Grey and PayPal can both help a freelancer get paid from abroad, but the way the client pays is fundamentally different. Grey gives eligible users foreign account details so a client can make a bank payment. PayPal lets a client pay through a familiar wallet or checkout, often using a card.
Grey can be cheaper when a client is willing to make the bank transfer. PayPal can win the payment even when it costs more because the client already trusts it and can pay immediately.
1,373.63Grey and PayPal compared
| Question | Grey | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Payment method | Client sends to foreign account details | Client pays through PayPal or a card-enabled checkout |
| Main advantage | Foreign receiving access and local withdrawal | Familiar acceptance, invoicing and buyer payment choice |
| Receiving cost | Depends on currency and bank network | Commercial fee, possible cross-border fee and fixed charge |
| Currency exchange | Grey's live rate and fee | PayPal's transaction rate can include a conversion spread |
| Best fit | Repeat client comfortable with bank payment | Client wants a fast, familiar checkout or PayPal invoice |
The payer decides more than the fee table
A direct bank transfer is often efficient for a repeat client paying a large invoice. Grey's account guide (opens in a new tab) gives eligible users USD, GBP and EUR details and lists receiving charges for the relevant payment networks.
PayPal is easier for some first-time or consumer clients. They may already have a PayPal account or prefer to use a card without adding bank details. That acceptance can improve the chance of being paid on time.
Ask the client which methods their accounts-payable process supports before quoting one provider as cheaper. A payment route the client refuses to use has no practical value.
How the full cost differs
PayPal's UK merchant fee page (opens in a new tab) lists 2.9% plus a fixed fee for many domestic commercial transactions, with an additional percentage for international commercial payments. The exact schedule depends on the merchant's country, payment type and sender location. Currency conversion can add another cost through PayPal's transaction exchange rate.
Grey's costs are arranged differently. A receipt can carry a percentage, minimum, maximum or flat wire fee. Exchange and local withdrawal can then add separate charges. For example, Grey currently lists USD ACH or FedNow receipt at 0.8%, with a $2 minimum and $10 maximum, while Fedwire receipt is $20.
Build one invoice example from beginning to end. Record the amount billed, amount credited, amount after exchange and local amount withdrawn. Do not compare PayPal's checkout fee with only Grey's exchange rate.
When Grey is better
Grey can be the better fit for a freelancer with repeat business clients who can pay by local bank transfer. Its account details may reduce the cost and friction of an international wire, and the worker can choose when to exchange the balance.
It does not replace card acceptance or PayPal buyer protection. The client must be comfortable treating the payment as a bank transfer against an invoice.
When PayPal is better
PayPal is more useful when the payer wants a familiar checkout, needs to use a card or expects PayPal's dispute process. It can also help a small seller accept payments without sharing bank instructions for every order.
The trade-off is a layered fee structure. Market, commercial status, cross-border classification, funding and currency conversion can all change the result. Use the fee page tied to the merchant account's country.
Documentation and disputes
For Grey, keep the contract, invoice and payer name aligned with the account rules. For PayPal, keep proof of delivery, messages and the agreed scope because a payment can be disputed after receipt.
Neither service removes the need for clear invoice terms. State the currency, payment method, who bears transfer charges and when work is considered delivered.
Frequently asked questions
Is Grey cheaper than PayPal
Often for a sizeable direct bank payment, but not always. Add Grey's receiving, exchange and withdrawal charges and compare them with PayPal's commercial, cross-border, fixed and conversion fees for your market.
Can Grey replace PayPal for a freelancer
It can replace PayPal for clients willing to pay bank details. It does not provide the same consumer checkout, card acceptance or dispute process.
Can I receive dollars with Grey
Eligible users can receive USD using the account details and payment methods Grey provides. ACH, FedNow and wire payments have different fees and instructions.
Why can PayPal still be the better choice
Clients recognise it, can often pay by card and may complete the invoice faster. That convenience can be worth a higher fee, especially for a first payment or small order.
Sources: Grey account guide (opens in a new tab), Grey withdrawal fees (opens in a new tab), PayPal UK merchant fees (opens in a new tab), PayPal cross-border fee guide (opens in a new tab). Checked 27 August 2026.