PayPal

Consumer reach is the asset; the AUP is the constraint

PayPal's advantage over a developer-first processor is reach: a very large base of consumers who already have a funded wallet and will check out without entering card details. The constraint is the Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibits a long list of categories — adult content, certain firearms and regulated goods, some digital items. PayPal is also known for holds and account reviews; a sudden spike in volume can trigger a freeze.

Practical implications

• Read the AUP for your category and country before integrating. Prohibited-category accounts can be shut down with funds held.
• For developer-grade integration and subscriptions, Braintree (PayPal-owned) is the more flexible path than classic hosted PayPal buttons.
• Keep documentation ready (supplier invoices, fulfilment proof) — it shortens any review or hold.

When to choose it

Choose PayPal when consumer-wallet conversion matters and your category is clearly allowed. For developer-led, subscription-heavy, or platform businesses, Stripe is usually the better primary processor — see the Stripe vs PayPal comparison.