Trustly vs PayPal – Similarities and differences

If you’re in the UK and looking for hassle-free ways to move money online, both PayPal and Trustly are solid options. Whether it’s shopping, paying bills, or transferring funds, they offer quicker, more flexible alternatives to traditional bank transfers and card payments.

PayPal has been a staple for years, but Trustly is quickly catching up—especially among users who prefer to cut out the middleman and pay directly from their bank account. It’s become especially popular for money transfers related to online casinos and gambling platforms, where speed, privacy, and simplicity are essential. For example, many now choose to deposit with Trustly at iGaming sites because it lets them fund their casino accounts instantly using their online banking credentials—no sign-ups or wallet top-ups needed. Thanks to open banking tech, Trustly keeps your personal details with your bank, not with the casino or third-party services.

So how does Trustly really compare to PayPal? And which one suits your day-to-day spending best?

Let’s break it down.

How they work

Trustly connects directly with your bank to initiate transfers, without the need to create an account. You simply select your bank, log in through the secure interface, and approve the payment. The funds move instantly or within a few hours, depending on the bank.

PayPal, on the other hand, acts as an intermediary. You set up an account, link your bank or card, and use your PayPal credentials to pay. It adds a layer between your bank and the merchant, which some users find reassuring.

Here’s a quick comparison of how each operates:

• Trustly requires no separate account or wallet
  
• PayPal requires registration and login for each transaction
  
• Trustly uses your bank’s login system for authorisation
  
• PayPal stores and manages your payment methods within the platform
  

More on how this works can be found in this guide to open banking.

Security and privacy

Both Trustly and PayPal use encryption and fraud protection, but they approach it differently.

Trustly never stores your login details or banking info, which is why it’s popular among users concerned with data security. It also complies with the UK’s open banking regulations and is authorised by the FCA.

PayPal does store your information but keeps it encrypted and protected behind multiple security layers. Plus, PayPal offers added buyer protection, which covers eligible purchases in case something goes wrong with your order.

If you’re comparing these two from a privacy-first point of view, Trustly might edge ahead for those wanting to limit how much of their data is shared. Because payments are authorised through your bank directly—without setting up a separate account—there’s less exposure to third-party storage. PayPal, on the other hand, keeps your information saved within its platform, which many users appreciate for convenience, but it does involve holding more personal and financial data. To better understand how modern banking tools handle privacy, this article on data minimisation in fintech provides a useful overview.

To better understand how modern banking tools handle privacy, this article on data minimisation in fintech gives a useful breakdown.

Fees and accessibility

For most users in the UK, using PayPal for everyday purchases is free. However, there are charges for currency conversions, business accounts, and some personal transfers.

Trustly, in contrast, doesn’t charge users directly. That said, not all merchants or platforms support it yet, so its usability depends on where you’re trying to make a payment.

• PayPal is widely accepted, both domestically and internationally
  
• Trustly is growing quickly in the UK and Europe, but has more limited reach
  
• PayPal may incur fees depending on the type of transaction
  
• Trustly tends to have fewer user-facing costs
  

You can find more info on how payment fees work in this overview of transaction fees.

Ease of use and speed

Trustly is often praised for how fast it moves money. Since it’s a bank-to-bank system, there are fewer steps. Once you’re logged into your bank and have approved the payment, the money usually arrives quickly—often instantly.

PayPal adds a few extra clicks, but many people are used to it and find it simple. Plus, it stores your details, so you don’t have to type in long card numbers or banking info every time.

If speed is your top priority, especially for one-off payments or instant deposits, Trustly might come out on top. And when it comes to ease of use, both services make online transactions more efficient—but your choice could also help you save money depending on the type of payment you’re making and any potential hidden fees.

Which one is better for you

The best choice depends on your priorities:

• Go with PayPal if you want widespread acceptance, buyer protection, and a platform that works across nearly all online stores.
  
• Try Trustly if you value speed, fewer intermediaries, and don’t want to create yet another account.

Both are secure, convenient, and reliable—but they serve slightly different needs.

Conclusion

Trustly and PayPal both offer valuable benefits for UK users, whether you’re shopping online, making business payments, or handling personal transfers. PayPal’s global footprint and buyer protection make it ideal for regular online shoppers, while Trustly’s simplicity and speed appeal to those who want direct, secure bank payments with no sign-up required.

If you’re someone who prefers to skip the fuss and use your online banking directly, Trustly is well worth considering. But for established platforms, apps, and international transfers, PayPal is still one of the most flexible tools available.

Both have a place in your digital wallet—it’s just about knowing when to use which.