PayPal is a global digital payments platform that lets individuals and businesses send, receive, and hold money online, without needing to share sensitive bank or card details directly with the person they're paying. Founded in 1998, it's become one of the most widely used online payment systems, supporting everything from person-to-person transfers to e-commerce checkouts, invoicing, and business payment processing.
PayPal is available in more than 200 countries and regions, and supports 25 currencies, letting clients send and receive payments across borders and language barriers. It links to bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards, and offers buyer and seller protection programs. Its reach and brand recognition have made it a default option for freelancers, small businesses, and online marketplaces worldwide, though availability and features can vary somewhat by country.