5 reasons why I migrated to PayPal instead of Stripe for Mock-API.net

#paypal #stripe #payments

5 reasons why I migrated to PayPal instead of Stripe for https://Mock-API.net

When I first launched Mock-API.net, I chose Stripe for its developer-friendly API and robust subscription support. But very quickly I hit a roadblock: Stripe requires a registered legal entity before you can collect any payments. For a one-person indie project still testing product-market fit, that barrier just didn’t make sense.

Switching to PayPal was a game-changer. Here are the five key reasons I decided to make the move:

1. No legal entity required

PayPal lets you collect recurring payments using just your personal account. No incorporation, no paperwork, no delay—my users could subscribe the same day I flipped the switch.

2. Built-in subscription plans

Setting up a “$5/month Unlimited Mock APIs” plan in PayPal took under five minutes. Everything from trial periods to billing cycles is configurable in the dashboard—no extra code or third-party plugins needed.

3. Familiar brand & user trust

Many developers already have PayPal accounts. Seeing a familiar checkout flow increases confidence, reduces drop-off, and ultimately leads to more conversions, especially on day one when I had zero marketing momentum.

4. Lower transaction fees for small volumes

With just a handful of early adopters, PayPal’s fee structure (2.9% + $0.30) ended up slightly cheaper for my low-volume setup. That extra margin helps me reinvest in the product.

5. Rapid integration & maintenance

Switching over took under an hour. I simply swapped my payment button, updated a few environment variables, and tested the webhook flow. Maintaining the integration has been just as painless—PayPal’s dashboard handles the heavy lifting.

Switching to PayPal unlocked revenue from my very first users—no legal entity required, zero friction, and a trusted checkout experience. If you’re building a side project or MVP and need to start charging fast, give PayPal a try!

🙏 Got questions or feedback on my migration journey?