[PayPal] Send small amount to friend?

[Winfried]

Hello

I'd like to send a small amount of money to a friend. I can use my bank to transfer money for free, but wanted to check what/if PayPal has something to offer.

I'm not clear about when, or even if, PayPal takes a commission in the case where we use non-business PayPal accounts:

• Is it if the originator uses a credit card to send money (if he doesn't have a PayPal account) or fill their PayPal account?
• Is it when PayPal transfers the money from the credit card or originating PayPal account to the recipient's PayPal account?
• Is it when the recipient transfers the money from his PayPal account to a bank account?

Bottom line: Is PayPal a possible solution to send money for free, or is there a commission at some point?

Seems to me that it's a bit stupid to rely on bank accounts if we can send each other money provided we both have a PayPal account.

Thank you.

 

[Websitehandyman]

Send as a gift free.

 

[Winfried]

Thanks but I'd like to understand how PayPal works, and when it charges a commission.

I intend to add some way to be paid for software online, so need to understand how online processors work.

 

[owas]

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_display-receiving-fees-outside&nav=2.0.5

 

[Winfried]

Thanks but I need more information.

"It’s free to send money to friends and family when you use your PayPal balance or bank account as your funding source. [...] If you use a debit or credit card to fund your payment to friends and family, fees will apply. Fees also apply if the money you send is to pay for goods or services."

=> So I will pay if...
1. the friend has a non-business PayPal account (ie. individual instead of merchant), and
2. I use a bank card (credit or debit) to send money instead of either using a bank transfer or using money that I already have on my PayPal account (provided I do have a PayPal account to begin with)
?

In case I want to have a PayPal account, do I have to pay to fill it with money (through either a bank transfer or my bank card) or is it free?

"The standard rate for receiving payments for goods and services is 3.4%."

Is this for PayPal merchant accounts? IOW, PayPal offers two types of accounts to receive money: individuals and merchants?

Thank you.