Paypal provides payment processing solutions for businesses of any size. PayPal Standard and PayPal Commerce Platform are two of the most common choices. Both cater to different business verticals, but which one will be best suited for your online store in 2025? Let’s break it down.
What Is PayPal Standard?
PayPal Standard is PayPal’s basic payment solution. It’s designed for small businesses or entrepreneurs who want a simple, cost-effective way to accept payments online.
Here’s PayPal Standard works:
- Customers are redirected to PayPal’s secure website to complete their transaction.
- They can pay using their PayPal account or credit/debit cards—no PayPal account is required.
- Integration is straightforward and available in many platforms, including WooCommerce, without additional fees.
Advantages:
- No setup or monthly fees—PayPal only charges transaction fees.
- Ideal for businesses just starting out.
- Minimal technical setup required.
Drawbacks:
- Limited checkout customization; your brand takes a backseat.
- Customers leaving your site to pay may result in a lower conversion rate.
- Basic support for international sales.
Best for:
Small businesses or side hustles that want to accept payments quickly without the need for a developer.
What Is PayPal Commerce?
PayPal Commerce is tailored to businesses growing their e-commerce stores and want to provide a seamless shopping experience.
Here’s PayPal Commerce works:
- Pay directly on your website using PayPal, credit/debit cards, Venmo (US only), and alternative methods.
- Access subscription, installment, and multi-currency payment options.
- Enjoy a sleek checkout experience with customizable branding and smart payment buttons that adapt to their preferences.
Advantages:
- On-site checkout means fewer cart abandonments and higher conversion rates.
- Supports advanced e-commerce features like recurring billing and global payment acceptance.
- Includes built-in fraud detection for added security.
Drawbacks:
- More technical setup, often requiring integration via plugins or API.
- May have additional fees for specific features, such as advanced currency management.
Best for: Medium to large businesses looking for a professional, scalable payment solution.
Key Differences Between PayPal Standard and PayPal Commerce
| Feature | PayPal Standard | PayPal Commerce Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Checkout Flow | Redirect to PayPal’s website | On-site checkout |
| Integration Difficulty | Simple | Advanced |
| Customizability | Limited | High |
| Payment Options | PayPal, credit/debit cards | PayPal, cards, Venmo, & more |
| International Sales | Basic support | Advanced multi-currency options |
| Fees | Transaction fees apply | May include additional feature fees |
