PayPal POS, formerly Zettle, is a top choice for small and medium-sized businesses like yours that need simple, reliable payment solutions. Whether you’re running a café, retail store, or online shop, PayPal POS’s tools make accepting payments straightforward, both in person and online.
With so many businesses relying on integrations to simplify operations, I think PayPal POS stands out with its clear pricing and user-friendly approach.
In this review, I’ll cover PayPal POS’S key features, pricing, and the pros and cons of its services. From its mobile card reader to its POS system and online payment tools, I’ll help you decide if PayPal POS is the right fit for your business.
Let’s get started and see what PayPal POS has to offer!
PayPal POS at a Glance
PayPal POS offers a comprehensive, user-friendly payment solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Its transparent pricing, ease of use, and robust features make it an attractive option for those seeking to streamline their payment processes without long-term commitments. However, larger enterprises with more complex needs might find PayPal POS’s offerings less suitable.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Should Use | Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses such as cafés, retail stores, and pop-up shops seeking flexible, low-commitment payment solutions. Not recommended for large enterprises requiring advanced, customised payment systems. |
| Products and Features | – Mobile Card Reader: Accepts chip, PIN, contactless payments, and mobile wallets. – Free POS App: Manages sales, inventory, and customer insights. – Online Payments: Offers payment links, invoicing, and e-commerce integrations. – Third-Party Integrations: Compatible with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. |
| Pricing | – Monthly Fee: £0 – Card Reader Cost: £29 (excluding VAT) for the first reader; £59 for additional readers – Transaction Fees: 1.75% per in-person transaction; 2.5% per online transaction |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface with quick setup, allowing businesses to start accepting payments within minutes. |
| Account Access | Accessible via the PayPal POS app on smartphones and tablets, with integration capabilities for seamless management. |
| Safety/Security Aspects | PCI DSS compliant with robust encryption, fraud prevention measures, and optional two-factor authentication to ensure secure transactions. |
| Customer Support | Available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays, offering assistance through various channels. |
| Reviews | – Trustpilot: 4.6/5 from over 3,000 reviews – Apple App Store: 4.8/5 – Google Play Store: 4.7/5 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Businesses must be registered in the UK. Applicants need to provide proof of identity, address, and business registration documents during the application process. |
Pros & Cons
Who is PayPal POS?
PayPal POS, formerly Zettle, is a Swedish fintech company founded in 2010 by Jacob de Geer and Magnus Nilsson. They gained recognition for their innovative mini chip card reader and software, making it simple and affordable for small businesses to accept card payments. In 2018, Zettle (now PayPal POS) joined the PayPal family, expanding its reach across Europe, the U.S., and Latin America.
Today, PayPal POS provides small to medium-sized businesses with tools like mobile card readers, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and online payment solutions. Their mission is to empower small businesses to compete effectively, offering accessible, innovative payment solutions tailored to their needs. Merchants using PayPal POS often see a 20% boost in sales when moving away from cash-only systems, showcasing the transformative impact of their technology.
Security is a top priority, and all transactions are PCI DSS compliant and encrypted to protect businesses and their customers. By combining simplicity, affordability, and reliability, PayPal POS has become a trusted partner for small businesses looking to thrive in a competitive market.
PayPal POS’s Products and Features
Standard Features Across All Accounts
PayPal POS’s standard tools cover everything you need to start accepting payments and managing sales:
Add-Ons and Premium Features
PayPal POS’s premium features build on the basics, offering enhanced tools for growing businesses:
PayPal POS Pricing
How Do PayPal POS’s Payment Solutions Work?
PayPal POS makes it easy for small and medium-sized businesses to accept payments and manage sales. Setup is quick; simply connect the PayPal Reader to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to go.
The system supports chip, PIN, contactless cards, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, ensuring a smooth experience for your customers.
The PayPal POS app keeps everything organised, letting you track sales, manage inventory, and customise your product library, all with real-time insights to help you make smarter business decisions.
For added flexibility, PayPal POS integrates with platforms like QuickBooks for accounting and Shopify for e-commerce. You can also add hardware like receipt printers or cash drawers to tailor your setup.
Whether you’re just starting or upgrading your payment system, PayPal’s simple, intuitive tools are designed to make running your business easier.
Safety and Security with PayPal POS
PayPal POS takes security seriously, offering a range of features to protect businesses and their customers.
First, PayPal POS complies with PCI DSS, ensuring all card transactions are handled securely and meet stringent industry standards. Their card readers are tamper-proof, and any attempt to meddle with the device triggers a self-destruct mechanism to protect sensitive data.
All transactions processed through PayPal POS are encrypted, safeguarding information during transmission and storage. The system also actively monitors for unusual or suspicious activity, helping to detect and prevent fraud. In the event of misuse, PayPal POS can block and terminate accounts to maintain security.
PayPal POS develops its software with strict security practices in mind, regularly updating devices with the latest security patches to keep everything safe and up to date. For added protection, users can enable multi-factor authentication to secure their accounts further.
These measures ensure that businesses can trust PayPal POS to process payments safely, giving them and their customers peace of mind.
How to Get Started with PayPal POS
Alternatives to PayPal POS
| Feature | PayPal POS | SumUp | Square | MyGuava Business | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | First PayPal Reader (£29) | SumUp Air Reader (£39 + VAT); Solo (£79 + VAT); Solo & Printer (£139 + VAT) | Square Reader (£19 + VAT); Square Terminal (£149 + VAT). Use code SEP2025 to get 25% off until 25/10/2025. T&Cs apply. | MyGuava Business POS Terminal (pricing via dashboard) | Shopify Card Reader (£49 + VAT); integrates with various hardware options |
| Payment Processing Rates | 1.75% in-person, 2.5% online | 1.69% per in-person transaction; 2.5% for online payments | 1.75% per in-person transaction; 2.5% for online payments | 0.60%–1.10% UK, 1.50%–1.90% international; £10 monthly fee | 1.5%–2.2% per transaction, depending on the plan |
| POS Features | Mobile POS, inventory management, sales analytics | Inventory management, invoicing, Tap to Pay on mobile devices | Inventory tracking, invoicing, payroll integration, free POS app | Full POS for in-store, hybrid solutions, CRM | Multi-channel sales, inventory synchronisation, customer profiles, loyalty programs |
| Pricing | Card reader £29; POS app free with transaction fees | No monthly fees for basic services; POS Pro at £49/month + VAT | No monthly fees for basic services; optional add-ons available | POS monthly fee: £10; 30-day rolling contract | POS Lite at £9/month; POS Pro at £89/month |
| Best For | Mobile-focused small retailers | Small to medium-sized businesses across various sectors | Small businesses needing flexible, scalable solutions | UK-based businesses with broad currency options | E-commerce and retail businesses seeking integrated online and offline sales |
| Link | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |