The best alternatives to Venmo

Thanks to mobile apps and online platforms, sharing expenses or settling outstanding bills is a matter of minutes. One of the great exponents of this new social payment system It's Venmo, very popular in the United States, although it is not without limitations and more competitive alternatives. That's why it's interesting to know what the best alternatives to Venmo.

In this article we analyze them in detail. Each platform has its advantages, disadvantages, its commissions and its specific user profile. If you know them well, it will be much easier for you to choose the one that best suits you, whether for personal, professional, or international business use.

Why look for an alternative to Venmo?

Venmo It remains very popular, especially for its simplicity and social focus, where you can easily send and receive money with friends, family, or even in group activities. However, it has some drawbacks. major limitations which make many people think about other options:

• Privacy can be improved: Transactions are public by default and anyone can see them unless you change the setting.
• Limits on transfersFor unverified users, the weekly limit is $999,99. Even after verification, there are limits per transaction per week.
• Only available in the USA.: Venmo does not allow international transfers.
• Commissions on certain transactions: Using credit cards carries a 3% surcharge, and there are other fees for instant transfers.

Also, Venmo collects and stores personal data such as your name, email, location, and payment details, even for years, although it does not sell them to third parties for advertising. All of this, in addition to The lack of protection on some payments and the inability to cancel transfers once sent, causing many to look for more robust, versatile, or international alternatives to Venmo.

Top Venmo Alternatives: An In-Depth Comparison

There is a wide variety of apps and digital payment services that can replace Venmo or complement it depending on your needs. Let's analyze the features, pros, and cons of Venmo alternatives one by one.

Zelle: instant, fee-free payments

Zelle It is one of the preferred options for those who already have accounts in American banks.It allows you to transfer money between bank accounts in minutes and at no cost. It's integrated into the apps of over a thousand major US banks, so you can probably use it without installing anything new.

• Advantages: Instant transfers, completely free of charge, and no need to open a new account if your bank supports it. Advanced banking security.
• Disadvantages: It only works in the US, lacks buyer/seller protection, and is prone to fraud if not used responsibly. International transfers are not possible, and there is no easy recourse for incorrect payments.

perfecto para: Split expenses and payments among friends and family, who prioritize speed and zero fees within the U.S.

PayPal: The global digital payments giant

PayPal It is the classic international option for secure transfers and online purchases, both nationally and internationally. With a presence in 200 countries and millions of active users, PayPal offers both personal payments and advanced features for businesses.

• Advantages: Robust security, buyer and seller protection, business tools, and multi-currency transfers and payments.
• Disadvantages: Fees are somewhat high in some cases, especially when receiving international payments or for business transactions. Accounts may be blocked due to disputes or security alerts, and resolution may take a long time.

Ideal for: Global payments, online businesses, freelancers, and those who need extra protection during transactions.

Cash App: Fast payments and investment options

If we are talking about alternatives to Venmo, we have to mention Cash App, especially popular among young people and freelancers in the United StatesOne of the best alternatives to Venmo. It's easy to use, lets you send and receive money quickly, and adds features like buy stocks or Bitcoin directly from the appPlus, you can get a free physical debit card for your everyday purchases.

• Advantages: No fees for standard transfers, the ability to invest in cryptocurrencies and stocks, and an intuitive interface.
• Disadvantages: It charges for instant transfers and international transactions, is limited to the U.S., has poor customer service, and there are complaints about account freezes.

Recommended for: Those looking for more than just transfers, who want to invest, or who want a flexible, all-in-one alternative.

Meta Pay (Facebook Messenger): payments from the social network

Target Pay allows you to send money directly from Facebook, Messenger and InstagramIt's ideal for those who already use these networks and want to pay or get paid without leaving their usual chats. Just link your debit card or PayPal to your account.

• Advantages: Fast, no fees between people, social integration, no need for additional apps.
• Disadvantages: Currently only available to users in the US, with no support for direct bank transfers or advanced business options.

Good option for: Informal, small-dollar payments between friends using social media. Very convenient for splitting bills into social plans.

