SPONDULA VS PAYPAL VS WISE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Introduction

When it comes to global payments, most people default to:

• PayPal

• Wise

Both have made international payments easier.

But they’re built on similar foundations.

And in 2026, a new model is emerging.

Spondula represents that shift.

So how do they actually compare?

The Three Payment Models Explained

To understand the difference, you need to look at the underlying models.

1. PayPal (Platform-Based Payments)

Built as a digital layer on top of banking.

• holds funds

• manages risk internally

• controls access

2. Wise (Optimised Bank Transfers)

Built to improve bank-to-bank transfers.

• better FX rates

• more transparency

• still relies on banks

3. Spondula (Identity + Wallet-Based Payments)

Built around:

• digital wallets

• @handle identity

• simplified global infrastructure

1. Payment Simplicity

PayPal

• requires account/email

• still involves steps

Wise

• requires full bank details

Spondula

• uses @handle

Simplest input = lowest friction

2. Speed of Payments

PayPal

• fast internally

• slower cross-border

Wise

• efficient but tied to bank speeds

Spondula

• reduces layers

• designed for faster transfers

Related: see Instant International Payments: What’s Real and What’s Not

3. Fees and Hidden Costs

PayPal

• transaction fees

• FX margins

• withdrawal costs

Wise

• transparent fees

• competitive FX

• still incurs conversion costs