If you’re a Filipino freelancer or side hustler, getting paid is just as important as finding clients.
I’ve been using PayPal for more than 10 years—back when it was the default payment method for most online jobs, side hustles, and international platforms. Many of the side hustles I tried over the years only offered PayPal as a payout option, which made the decision easy at the time.
Today, however, freelancers in the Philippines have more choices. One of the most popular alternatives is Wise, especially for those working with international clients.
So the real question is no longer “Is PayPal good?”
It’s “Which payment tool makes more sense for Filipino freelancers today—Wise or PayPal?”
In this guide, I’ll compare Wise and PayPal based on fees, speed, ease of use, and real-world experience, so you can choose the option that fits your freelance setup.
| Feature | Wise | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Direct international clients | Platforms & digital services |
| Fees | Low & transparent | Higher, especially conversion fees |
| USD to PHP Conversion | Near real exchange rate | Lower than market rate |
| Transfer Speed | Same or next business day | 2–4 business days |
| GCash Support | No direct integration | PayPal → GCash supported |
What Is PayPal? (From a Filipino Freelancer’s Perspective)
PayPal has been around for a long time, and there’s a reason many freelancers still use it.
Personally, I chose PayPal early in my freelancing and side hustle journey because it was popular, trusted, and widely accepted. Even now, many platforms and clients still default to PayPal for payments.
What I Like About PayPal
After more than a decade of use, here’s what PayPal does really well:
- Strong account security
- PayPal’s security features and monitoring make it feel safe, especially when dealing with international clients.
- Great customer service
- In my experience, PayPal support has been responsive and helpful when issues arise.
- Very easy to use
- The website and mobile app are intuitive, even for beginners, who can navigate them without confusion.
- Widely accepted
- Most side hustles, freelancing platforms, and digital tools still support PayPal.
These strengths are why PayPal remains a relevant option, especially for beginners.
PayPal Disadvantages Filipino Freelancers Should Know
Despite its strengths, PayPal has downsides—especially when you start earning more consistently.
1. Low USD to PHP Conversion Rate
One of the biggest pain points is PayPal’s currency conversion.
When converting USD to PHP, the rate is noticeably lower than the real exchange rate, which means you lose money on every transfer.
2. ₱50 Transfer Fee for Small Withdrawals
If you transfer below ₱7,000, PayPal charges a ₱50 withdrawal fee. This adds up quickly if you withdraw frequently or earn in smaller amounts.
3. Slower Bank Transfers
From my experience:
- Transfers to local banks usually take a couple of days
- Not ideal if you need fast access to your income
These disadvantages don’t make PayPal bad—but they do matter when optimizing your freelance income.
What Is Wise and Why Freelancers Use It
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a newer option compared to PayPal, but it has quickly gained popularity among freelancers—especially those working with international clients.
Wise focuses on low fees and fair exchange rates, which makes a big difference when receiving foreign payments.
Why Filipino Freelancers Like Wise
- Near real exchange rate
- Wise uses the mid-market rate, so you keep more of your money.
- Transparent fees
- You see exactly how much you’re paying before confirming a transfer.
- Faster transfers
- Many transfers arrive within the same day or the next business day.
- Multi-currency account
- Useful if you earn in USD, EUR, or other currencies.
For freelancers earning directly from overseas clients, Wise often feels more efficient.
👉 Looking for more freelancer-approved tools?
Check out my Resources page for platforms, apps, and tools I personally use to earn and manage money online — all in one place.
Fees Comparison: Wise vs PayPal (Philippines)
Let’s talk about what really matters—how much money you keep.
Example: Receiving $1,000 from an International Client
With PayPal:
- Platform fees (if applicable)
- Lower USD-to-PHP conversion rate
- Possible ₱50 withdrawal fee (if below threshold)
- Total loss can be noticeable
With Wise:
- Lower, upfront transfer fee
- Much better exchange rate
- No surprise deductions
Over time, Wise often lets you keep more of your earnings, especially if you receive payments regularly.
Transfer Speed: Which One Is Faster?
- Wise: Often same-day or next business day
- PayPal: Usually 2–4 business days to local banks
If fast access to cash matters, Wise has the edge.
However, PayPal can still be useful when:
- Clients insist on PayPal
- You’re selling digital products or services online
Ease of Use and Setup
PayPal
- Very beginner-friendly
- Easy account setup
- Familiar interface
Wise
- Slight learning curve at first
- Straightforward once set up
- Better suited for direct client payments
If you value simplicity, PayPal wins.
If you value efficiency and savings, Wise shines.
Wise vs PayPal for Filipino Freelancers, Which is Better?
Choose Wise if:
- You work with international clients
- You want better conversion rates
- You receive larger payments regularly
Choose PayPal if:
- Your side hustle or platform only supports PayPal
- You sell digital products or services
- You prioritize ease of use and security
Can You Use Both? (The Smart Setup)
Yes—and many freelancers do.
A practical approach:
- Use PayPal for platforms and clients that require it
- Use Wise for direct international payments
This setup gives you flexibility without limiting opportunities.
Can You Link PayPal and GCash? (For Filipino Freelancers)
Yes — but only one way.
Filipino freelancers can link their GCash account to PayPal, which allows them to transfer funds from PayPal to GCash. This option is officially supported and commonly used by freelancers who want faster access to their earnings without withdrawing directly to a bank account.
However, you cannot directly send money from GCash to PayPal. GCash does not support direct top-ups or transfers into PayPal. Any transfer from GCash to PayPal would require indirect methods, such as moving funds through a linked bank account.
For freelancers who are paid through PayPal-based platforms, withdrawing to GCash can be convenient — but it’s still important to consider PayPal’s fees and currency conversion rates.
PayPal has earned its place as a reliable payment tool—and after more than 10 years of use, I still appreciate its security, customer service, and ease of use.
That said, Wise is often the better choice for Filipino freelancers who want lower fees, faster transfers, and better exchange rates.
The best tool isn’t about loyalty—it’s about choosing what works best for your income setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (Wise vs PayPal for Filipino Freelancers)
Yes, for many Filipino freelancers, Wise is often cheaper than PayPal due to lower currency conversion fees and more transparent exchange rates. PayPal is still useful for platforms that require it, but Wise can be more cost-effective for direct client payments.
Yes. Wise is a regulated financial service and is widely used in the Philippines. It allows users to hold and receive multiple currencies and withdraw funds directly to local Philippine bank accounts.
Yes. Wise provides local bank details in USD, allowing Filipino freelancers to receive international payments from clients and platforms without high conversion fees.
PayPal is commonly supported by platforms like Fiverr, while Wise is ideal for direct clients who can send bank transfers. Many freelancers use both depending on the client or platform.
If you’re a Filipino freelancer looking to reduce fees and receive USD payments more efficiently, Wise may be worth trying…
📩 New to freelancing or side hustles?
Subscribe to get practical tips, tool comparisons, and income ideas delivered straight to your inbox — no fluff, just real strategies.
Availability and transfer options may change. Always check PayPal and GCash’s official support pages for the latest updates.
