Software Alternatives & Startups

PayPal VS First Data

Compare PayPal VS First Data and see what are their differences

PayPal

PayPal is the faster, safer way to pay online without sharing financial details, send and receive money or accept credit and debit cards as a seller

PayPal Landing page
Rating
3.0 · 2 reviews
First Data

First Data Corporation provides electronic commerce and payment solutions for merchants, financial institutions and card issuers.

First Data Landing page
Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, PayPal seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 1 time since March 2021.

social mentions
1 vs 0
Online Payments popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 57

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

PayPal
First Data
Website paypal.com firstdata.com
Pricing
Company Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

PayPal 6 features
First Data 5 features
  • Widely Accepted
    PayPal is accepted by millions of merchants around the globe, making it easy to make transactions almost anywhere.
  • User-Friendly
    The platform has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, simplifying the process of sending and receiving money.
  • Security Features
    PayPal offers robust security features such as encryption, fraud prevention, and two-factor authentication to protect users' financial information.
  • Buyer Protection
    PayPal offers buyer protection for eligible purchases, providing a safety net in case items are not as described or not received.
  • Global Transactions
    PayPal supports multiple currencies and allows for international transactions, which is beneficial for global business.
  • Integration with eBay
    PayPal integrates seamlessly with eBay, making it convenient for users who frequently buy and sell on the platform.

Possible disadvantages

  • Fees
    PayPal charges fees for certain transactions, including receiving payments for goods and services, which can add up for frequent users.
  • Account Freezing
    PayPal has been known to freeze accounts if there is suspicious activity, which can be inconvenient and problematic for users.
  • Customer Service
    Some users report issues with PayPal's customer service, citing long response times and difficulty resolving disputes.
  • Exchange Rates
    PayPal's currency conversion rates are often less favorable compared to what you might get at a bank or through a dedicated currency exchange service.
  • Transaction Limits
    PayPal imposes limits on transaction amounts for unverified accounts, which can restrict the ability to send or receive large sums of money.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Some users have raised concerns about PayPal's data privacy practices and how their information is shared with third parties.
  • Wide Range of Services
    First Data provides an extensive array of financial services and payment solutions, including merchant acquiring, point-of-sale systems, credit card processing, and fraud protection, making it a versatile choice for various business needs.
  • Global Presence
    With a strong global footprint, First Data caters to businesses in numerous countries, enabling seamless international transactions and offering support for global commerce.
  • Innovation and Technology
    First Data invests heavily in technology and innovation, offering advanced solutions like mobile payment options and digital wallets, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to stay competitive in the digital age.
  • Scalability
    The solutions provided by First Data are scalable, which means they can support businesses both small and large, adapting to growth and increasing transaction volumes over time.
  • Partnerships and Integrations
    First Data has partnerships with many major financial institutions and offers a variety of integrations with third-party services and software, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Pricing Structure
    The pricing models of First Data can be complex and challenging to understand, which might lead to businesses not knowing exactly what they will pay or encountering unexpected fees.
  • Customer Support Issues
    Some users report experiencing challenges with customer support, including long wait times and difficulties in resolving issues, which could be a downside for businesses needing prompt assistance.
  • Contract Terms
    First Data often requires long-term contracts that can include early termination fees, which may not be ideal for businesses that value flexibility or are uncertain about their long-term needs.
  • Customizability Limitations
    While First Data offers a wide range of services, the customization options for some of these services may be limited, potentially affecting businesses that require highly tailored solutions.
  • Integration Complexities
    Integrating First Data's systems with existing business infrastructure can sometimes be complex and time-consuming, which may present challenges for businesses without dedicated technical resources.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

PayPal
First Data

Overall verdict

  • PayPal is generally considered a good option for online transactions due to its established reputation, security features, and ease of use. However, some users may experience issues related to customer service, account freezes, or fees, which can impact their experience.

Why this product is good

  • PayPal is a widely recognized and used online payment platform, offering a secure and convenient way to send and receive money. It provides numerous features such as buyer protection, fraud detection, and ease of integration for businesses. Its wide acceptance by online merchants and compatibility with numerous currencies enhance its appeal.

Recommended for

  • Individuals looking for a secure way to make online purchases.
  • Freelancers or small businesses needing a simple payment solution.
  • Online merchants who wish to offer their customers a popular and trusted payment method.
  • International users who need to transact in multiple currencies.

No analysis of First Data yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

PayPal 3 videos + Add
First Data 2 videos + Add

STOP Using PayPal - 5 Reasons You Should Stop Using PayPal in Your Business or On Your Website!

More videos

  • Review - Why I No Longer Use PayPal · Selling AND Buying
  • Review - is PayPal Credit a Scam | 6 Month Interest Free

Review of First Data POS

More videos

  • Review - When To Start Applying To Your First Data Analyst Job

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
PayPal
First Data
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
96% 96%
4% 4%
0% 0%
POS
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using PayPal and First Data. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

PayPal 3.0 · 2 reviews
First Data no reviews yet
  • PayPal: More Frustrating Than Useful These Days
    SaaSHub review
    · Jan 2026

    I used PayPal for years, but lately it’s been one of the most frustrating payment services I’ve dealt with. Their customer support feels almost nonexistent — long wait times, scripted replies that don’t solve...

  • The 8 Best Payment Processing Systems
    gocardless.com · Oct 2025

    You’re probably already familiar with PayPal, but this popular service deserves to be on the list of the best payment processing companies for its ease of use and ubiquity. It’s a good choice for small businesses...

  • Top 5 Payoneer Alternatives [2024]
    www.exiap.com · Jun 2024

    The best payment method for freelancers varies based on individual needs. Wise and Revolut are excellent for their multi-currency account features and using the mid-market exchange rate, while PayPal is globally...

View more

We have no reviews of First Data yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

PayPal 1 mention
First Data 0 mentions
  • Trying to activate PayPal just brings me to PayPal's website.
    (I live in USA) When I go to payments under my shopify account to add paypal as a payment method I am having trouble doing so. I first click activate paypal > activate paypal express checkout which directs me to a "security challenge"... Source: over 3 years ago

Tracking First Data since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to PayPal and First Data

When comparing PayPal and First Data, you can also consider the following products.

  • Stripe

    Online payment processing for internet businesses. Stripe is a suite of payment APIs that powers commerce for online businesses of all sizes. Use Stripe’s payment platform to accept and process payments online for easy-to-use commerce solutions.

    Compare Stripe to PayPal or First Data:

  • Shopify

    Shopify is a powerful ecommerce platform that includes everything you need to create an online store and sell online. Try it free for 14 days.

    Compare Shopify to PayPal or First Data:

  • PayPal Braintree

    An all-in-one solution to accept, process, and split payments in your mobile app or online - from small business to large enterprise.

    Compare PayPal Braintree to PayPal or First Data:

  • Square

    Square helps millions of sellers run their business-from secure credit card processing to point of sale solutions. Get paid faster with Square. Sign up today!

    Compare Square to PayPal or First Data:

  • Payoneer

    Whether making international payments, receiving funds, managing your digital business, or accessing capital, Payoneer opens your business up to the world.

    Compare Payoneer to PayPal or First Data:

  • Heartland Retail

    Heartland Retail (previously Springboard Retail) POS software a robust, user-friendly cloud point of sale solution designed for the business of retail. A complete retail management platform built for growing single, multi and franchise brands.

    Compare Heartland Retail to PayPal or First Data: