Stripe vs. PayPal for Coaches and Course Creators
If you’re setting up your first course or coaching offer, one of the first questions is:
How do I actually get paid?
You’ll probably hear two names come up over and over again:
Stripe and PayPal.
Both are widely used. Both are legit. Both can get money into your account.
But they do have some key differences — and depending on how you run your business, one might make more sense than the other.
This post breaks it down simply so you can choose and move on (without falling into a tech spiral).
What Both Platforms Have in Common
Before we get into the differences, here’s what Stripe and PayPal both do well:
Accept credit and debit card payments
Connect to platforms like Squarespace, Teachable, Kajabi, etc.
Work internationally (with some limitations by country)
Offer secure, trusted payment processing
Charge similar transaction fees (usually 2.9% + 30¢ per sale)
You don’t need both to start.
And you don’t need to hire a developer.
Most website platforms have a plug-and-play setup that lets you connect one or the other in minutes.
So — how do you choose?
Stripe: The Pro Behind-the-Scenes
Best for: Coaches or creators who want a sleek, seamless checkout experience and don’t need customers to log into anything extra.
Pros:
Customers stay on your site (no PayPal redirect)
Fully customizable checkout options
Integrated with most modern platforms (like Squarespace’s checkout)
Can handle subscriptions, payment plans, coupons, and more
Automatically deposits into your bank account
Cons:
No built-in “Pay with PayPal” button (some customers prefer it)
Not everyone has heard of Stripe (even though it’s secure)
Slightly more setup if you’re not using a site builder
Good to know:
If you’re building your course site with Squarespace, Stripe connects directly and offers a clean checkout flow that doesn’t send your customer to another website.
PayPal: Familiar and Trusted by Customers
Best for: Coaches who want the instant trust factor — especially if your audience is global or skews toward casual buyers.
Pros:
Brand recognition (lots of people already have PayPal)
Buyer protection features some customers like
Easy for clients to send money peer-to-peer
Can also process credit cards (even if buyer doesn’t have PayPal)
Cons:
Customers are taken off your site to pay
Sometimes holds funds if they flag your account as “high risk”
Refunds and disputes can lean toward the buyer
Interface feels a bit clunky compared to Stripe
Good to know:
If you offer coaching internationally or know your audience uses PayPal often, it can boost conversions — especially for small, one-time offers.
So Which One Should You Use?
If you're just starting out and want simplicity:
Use Stripe with your course or coaching site. It’s clean, fast, and works seamlessly with most platforms.
If your audience is global and prefers PayPal:
Add PayPal as a second option — especially if you’re seeing abandoned carts or support requests about it.
If you're using a tool like Squarespace Commerce or Member Areas:
Stripe is your default. It handles everything without pulling your clients offsite.
If you offer payment plans or subscriptions:
Stripe gives you more control and flexibility.
Can You Use Both?
Yes — and many businesses do.
You can offer Stripe for standard checkout and PayPal as a backup or alternative. Just make sure your site makes the options clear.
But don’t let that be your starting point. Begin with one — whatever feels easiest — and expand later if needed.
Final Thought
Don’t get stuck comparing features you don’t even need yet.
Start with what makes your customer’s experience simple.
Start with what makes your workflow smooth.
And remember — choosing a payment platform is just one small part of launching your offer. The real value comes from what you’re creating.
