Stripe or PayPal?
Pick the platform that fits your property business.
A side-by-side look at pricing, integration, and features, so you can choose the payment platform that fits your checkout, fees, and development needs.
Developer-first, API-driven platform with broad coverage
Recognisable checkout brand with flexible options
Which one should you choose?
Each platform is strongest in a different situation.
Choose Stripe
If you want a developer-first, API-driven platform with broad global payment method coverage, built-in fraud tooling, and a single standard rate across domestic card and in-person payments, Stripe is the better fit.
Choose PayPal
If you want a recognisable checkout brand your customers already trust, with Pay Later, QR codes, discounted charity rates, and a single integration covering marketplace or platform-style multiparty payouts, PayPal is the better fit.
Consider Zeevou
RECOMMENDEDIf you want a free core PMS with 0% commission on direct bookings and modular add-ons that scale with your portfolio, consider Zeevou instead of tying your platform choice to payment processor fees alone.
Stripe vs PayPal at a glance
Based on publicly available data as of September 2026.
StripeProgrammable payment infrastructure with APIs, prebuilt UI, broad currency coverage
PayPalWidely recognised checkout brand with wallet, cards, Pay Later
See what Zeevou offers
Free core PMS, 0% commission on direct bookings and everything you need to grow from 5 units to 200+.
Book a free consultation“…Easy to board the property and integrate with the OTA’s. I love the monthly chat where we can be updated on features and improvements…”
Tamar Finkelstein“…A game-changer in helping me systemise my business operations while providing a seamless user journey for my guests…”
Jordan Bunton-Williams“…The perfect Channel Manager for our portfolio. ID verification, agreements and security deposits all in one place!…”
Fabian ProsciucA quick feature breakdown
Secure Payment
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| 3-D Secure / SCA | – | |
| PCI DSS compliance | ||
| Fraud screening tools | ||
| Tokenised card storage |
Payment Methods
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Card payments | credit/debit/prepaid cards | |
| Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | ||
| Bank transfers / local methods | ||
| Payment links |
Billing
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring / subscription billing | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Pre-authorisation (holds for deposits) | ||
| Refunds via dashboard |
Disputes and Reporting
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Chargeback management | per-dispute fee applies | Chargeback Protection, paid add-on |
| Real-time reporting dashboard | ||
| Payout reports | ||
| Accounting integrations |
Developer and Support
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Public API | ||
| Plugins for booking engines / PMS | ||
| 24/7 support | email, chat, phone; paid tiers for priority |
Information is based on publicly available data and our independent analysis as of September 2026. Features, pricing and capabilities may change without notice. “–” means the company does not list the feature publicly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stripe or PayPal cheaper?
It depends on the transaction type. Stripe charges a flat 2.9% + 30¢ per successful domestic card transaction. PayPal's rates vary by payment type, from 1.99% for charity transactions to 4.99% for Pay Later options, plus an additional 1.50% on international transactions. Compare your actual transaction mix against both fee structures before deciding.
Which is better for developers, Stripe or PayPal?
Stripe is generally seen as the more developer-first option, with extensive APIs, SDKs, sandboxes, and documentation built around a code-first integration model. PayPal also offers APIs, SDKs, and sandbox testing, plus prebuilt plugins for platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, making it accessible without heavy custom development.
Can I switch from PayPal to Stripe, or vice versa?
Both platforms offer public APIs and prebuilt integrations for common ecommerce and booking platforms, so migrating checkout logic is generally feasible. The bigger consideration is usually reconfiguring recurring billing, stored payment methods, and any dispute or fraud settings to match the new provider's tools.
Do Stripe and PayPal charge for chargebacks or disputes?
Stripe applies a per-dispute fee, which is only partially refunded if the dispute is won. PayPal offers Chargeback Protection as a paid add-on, which can waive the chargeback fee and purchase amount on eligible fraudulent transactions when active.
Which is better for a holiday property management business, Stripe or PayPal?
Both are viable payment processors for property managers, and the right choice depends on your existing checkout setup and customer preferences. If you're evaluating payment providers as part of choosing a wider property management platform, Zeevou offers a free core PMS with 0% commission on direct bookings, so your payment processor choice isn't tied to platform fees.
