Should I buy PayPal stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our experts have been monitoring PayPal’s performance for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the United States rely on us to analyze market trends and highlight the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by PayPal.

What is PayPal?

How much is PayPal stock?

The price of PayPal stock is rising this week. As of now, PayPal trades at $67.24 per share, up $1.83 (+2.80%) over the past 24 hours and showing a 2.91% gain for the week. The company’s market capitalization stands at $65.39 billion, with an average daily trading volume of 13.05 million shares over the past three months. PayPal currently posts a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.08, does not pay a dividend, and shows a beta of 1.45, suggesting higher volatility compared to the overall market. These figures highlight both active investor interest and a higher risk profile, offering dynamic opportunities for those attuned to stock market movements.

Our full analysis on PayPal stock

Having thoroughly reviewed PayPal Holdings’ most recent quarterly financials, examined the trajectory of PYPL shares over the past three years, and aggregated multiple sources of market analysis—including technical signals, peer benchmarks, and proprietary valuation algorithms—we see substantial reasons for renewed attention. Despite a complex backdrop, PayPal is showing marked operational resilience and evolving strength within the competitive landscape of digital payments. So, why might PayPal stock once again become a strategic entry point into fintech for investors positioning for 2025 and beyond?

Recent Performance and Market Context

PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ: PYPL) is emerging from a period of pronounced volatility, but recent movements offer encouraging signs. As of May 3, 2025, the stock is trading at $67.24, reflecting a notable +2.80% pop in a single session and +2.91% gain over the past week. Notably, PYPL has turned positive over the past year (+2.34%), following a challenging six months that saw the stock correct by -24.09%. Such a backdrop often sets the stage for renewed investor interest, particularly as market sentiment stabilizes.

The closure of the SEC’s investigation into PayPal’s USD stablecoin without enforcement action relieves a significant regulatory overhang, strengthening investor confidence. Meanwhile, the broader fintech sector is benefiting from a rebound in U.S. consumer activity and greater adoption of digital payment solutions worldwide. Persistent macro themes—rising e-commerce, digital financial inclusion, and technological innovation—continue to serve as tailwinds, amplifying the relevance of scalable players such as PayPal.

Operationally, PayPal is hitting key milestones: Q1 2025 results delivered a robust EPS beat ($1.33 Non-GAAP vs. $1.16 expected), and transaction margin dollars climbed 7% year-over-year to $3.7 billion, signaling improved profitability despite only modest top-line growth (+1% YoY revenue). The growth of Venmo, with a 20% surge in revenue and strategic new merchant partnerships (including Starbucks and DoorDash), spotlights PayPal’s capacity for targeted expansion within a hypercompetitive landscape.

Technical Analysis

The technical configuration for PayPal is nuanced yet increasingly constructive for opportunistic investors. The Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14) is neutral at 52, indicating neither overbought nor oversold conditions—a foundation often supporting a well-timed accumulation phase. Moreover, the short-term bullish momentum is evident: with the price rising above its 20-day EMA ($64.18), the short-term technical structure shows renewed buying interest. This “early strength” is frequently an important precursor to more sustained rallies—especially for stocks emerging from prolonged drawdowns.

Admittedly, the longer-term moving averages send a more cautious message: PYPL remains below its 50-day ($67.60), 100-day ($71.71), and 200-day ($71.28) EMAs, with a “death cross” on the chart (where the 50-day MA dips below the 200-day MA). However, such technical setups can signal mature downside risk and set the foundation for subsequent reversals, particularly when reinforced by improving fundamentals and market catalysts.

Key trading ranges are forming: the stock is carving out a support base around $64.26–$62.67, with immediate resistance at $66.71 and $67.57. The recent ability to reclaim the $67.24 level, closing above both support and the critical short-term moving average, points to an incipient bullish reversal. Seasoned market participants frequently view such structures as fertile ground for a re-rating, should execution and newsflow remain positive in the months ahead.

Fundamental Analysis

PayPal’s robust fundamentals underpin the case for renewed optimism. Q1 2025 showcased remarkable profitability improvements: GAAP EPS advanced 56% year-over-year, complemented by substantial growth in transaction margin dollars (+7%) and free cash flow ($1.0 billion). Despite only a 1% revenue uptick, management’s emphasis on operational efficiency, margin enhancement, and high-value segment focus is driving durable earnings power.

Valuation is increasingly compelling. With a trailing P/E of 15.08 and an even lower forward P/E of 13.08, PYPL trades at a meaningful discount to both its historic multiples and key fintech peers—especially when considering its global scale and brand recognition. Market consensus encapsulates this disconnect, with analysts targeting an average price near $87.41—a potential +30% upside from current levels.

