Best Venmo Alternatives
Venmo is a popular choice for quick payments, but it's not the only option. If you're exploring other payment apps with better features, lower fees, or more flexibility, you're in the right place. Whether you need a Venmo alternative for business, a reliable digital wallet, or an easy way to send money internationally, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.
Apps like Cash App, Zelle, and PayPal are taking over the digital payments scene, offering faster transfers, more robust features, and lower fees than Venmo in some cases. In this guide, we'll break down the top Venmo alternatives for 2025, so you can choose the right app based on your needs. Ready to explore the best options? Let's dive in!
What Are Venmo Alternatives and Why Are They Important?
Venmo has been a popular choice for digital payments, but many users are exploring Venmo alternatives for a variety of reasons. One major factor is that Venmo charges fees for certain transactions, such as credit card payments and instant transfers. Additionally, some people need alternatives with better features, lower fees, or enhanced international capabilities.
Venmo alternatives are becoming more popular because they offer a range of features that better suit different needs. For example, Zelle vs Venmo—Zelle offers free, instant transfers between bank accounts, making it ideal for fast, no-fee transactions. PayPal alternatives like Cash App and Stripe cater to businesses, offering tools to manage payments, track sales, and even invest in stocks or cryptocurrency. Some platforms like Wise (formerly TransferWise) stand out for their ability to handle international money transfers at lower fees compared to Venmo.
These alternatives often come with fewer restrictions and more flexible payment options, allowing users to make transfers, receive money, and even set up recurring payments without hidden charges.
Key Takeaways
Top 10 Venmo Alternatives
Looking for the best Venmo alternatives in 2025? Whether you want faster transfers, lower fees, or more business features, there are plenty of payment apps and digital wallet options to choose from. Let’s dive into the top picks that people trust for secure, easy, and reliable money transfers-perfect for both personal and business needs.
1. Zelle: Instant Transfers with No Fees
Zelle stands out if you want instant, fee-free bank-to-bank transfers. It works directly with most major banks, so money moves straight from your account to someone else’s in minutes. In 2023, Zelle processed 2.9 billion transactions totaling $806 billion-a 28% jump from the previous year. This shows just how popular and trusted it is for peer-to-peer payments.
Key Features
- Instant transfers between bank accounts
- No fees for sending or receiving money
- Integrated with most US banking apps
- Simple interface-no extra app needed if your bank supports it
Pros
- Fast and free transfers
- No need to create a separate account if your bank uses Zelle
- Highly secure, with banks’ own security layers
Cons
- Only works with US bank accounts
- No buyer or seller protection
- Rising fraud and scam exposure-estimated $725 million in losses last year, though Zelle claims 99.9% of transactions are fraud-free.
Pricing
Zelle is completely free to use for both sending and receiving money.
Why Zelle is a Great Alternative
If you need to move money instantly and don’t want to pay any fees, Zelle is one of the best Venmo alternatives. It’s especially handy for splitting bills or paying friends, and you don’t need to download another app if your bank already offers it
2. PayPal: A Trusted Name in Online Payments
PayPal is a global leader in online payments and one of the most recognized Venmo alternatives. With over 400 million active accounts worldwide, PayPal offers a secure way to send money, pay for goods, and even run a business. It’s available in more than 200 countries and supports multiple currencies, making it perfect for international money transfers and online shopping.
Key Features
- Send and receive payments worldwide
- Buyer and seller protection
- Invoicing and business tools
- Integration with many e-commerce platforms
Pros
- Trusted and secure with advanced encryption
- Easy to use for both personal and business payments
- Supports international transfers and multiple currencies
- Offers dispute resolution and fraud protection
Cons
- Transaction fees for some transfers (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 for sales in the US)
- Account freezes and disputes can take time to resolve
- Not all features are available in every country
Pricing
Personal transfers in the US are free when funded by a bank account or PayPal balance. PayPal Fees apply for credit card payments and international transfers that involve currency conversion.
Why PayPal is a Great Alternative
PayPal is ideal if you want a reliable, all-in-one payment system for both personal and business use. Its global reach and strong security make it a top choice for anyone needing more than just basic money transfers.
3. Cash App: Easy Money Transfers and Investment Features
Cash App is another popular Venmo alternative, known for its simple interface and extra features like investing in stocks and Bitcoin. Over 57 million people use Cash App, and it’s especially popular among younger users and freelancers. You can send and receive money quickly, set up a free debit card, and even get your paycheck deposited directly into the app.
Key Features
- Instant money transfers
- Free debit card for spending
- Buy and sell stocks and Bitcoin
- Direct deposit for paychecks
Pros
- Fast, easy payments
- No fees for standard transfers
- Investment options built-in
- User-friendly mobile app
Cons
- Instant transfers to your bank cost a small fee.
