Accept PayPal & Crypto Payments Internationally
A practical guide for freelancers, creators, and businesses to collect PayPal and cryptocurrency payments from clients anywhere in the world — without a local bank account or merchant agreement.
❓ Can I accept both PayPal and crypto payments on one link?
Yes. PayRequest generates a single payment link that accepts PayPal, cards, iDEAL, SEPA, USDC, and SOL simultaneously. Share the link with an international client and they choose their preferred method at checkout — no separate accounts or integrations needed.
Why Accept Both PayPal and Crypto?
Different clients have different preferences. Offering both maximises the chance you get paid on time, in full, without friction.
PayPal: The Universal Default
PayPal operates in 200+ countries and remains the default expectation for millions of freelancers' clients — especially in the US, Australia, Canada, and Southeast Asia.
Crypto: Zero Borders
Cryptocurrency payments are borderless by design. USDC on Base settles in 2 seconds for under €0.01 in fees — regardless of the client's country or bank.
Where PayPal Falls Short
PayPal has sending or receiving restrictions in 50+ countries. Clients in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa may not be able to pay via PayPal. Crypto fills that gap.
Faster Settlement
PayPal takes 1–5 business days to clear. USDC on Base settles in under 2 seconds. For cash-flow-sensitive freelancers, crypto pays faster.
Setting Up in 3 Steps
Get both PayPal and crypto enabled on a single PayRequest link in under 15 minutes.
Create Your PayRequest Account
Go to payrequest.app/register and sign up free. No credit card required.
Your free account includes unlimited payment links, all payment methods, and email notifications on every payment.
Connect PayPal and a Crypto Wallet
In Settings → Payment Methods, connect your PayPal Business account. Then connect a crypto wallet (Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, or Phantom) via WalletConnect.
PayPal payments land in your PayPal balance. Crypto payments go directly to your wallet address — no intermediate custody.
Create Your First Payment Link
Click Create → Payment Link. Set the amount, description, and enable PayPal and USDC (Base) as the payment methods.
Share the generated URL in email, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram bio, or anywhere clients interact with you. They pick their preferred payment method at checkout.
PayPal vs Crypto: When to Use Each
PayPal
US, Australian, Canadian, and Southeast Asian clients
USDC (Crypto)
Tech-savvy clients, restricted countries, fast settlement
Countries Where Crypto Outperforms PayPal
PayPal has sending or receiving restrictions in these regions. Crypto is often the only reliable payment method:
Personal PayPal accounts in India cannot send international payments. USDC works without restriction.
Many African countries have limited or no PayPal access. USDC on Base works for any client with a wallet.
PayPal not available. Crypto is the primary international payment option.
PayPal access is restricted or unreliable. USDT/USDC widely used by tech workers.
Fee Comparison
Understanding what each method costs before setting your rates.
| Method | Provider Fee | PayRequest Fee | Total Cost | Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal (EU–EU) | 3.4% + €0.35 | 2% | ~5.5% | 1–3 days |
| PayPal (cross-currency) | 4.4% + fee + 3% FX | 2% | ~9–10% | 1–5 days |
| USDC on Base | <€0.01 network fee | 2% | ~2% | 2 seconds |
| SEPA Bank Transfer | €0.00 | 2% | 2% | 1–2 days |
For EU clients, offering SEPA bank transfer as an alternative to PayPal saves 3.5% in fees on the same link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accept PayPal and Crypto in One Link
Set up your PayRequest account in under 10 minutes. Free plan includes unlimited payment links, all payment methods, and instant email notifications.