PayPal

Overviewanchor

Braintree offers a few options when accepting PayPal payments. Choose whether you would like to use our Drop-in UI or a custom integration. Learn more about Drop-in UI.

Vaulted Payments vs. One-Time Payments vs. Recurring Paymentsanchor

When integrating PayPal, you can choose between One-Time Payments, Vaulted Payments, or Recurring Payments, depending on your business model and user experience needs:

  • One-Time Payments: This flow allows customers to complete a single payment without storing their payment method. Use this integration for infrequent payments with higher average order value (AOV), typically physical goods purchases.
  • Vaulted Payments: This flow securely saves a customer’s payment method for seamless future payments. Use this integration for high-frequency, low-AOV payments, such as delivery apps or services that bridge online-to-offline experiences.
  • Recurring Payments: This flow enables customers to set up recurring payments using PayPal Checkout, reducing friction for ongoing purchases. Use this integration for businesses offering subscriptions or automated billing.

Feature

One-Time Checkout

Vaulted Purchases

Recurring Payments

Use Case

Infrequent payments, higher AOV, physical goods.

High-frequency, low-AOV purchases such as delivery apps and ride-sharing.

Subscriptions, memberships, automated billing.

Payment Method Storage

Not stored.

Stored for future purchases.

Stored for recurring billing.

User Experience

Customer completes a single purchase without saving payment info.

Customer saves payment method for seamless future payments.

Customer authorizes recurring payments upfront.

Ideal for

Retail, e-commerce, one-time payments.

Food delivery, ride-hailing, marketplace platforms.

Streaming services, SaaS purchases, utility payments.

Checkout Experience

One-click PayPal Checkout.

One-click or seamless payments after initial authorization.

User agrees to recurring billing terms at checkout.


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