- Limited to US users
- Customer support can be slow
- Reports of scams and account freezes
Pricing
Sending and receiving money is free. Cash App business fees is 2.6% + 0.15$ per transaction into the business account.
Why Cash App is a Great Alternative
Cash App is perfect if you want more than just a payment app. Its investment and banking features make it a versatile choice for managing your money, especially if you want to buy stocks or Bitcoin alongside sending payments
4. Meta Pay with Messenger: Facebook’s Payment Solution
Meta Pay, integrated into Facebook Messenger, offers a seamless way to send and receive money within your social network. If you already use Facebook or Instagram, this payment option feels natural and easy. It’s designed for quick peer-to-peer transfers without leaving your chat.
Key Features
- Send money instantly through Messenger
- No fees for personal transfers
- Works across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram
- Supports debit and credit cards
Pros
- Convenient for social payments and splitting bills
- No need to download a separate app
- Strong social integration with messaging
Cons
- Limited to US users currently
- No support for bank transfers directly (relies on cards)
- Not ideal for business payments or international transfers
Fees
No fees for sending or receiving money using debit cards.
Why Meta Pay is a Great Alternative
If you want a payment app that blends naturally with your social life, Meta Pay is a smooth choice. It’s perfect for quick, casual payments with friends and family right inside Messenger, making it a top Venmo alternative for social users in 2025.
5. Payoneer: A Global Payment System for Businesses
Payoneer shines as a Venmo alternative for businesses that operate internationally. It helps freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and companies receive payments from clients worldwide without the hassle of currency conversion or high fees.
Key Features
- Global payments in over 150 currencies
- Multi-currency receiving accounts
- Mass payout services for businesses
- Prepaid Mastercard for easy spending
Pros
- Ideal for cross-border payments
- Competitive currency conversion rates
- Supports marketplaces like Amazon, Upwork, and Fiverr
- Easy integration with business platforms
Cons
- Monthly account fees apply
- Withdrawal fees vary by country
- Not designed for casual peer-to-peer payments
Fees
- Account maintenance fees around $29.95/year
- Withdrawal fees typically 1% or fixed depending on currency and country
- Currency conversion fees vary but are competitive
Why Payoneer is a Great Alternative
For businesses and freelancers working internationally, Payoneer beats many other Venmo alternatives. It simplifies global payments, reduces costs, and offers a reliable platform trusted by millions of professionals worldwide.
6. Stripe: Best for Online Businesses and Developers
Stripe is a powerhouse for online businesses and developers looking for a flexible, scalable payment system. Unlike Venmo, Stripe focuses on merchants, offering tools to accept payments, manage subscriptions, and handle complex billing.
Key Features
- Accepts credit cards, wallets, and bank transfers
- Subscription billing and invoicing
- Advanced fraud detection and security
- Developer-friendly APIs for customization
Pros
- Highly customizable for any business model
- Supports global payments in 135+ currencies
- Transparent pricing and no setup fees
- Strong security and compliance
Cons
- Not designed for casual peer-to-peer payments
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up
- Customer support can be slow during high demand
Fees
- Standard fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction
- Lower fees available for high volume businesses
Why Stripe is a Great Alternative
If you run an online store or subscription service, Stripe is one of the best Venmo alternatives for 2025. It offers powerful tools to grow your business with a reliable payment system trusted by companies like Amazon and Shopify.
7. Wise: Affordable International Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a top choice for anyone who needs to send money internationally without high fees. It uses real exchange rates and low, transparent fees to make global transfers cheaper and faster than traditional banks or many payment apps.
Key Features
- Real mid-market exchange rates
- Low, upfront fees
- Multi-currency accounts and debit cards
- Fast transfers to 70+ countries
Pros
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Great for personal and business international transfers
- Easy-to-use app and website
- Supports multiple currencies in one account
Cons
- Not designed for domestic peer-to-peer transfers
- No social or investment features
- Transfers can take 1-2 business days depending on route
Fees
- Fees vary by currency and amount but are typically starts from 1.16% of the transfer amount
- No fees for receiving money in some currencies
Why Wise is a Great Alternative
For international money transfers, Wise beats many Venmo alternatives. It’s perfect if you want to avoid hidden fees and get the best exchange rates while sending money abroad in 2025.
8. Braintree: Ideal for Mobile and Web-Based Payments
Braintree, owned by PayPal, is a powerful payment system designed for businesses that need flexible, secure payment options online and on mobile. It supports credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even Venmo, all in one platform. This makes it a versatile Venmo alternative, especially for businesses wanting to expand globally.