Payoneer: A solution for international businesses and freelancers

Another of the best alternatives to Venmo is Payoneer, specialized in international payments and collectionsIt allows you to hold accounts in multiple currencies, receive money from clients around the world, and manage mass payments for online businesses. It also offers a prepaid Mastercard.

• Advantages: Multi-currency, allowing withdrawals in multiple countries, integration with major marketplaces and freelance platforms, and advanced management and reporting.
• Disadvantages: Fees vary depending on the type of transaction and currency, annual maintenance fees in some cases, and are not recommended for payments between individuals or small amounts.

The best ally for: Businesses, self-employed individuals, and freelancers who collect payments from international clients, sell online, or require cross-border payments.

Stripe: Designed for online businesses and developers

Stripe It is the favorite alternative for online stores and technology startupsIts strength lies in its tools for accepting card payments, subscriptions, international sales, and professional invoicing, all fully customizable with developer APIs.

• Advantages: Powerful platform, maximum flexibility, accepts payments in over 135 currencies, clear pricing with no hidden costs, PCI compliance.
• Disadvantages: It's not suitable for informal payments between individuals; it requires technical knowledge to get the most out of it, and customer service can become overloaded during peak demand periods.

Recommended for: Online stores, SaaS/membership businesses, growing businesses, and those requiring custom payment systems.

Wise: Affordable and transparent international transfers

More alternatives to Venmo: Wise (formerly TransferWise) stands out for its transparency and savings in international transfersIt always uses the real exchange rate and charges only a small, visible commission from the outset, making it very competitive with traditional banks and platforms.

• Advantages: Low prices and no surprises, support for dozens of currencies, multi-currency accounts, and prepaid cards for spending abroad. You can compare the cost with other services on their website.
• Disadvantages: It's not focused on domestic payments between individuals; some transfers can take up to two days; and it doesn't have social or physical commerce features.

perfecto para: Those who send money outside the US or Europe, travel or work in different countries, and are looking to save on fees or avoid bank overcharges.

XE Money Transfer: Easy Global Payments

XE Money Transfer It is one of the leading platforms for international transfers. It's therefore a must-have for our selection of the best Venmo alternatives. It lets you send money to more than 130 countries, with low fees and real-time exchange rates. It offers a mobile app and multi-currency accounts.

• Advantages: Affordable payments, complete transparency, ease of use, and the trust of millions of users worldwide. Commission-free with some brokers.
• Disadvantages: It's not valid for domestic payments between individuals; transfers can take up to three days, and payment can only be made by bank transfer.

Very useful for: Those who travel, live, or work abroad, manage payroll, or need to send money to relatives in other countries.

Google Pay: Full integration for everyday payments

Google Pay It is one of the most convenient paid apps for everyday use.One of the most popular alternatives to Venmo. It allows you to send and receive money between individuals, pay in stores with your mobile phone (NFC), and make secure online purchases. It's available for both Android and iOS, although certain features only work on Android.

• Advantages: No fees, easy integration with banks and cards, biometric recognition and tokenization for maximum security, and compatibility with the entire Google ecosystem.
• Disadvantages: Limited availability by country, lacks social features like Venmo, and some options are Android-only.

Practical for: Everyday payments, those seeking maximum simplicity, and frequent users of Google services.

Tips for choosing your Venmo alternative

Before deciding between the different Venmo alternatives, compare these key points to make the right choice:

• Commissions: Not all platforms have the same surcharges. Check if there are any fees for standard, instant, or international transfers.
• FeaturesAre you just looking for basic transfers? Are you interested in billing, subscriptions, investing, or business payments? Each app excels in different areas.
• Security and privacyMake sure it includes two-factor authentication, encryption, and strict data protection policies. Always read the privacy policy and how long they retain your information.
• International support: If your work or personal life requires moving money between countries, prioritize solutions like Wise, Payoneer or Make a Bizum for someone without an account.
• User profile: Choosing an app for friends is not the same as choosing one for managing sales in your company. Adapt the platform to your case.

It's always a good idea to consider ease of use and speed of transactions, which are key aspects of everyday life. This is a key point when choosing the best Venmo alternatives.