Strategically, PayPal’s innovation engine continues to fire. The company is focused on transforming into the leading global commerce platform. Branded checkout modernization—now powering nearly half of all U.S. transactions—and a 90% year-over-year surge in first-time debit card users underscore PayPal’s relevance among both consumers and merchants. The Venmo franchise, which delivered $75.9 billion in quarterly payment volume (+10% YoY), is a testament to PayPal’s adaptability and power to drive ecosystem network effects amid new entrants and rising competition from firms such as Apple and Shopify.

Volume and Liquidity

Market confidence is further reflected in PYPL’s liquidity profile. Average daily trading volume stands at an impressive 13.05 million shares over the past three months—a testament to robust institutional participation and agile price discovery. Institutional ownership commands approximately 79.44% of the float, sending a powerful signal: prominent asset managers are maintaining conviction in PayPal’s long-term strategy and capital allocation discipline.

The broad, liquid float (969.6 million shares) is well-suited to dynamic valuation shifts, whether driven by macro flows or earnings surprises. For individual and institutional investors alike, this degree of market depth reduces transaction costs and enables swift entries or exits around emerging information, further enhancing PYPL’s appeal as a cornerstone fintech holding for diversified portfolios.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

• Venmo Monetization & Ecosystem Expansion: With Venmo revenue expanding 20% year-over-year, and new merchant partnerships translating to accelerating payments volume, PayPal is translating user growth into actionable monetization at scale.
• Branded Checkout Leadership: Over 45% of branded U.S. checkout transactions are powered by PayPal’s optimized technology, creating a strong barrier to entry and persistent value for merchants.
• Digital Debit Card Adoption: Nearly two million first-time debit card users in a single quarter (+90% YoY) signals potent organic traction and deepening user engagement.
• Stablecoin/crypto innovation: With regulatory headwinds easing post-SEC investigation and active expansion of crypto-enabled products, PayPal is positioning itself aggressively within emerging payment rails poised for future growth.
• Profitability Transformation: Management’s efficiency focus is generating a positive operating leverage effect, expanding margins even as revenue growth remains subdued—a dynamic often underappreciated in late-stage fintech names.
• ESG Progress: Ongoing advancements in responsible digital finance further align the company with institutional mandates emphasizing sustainability and inclusive growth.

In the broader context, the digital payments landscape is enjoying a resurgence, driven by post-pandemic shifts in consumer behavior, a cycle of global monetary policy stabilization, and renewed appetite for high-quality, cash-generative technology stocks.

Investment Strategies

• Short-term Tactical Entry: The stock’s breach of key support, coupled with its recapture of the 20-day EMA, suggests the potential for a short-term rally toward the next resistance band ($67.57 and higher). Traders seeking event-driven opportunities may look to earnings momentum, positive newsflow on partnerships, or incremental macro data as near-term catalysts.
• Medium-term Positioning: PYPL’s undemanding valuation profile and visible profitability ramp-up justify renewed interest as the company approaches its anticipated Q2 and FY2025 targets. The closing of regulatory inquiries and expansion into new payment segments (stablecoin, branded checkout, debit cards) create a base for outperformance over the next several quarters.
• Long-term Anchoring: With a global active user base of 436 million, enduring brand equity, and substantial free cash generation, PayPal is well-positioned for multi-year compounding. For investors seeking strategic exposure to fintech innovation and digital commerce’s long-term tailwinds, PYPL’s current price levels appear to represent an excellent opportunity to average in or augment core positions, especially ahead of potential inflection points in revenue reacceleration.

Importantly, the ongoing focus on operating efficiency provides a downside buffer, while the platform’s continued technological evolution presents significant optionality for future growth.

Is It the Right Time to Buy PayPal?

PayPal stands at a compelling crossroads: operating execution is translating into robust profitability gains, the company is innovating relentlessly (from Venmo’s advance to digital asset solutions), and the stock now trades at a valuation that may significantly discount its true long-term potential. The combination of strong recurring cash flow, an actively engaged user base, and a top-tier fintech brand sets the stage for a new bullish phase—especially as management remains laser-focused on strategic transformation and market share defense.

While some caution is warranted due to modest revenue growth and persistent competitive pressures, the closing of key regulatory concerns, acceleration in high-margin segments, and consistently strong market liquidity collectively create a highly attractive environment for investors seeking best-in-class digital payments exposure. The fundamentals justify renewed interest, the technicals hint at an incipient reversal, and the near-term catalysts are numerous and credible.

Investors evaluating fintech opportunities for 2025 may find that PayPal represents an excellent entry point—combining operational momentum, attractive valuation, and strategic optionality that could deliver outsized returns as the sector recovers its footing. As this new chapter unfolds, PayPal’s blend of discipline, innovation, and market reach could once again make it an anchor position in any tech-forward portfolio.

For those seeking exposure to the future of digital finance, few opportunities appear as timely or as fundamentally grounded as PayPal at these levels.

How to buy PayPal stock in United States?