Key Features
- Accepts major credit cards and digital wallets
- Supports recurring billing and subscription management
- Advanced fraud protection with machine learning
- Multi-currency support for international sales
- Developer-friendly API for easy integration
Pros
- Seamless integration with Venmo, PayPal, and other wallets
- Strong security and fraud detection tools
- No monthly fees, pay per transaction
- Great for subscription and e-commerce businesses
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up for small businesses (2.89% + $0.29 per transaction)
- $15 chargeback fee per dispute
- Requires some technical know-how for setup
Fees
- 2.89% + $0.29 per transaction for credit cards and digital wallets
Why Braintree is a Great Alternative
If you run an online or mobile business and want a robust payment system that supports multiple payment methods including Venmo, Braintree fits perfectly. It offers advanced security and global reach, making it one of the best payment apps for businesses in 2025.
9. XE Money Transfer: Global Payments Made Simple
XE Money Transfer is a trusted name in international money transfers. It offers a simple, cost-effective way to send money abroad with real exchange rates and low fees. If you want a Venmo alternative focused on affordable global transfers, XE is a top choice.
Key Features
- Real-time mid-market exchange rates
- Transfers to over 130 countries
- Multi-currency accounts for easy currency management
- Mobile app for transfers on the go
Pros
- Transparent, low fees compared to banks
- Easy-to-use platform with fast transfers
- No transfer fees for certain corridors
- Trusted by millions worldwide
Cons
- Not designed for domestic peer-to-peer payments
- Transfers may take 1-3 business days
- Limited payment options (mostly bank transfers)
Fees
- Low and transparent, varies by currency and amount
- Some transfers have zero fees
Why XE Money Transfer is a Great Alternative
For international payments, XE beats many Venmo alternatives by offering low-cost, reliable transfers with real exchange rates. It’s perfect for expats, freelancers, and businesses sending money overseas in 2025.
10. Google Pay: A Convenient and Secure Payment App
Google Pay is a widely used digital wallet and payment app that works on Android and iOS devices. It offers quick peer-to-peer payments, contactless payments in stores, and easy online checkout. As a Venmo alternative, it stands out for its convenience and strong security backed by Google.
Key Features
- Send and receive money instantly
- Tap-to-pay in stores using NFC
- Integration with Gmail and Google services
- Supports credit, debit cards, and bank accounts
Pros
- No fees for sending or receiving money
- Works with most banks and cards
- Easy to use with Google ecosystem
- Strong security with biometric and tokenization
Cons
- Limited availability in some countries
- No social feed or payment splitting like Venmo
- Some features require Android devices
Fees
- Free for peer-to-peer transfers and in-store payments
Why Google Pay is a Great Alternative
If you want a simple, secure, and widely accepted payment app, Google Pay is a top Venmo alternative. It’s perfect for everyday payments, both online and offline, and fits naturally if you use Google’s services.
How to Choose the Right Venmo Alternative for Your Needs
When looking for the best Venmo alternatives for your specific needs, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.
- Fees: Compare the transaction fees each platform charges. Cash App vs Venmo can be an eye-opener, as Cash App often offers fee-free transfers for standard payments but charges for instant ones. PayPal alternatives like Payoneer might have better rates for international transfers, but their fees could be higher for domestic transactions.
- Features: What features do you need? If you are running a business, look for apps like Stripe payment system or PayPal, which provide features like invoicing, subscription billing, and integration with online stores. For personal use, apps like Zelle or Google Pay might be enough for quick payments.
- Security: This is critical. Make sure the platform you choose has strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication. PayPal alternatives, such as Stripe, have built-in fraud detection to protect your transactions, which is essential for business use.
- International Payments: If you’re dealing with international money transfers, Wise and Payoneer for business are great options. Venmo doesn’t support international transactions, but these alternatives do and often offer better rates and faster transfers.
- Personal or Business Use: Determine whether the app will be for personal payments, business transactions, or both. If you're just sending money to friends or family, options like Cash App or Zelle might work. For business owners, Stripe and PayPal might be more suitable due to their robust features designed for online sales and invoicing.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Venmo Alternative for You
Choosing the right Venmo alternative depends on your unique needs, whether it’s for personal transfers, business payments, or international money transfers. While Venmo is convenient, alternatives like Cash App, Zelle, and PayPal offer competitive features, lower fees, and more flexibility. If you're running a business or need international capabilities, Payoneer or Wise could be your best bet. Always consider factors like fees, security, and the specific features that matter most to you. By carefully evaluating your options, you’ll find the perfect solution to meet your payment needs in 2025 and beyond.
