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- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Costs: There are no fees to use cell, although your bank or credit union may charge their own fees.
Cell is an easy way to send money through your bank account. You must use a US bank account, thereby excluding an international clientele. However, for US accounts, Zelle is one of the best payment apps for bank transfers. You simply set up your account with your email address or phone number and then link your bank account. There are no restrictions on the exact bank you must use as long as you are using a US account. The cell app is available through the cell app, or you can send transfers directly from most banking apps. It is compatible with more than 1,000 banking apps. All you need is the recipient’s email address or phone number, and then enter the amount you want to send. It couldn’t be easier.
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What is the best payment app?
PayPal is my go-to payment app. A popular choice with millions of users, it can be used to send money to friends and family or do business with businesses large and small.
payment app |
platform |
Fee for sending money |
foreign trades |
PayPal |
Android, iOS |
A fee applies for currency conversion |
Yes |
cash app |
Android, iOS |
Free |
Yes |
stripes |
Android, iOS |
2.9% + 30¢ per successful charge |
Yes |
Venmo |
Android, iOS |
3% |
no |
cell |
Android, iOS |
Free |
no |
Which payment app is right for you?
It can be confusing to choose the best payment app, so here are our expert recommendations to help you find the best payment app for you.
Choose this payment app… |
If you want… |
cash app |
A straightforward app with no complications |
PayPal |
A versatile app that offers flexibility with your payments |
stripes |
A payment app that fits the needs of your business |
Venmo |
To send money to family and friends |
cell |
To use your bank account for payments |
How did we choose these payment apps?
When choosing the best payment app, it is crucial that each app meets certain criteria. These are some of the factors we consider when looking for the best payment apps.
- security: One of the most important things is to make sure your money is safe and secure on the app. We look for security features like two-factor authentication and fraud detection.
- fees: Not all payment apps are free to use, so we check if fees and packages are available to offer you an affordable payment app.
- transmission speed: Some apps can take weeks to transfer money, but the best payment apps offer easy, efficient transfers whether you’re the one sending or receiving the money.
- Availability: Some apps are only available in the US, which can be inconvenient if you have friends and family who live overseas. Other apps may limit the amount you can send or receive and additional fees may apply. Consider your needs when it comes to sending money internationally.
How do paid apps work?
Payment apps are an easy way to send and receive money using your mobile device. They are commonly used by different types of clients including individuals, contractors and business owners. You can usually store your credit card or bank details in the app, so you can send money across the country or even the world with just a click of a button.
Are payment apps safe?
Many of the best payment apps include additional security features to protect your most personal information from prying eyes. Apps use security measures such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), digital certificates, and fraud protection against unauthorized transactions.
Are there alternative payment apps worth considering?
While searching for the best payment app, we found several options that might suit your personal or professional needs.
As you think about all things financial, consider our picks of the best credit cards for good credit, best rewards credit cards, and best international travel cards of 2022.