Peanut vs PayPal: local payments and online checkout
Compare supported merchant QR with PayPal account payments and checkout.
PayPal is useful when a checkout accepts PayPal or when the recipient uses a PayPal account. Its fees depend on the account market, action, funding method and whether conversion occurs. Peanut focuses on supported merchant QR payments in Argentina and Brazil, with the local amount and total dollar cost shown before confirmation.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Peanut | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Main action | Pay a supported Mercado Pago or Pix merchant QR after verification | Pay a PayPal account or use PayPal at a participating online checkout |
| How price is shown | All-in quote shown before confirmation; outside funding costs can apply | Depends on market, action, funding method and conversion |
| Local payment scope | Passport-based QR access; local ARS/BRL bank rails have separate rules | Online checkout and account payments; later bank withdrawal is separate |
| Account details to get paid | USD, EUR, GBP, MXN or COP details for verified users in most countries. Who can pay in depends on the currency: another person can pay USD under $4,000 per payment; EUR, GBP and COP take only your own account or a business | Check the account details PayPal offers in your country |
The widget is an indicative Peanut quote. The final quote appears in the app before confirmation. PayPal facts were checked on 22 September 2026; features and prices can change.
Compare the final quote
PayPal’s US consumer schedule distinguishes purchases, personal transfers, conversion and withdrawals. Some eligible actions without conversion have no PayPal fee; other actions have separate charges. That schedule is not a worldwide price list. Peanut displays one all-in quote for the selected supported merchant QR. Compare the exact PayPal action with the exact Peanut purchase instead of carrying one fee across markets.
Skip foreign card transaction fees. Pay by QR with Peanut when your card would charge one. Card fees and exchange rates vary.
Costs to check
Start with the amount the merchant or recipient gets, then add conversion and any funding or withdrawal step. PayPal’s account payment and a later bank withdrawal are separate. Peanut’s QR quote includes conversion for that purchase; an outside bank or wallet can still charge to fund the balance.
Local payment access
Peanut supports compatible Mercado Pago merchant QR in Argentina and Pix merchant QR in Brazil after verification. Passport verification can unlock QR payments; local ARS and BRL bank deposits or withdrawals have separate residence, tax-ID and own-account rules. PayPal is a strong fit for supported online checkout and PayPal-account payments. Local QR features vary by market, so check what your PayPal account offers before choosing that route.
Where PayPal wins
- The online shop already offers PayPal at checkout.
- The recipient wants a payment in their PayPal account.
- You value PayPal’s established account-based checkout workflow.
Which should you choose?
Choose Peanut for a supported local merchant QR and an in-app all-in quote. Choose PayPal when the checkout or recipient account already uses PayPal. Using both can work: each product handles a different payment action.
FAQ
Is Peanut cheaper than PayPal?
Not automatically. Compare the same action, amount, funding currency and final outcome using current quotes. Peanut shows an all-in merchant QR quote; PayPal uses the structure described above.
Can PayPal pay with Mercado Pago or Pix?
PayPal supports checkout and account payments. For Mercado Pago or Pix, check the feature shown in your market and compare it with Peanut’s supported merchant QR.
Is Peanut available in my country?
The Peanut app is open to anyone in a non-restricted country, while local rails depend on verified residence and account eligibility. Supported merchant QR is live in Argentina and Brazil after verification.
How do I move from PayPal to Peanut?
You can keep PayPal. Download the Peanut app and create an account there, complete the verification required for merchant QR, add an eligible balance and review the local amount and total dollar cost before paying.