PayPal Here Overview
PayPal Here is a mobile credit card processing app and card reader offered by PayPal. It was launched in 2012 as a way for PayPal to compete with Square’s mobile phone processing service. Before the October 2015 EMV switch, PayPal Here consisted of a free mobile app and a free headphone jack card reader that could be used by any merchant with a compatible smartphone. In order to enable merchants to accept EMV chip cards, however, PayPal now offers a standalone chip-and-PIN reader that connects to merchants’ phones and tablets via Bluetooth. Merchants can still obtain a magnetic stripe headphone jack reader from PayPal, but having a magnetic stripe reader alone will not bring a business owner into compliance with the EMV mandate.
PayPal Here’s features include support for up to 1,000 users on a single account, digital invoicing, sales reporting, and inventory management. PayPal can also provide compatible cash drawers, stands, and barcode scanners. PayPal here charges 2.7% per swiped transaction and 3.5% plus $0.15 per keyed-in transaction. The first magnetic swipe reader is provided for free, but additional units cost $14.99. The EMV Bluetooth reader costs $149, but this cost is mitigated in part by a $100 rebate applied to the merchant’s PayPal account after $3,000 has been processed within the first three months. There are no monthly fees or termination fees charged to PayPal Here users.
At a glance
Founded: 2012
Location: San Jose, California
Acquiring bank: Multiple, undisclosed
Website: paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/credit-card-reader
Phone number: 1-888-221-1161
E-mail: Contact form here
PayPal Here Promotional Video
Online reputation and reviews
There are well over 100 PayPal Here complaints to be found on various consumer protection forums. The most commonly cited issues include fund holds and poor customer service. Fund withholding is very common among mobile credit card processors like PayPal Here and Square because any merchant can open an account and start swiping fairly easily, regardless of whether their business is high risk or not. PayPal Here holds the edge over Square, however, by offering phone support for its users. This gives PayPal Here merchants the chance to contact someone directly in the event of an unexpected account freeze.
Legal actions and lawsuits
There are no outstanding or recently resolved legal actions related to PayPal Here at this time.
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