PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American multinational financial technology company that operates an online payment system in most countries, supporting online money transfers and serving as an electronic alternative to traditional paper-based methods such as cheques and money orders. The company acts as a payment processor for online merchants, auction sites, and many other commercial users, charging a fee for its services. PayPal is a global online payment platform, enabling simple, fast, and secure electronic transactions. Founded in 1998, PayPal has become a leading provider of digital payments, with a presence in over 200 markets and more than 400 million active user accounts. PayPal offers the ability to send and receive money, shop online, and provide integrated payment solutions for merchants.

In Hungary, PayPal is particularly important for e-commerce and freelance workers. It offers a fast and secure payment method for online shoppers and is supported by a number of international and domestic online shops. For freelancers and small businesses, PayPal provides an easy and convenient way to receive payments from international customers. Although the Hungarian market is smaller, the use of PayPal is growing dynamically with the spread of digitalisation and online shopping habits.

PayPal is one of the most widely used digital payment instruments in Europe. The EU's single market and free movement between Member States have helped PayPal gain widespread acceptance among consumers and merchants alike. It plays a prominent role in the European e-commerce sector, providing a reliable alternative to and complement to credit card payments, especially for cross-border transactions.

Globally, PayPal is the pioneer and leading player in online payments. The company has a strong presence in the United States, Asia, and Latin America. Its strategic partnerships, such as its previous collaboration with eBay, and its ongoing innovations, such as mobile payment solutions and support for cryptocurrencies, have helped PayPal become a globally recognised and used payment platform. Its role is particularly significant in the development of online commerce and the global freelance economy.