Buying PayPal stock (PYPL) online is both straightforward and secure when you use a regulated U.S. broker. Whether you prefer direct ownership of the shares (“spot buying”) or want to speculate using contracts for difference (CFDs), today’s modern platforms let you invest in just a few clicks, with clear access to market data and risk management tools. Spot buying lets you become a partial owner of PayPal, while CFDs allow you to trade on price movements with leverage—potentially increasing both risks and opportunities. To make the right choice, it’s important to compare brokers’ fees and services, which we review further down this page.

Spot Buying

Spot buying means you purchase real PayPal shares, becoming a shareholder entitled to potential price gains and voting rights. With most U.S. brokers, you’ll pay a flat commission per trade, often ranging from $0 to $10 depending on the platform.

Example

For example, if PayPal is trading at $67.24 per share, a $1,000 investment (after a $5 commission) allows you to buy about 14 shares:
$1,000 - $5 = $995 → $995 / $67.24 ≈ 14 shares.

• ✔️ Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your 14 shares will be worth $1,100.
  Result: That’s a $100 gross gain, or +10% on your initial investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on PayPal’s stock price without owning the underlying shares. Instead, you open a position that mirrors PayPal’s price movements. There’s typically no flat commission; instead, you pay a spread (the difference between buy & sell prices). If you hold a CFD overnight, you’ll also incur small daily financing costs.

Example

Let’s say you invest $1,000 with 5x leverage on PayPal CFDs. That means your market exposure is $5,000.

• ✔️ Gain scenario: If PayPal’s stock rises 8%, your CFD position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
  Result: This equals a $400 gain on your $1,000 deposit (not including fees)—but remember, losses are magnified similarly.

Final Advice

Before you invest, carefully compare brokerage fees, trading conditions, and platform features. Review spreads, commissions, minimum deposits, and any account maintenance charges—our broker comparison tool below can help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, the choice between buying shares directly or trading CFDs depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance: buy-and-hold investors may favor spot buying, while active traders often prefer the flexibility and leverage of CFDs.

Application

Rates & Fees

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#1

30+ million users

#1Recommended by Forbes

eToro

Rates & Fees

4.9

Discover

51% of CFD accounts lose money. You will never lose more than your investment.

#2

CFD and Indices Expert

#2

IG

Rates & Fees

4.9

Discover

74% of CFD accounts lose money. Your capital is at risk.

#3

CFD specialist

#3

Avatrade

Rates & Fees

4.8

On the broker's website

Our 7 tips for buying PayPal stock

The latest news about PayPal

PayPal’s Q1 2025 earnings exceeded analyst expectations on profit, with GAAP EPS up 56% year-over-year. The company reported a non-GAAP EPS of $1.33, distinctly surpassing consensus forecasts of $1.16 and demonstrating robust margin expansion. GAAP EPS reached $1.29, reflecting a remarkable 56% jump compared to the prior year, underscoring PayPal’s successful operational cost controls and focus on higher-quality revenue streams. This profit outperformance, achieved despite slightly missing on top-line revenue estimates by 1%, signals strong underlying profitability and disciplined management execution, which has been favorably received by U.S. market participants.

Venmo continues to deliver exceptional growth, propelling PayPal’s position in the U.S. peer-to-peer payments landscape. Venmo posted a 20% year-over-year increase in revenue and a 10% rise in transaction volume to $75.9 billion for Q1 2025, cementing its relevance among U.S. consumers. The mobile payment app’s growing merchant acceptance—recently expanded through partnerships with DoorDash, Starbucks, and Ticketmaster—broadens its ecosystem, supports monetization, and enhances PayPal’s competitive advantage in America’s digital payments space.

SEC investigation into PayPal’s stablecoin offering concluded with no enforcement action, clearing regulatory uncertainty. The completion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s review regarding PayPal’s launch of its USD stablecoin removes a major overhang and reflects a constructive regulatory environment for PayPal’s crypto initiatives. This outcome provides assurance for investors, promotes confidence around PayPal’s continued innovation in digital assets, and validates its compliance capabilities in the rapidly evolving fintech regulatory framework.

PayPal’s local business momentum is illustrated by growth in branded checkout and a surge in debit card usage in the U.S. Over 45% of branded checkout activity in the United States now leverages PayPal’s upgraded experience, signaling strong merchant and consumer adoption. The company also recorded nearly two million first-time PayPal and Venmo debit card users in Q1 2025—up 90% year-on-year—underscoring traction in card-based spending and brand stickiness among American customers. These trends suggest a broadening of PayPal’s user base and deepening integration into everyday commerce.

Guidance for 2025 remains robust, with management maintaining improving profitability targets amid global macroeconomic uncertainty. PayPal upheld its full-year 2025 non-GAAP EPS guidance of $4.95–$5.10, indicating 6–10% growth, despite acknowledging modest revenue expansion and a challenging global landscape. The steady guidance—backstopped by strong U.S. fundamentals, continued innovation, and platform transformation efforts—supports a cautiously optimistic outlook and reflects management’s confidence in delivering value to shareholders.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.