# PayPal REST API

**Provider:** PayPal
**Category:** payments
**Base URL:** `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2`
**Auth:** oauth2 — `Authorization: Bearer <access_token>`
**Rate Limit:** 30 requests/s per token
**Free Tier:** Yes — available
**Pricing:** Pay per use (pay-as-you-go)
**Docs:** https://developer.paypal.com/docs/api/overview

## Description

PayPal's REST API enables global payment acceptance via PayPal balance, credit/debit cards, Venmo, and BNPL options. Create one-time payment orders, recurring subscriptions, invoice buyers, and process payouts to sellers or contractors worldwide.

## Endpoints

| Method | Endpoint | Description |
|--------|----------|-------------|
| POST | `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/checkout/orders` | Create a payment order |
| GET | `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/checkout/orders/{id}` | Get order details |
| POST | `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/checkout/orders/{id}/capture` | Capture an approved order |
| POST | `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/billing/subscriptions` | Create a subscription |
| POST | `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/payments/payouts` | Send mass payouts |
| POST | `https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/invoicing/invoices` | Create an invoice |

## Authentication

Use OAuth 2.0 client credentials. Exchange client_id + secret for an access_token, then pass it as a Bearer token.

```
Authorization: Bearer <access_token>
```

## Sample Request

```bash
# Step 1: Get access token
curl https://api-m.paypal.com/v1/oauth2/token \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -u "$CLIENT_ID:$CLIENT_SECRET" \
  -d "grant_type=client_credentials"

# Step 2: Create order
curl https://api-m.paypal.com/v2/checkout/orders \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ACCESS_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"intent":"CAPTURE","purchase_units":[{"amount":{"currency_code":"USD","value":"100.00"}}]}'
```

## Sample Response

```json
{
  "id": "5O190127TN364715T",
  "status": "CREATED",
  "links": [{
    "href": "https://www.paypal.com/checkoutnow?token=5O190127TN364715T",
    "rel": "approve",
    "method": "GET"
  }]
}
```

## Pricing Details

Standard: 3.49% + $0.49 (PayPal checkout). Cards: 2.99% + $0.49. Venmo: 3.49% + $0.49. No monthly fee, sandbox environment is free.

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*Source: [API Map](https://apimap.dev/apis/paypal/) — CC BY 4.0*