Comparison

A PayPal invoicing alternative — free invoices, no account, no per-payment fee

PayPal invoicing is handy if you want clients to pay you inside PayPal — but it ties the invoice to a PayPal account and usually takes a transaction fee on every payment you receive.

1nvoic3 is invoicing-first. Create a clean, HMRC-ready invoice in under a minute — free, with no signup and no card — then get paid however you like. No cut taken from your payment. Upgrade to Pro (£9.99/mo) only when you want to drop the watermark and unlock premium templates.

Honest comparison

We have kept this fair: 1nvoic3 makes invoices, PayPal also processes the payment. Where a PayPal figure changes over time (like exact fees), we say “varies” rather than guess. Always check PayPal's current fees and terms before deciding.

Feature1nvoic3PayPal invoicing
Primary purposeInvoicing & quotes, first and foremostPayments platform with invoicing built in
Create an invoice with no account or signupYes — no signup, no cardPayPal account required
Download a professional PDF invoice for freeYes — free foreverGeared to sending via PayPal to get paid
Fee charged on each paymentNone — we don't process your paymentsTransaction fee per payment (varies)
You choose how the client pays youYes — bank transfer, card link, cash, anythingDesigned around paying via PayPal
HMRC-ready invoice format (UK)Yes — built for the UKGeneric invoice, not UK-specific
Remove provider watermark / brandingNo watermark on Pro (£9.99/mo)Invoices carry PayPal branding
AI Fill — build an invoice by chat, voice or photoYes, on Pro (£9.99/mo)Not available
Best fitAnyone who wants a clean invoice and to choose how they get paidPeople who want to collect payment through PayPal

PayPal is a trademark of its respective owner. 1nvoic3 is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, PayPal. Fees, features and terms change over time — check PayPal's official site for current details.

1nvoic3 is for you if…

  • You want a professional invoice without opening or linking a PayPal account.
  • You'd rather not lose a transaction fee on every payment you receive.
  • You want to choose how you get paid — bank transfer, card link, cash.
  • You need a clean, HMRC-ready invoice for the UK in under a minute.
  • You like the idea of AI Fill drafting an invoice from chat, voice or a photo.

Stick with PayPal invoicing if…

  • You specifically want clients to pay you inside PayPal.
  • Your clients already use PayPal and expect to pay that way.
  • You want PayPal's payment handling tied directly to the invoice.
  • Collecting the payment matters more than the invoice itself.

We would rather point you to the right tool than oversell. If getting paid through PayPal is the priority, its built-in invoicing is convenient.

Frequently asked questions

Can I send an invoice without a PayPal account?

Yes. 1nvoic3 lets you create and download a professional, HMRC-ready invoice with no PayPal account, no other signup and no card. You then send the PDF to your client and get paid however you both prefer — bank transfer, a card payment link, or any other method.

Does 1nvoic3 charge a fee on payments like PayPal does?

No. 1nvoic3 is an invoicing tool, not a payments processor, so we do not take a cut of what your client pays you. PayPal invoicing typically charges a transaction fee on each payment received. With 1nvoic3 you decide how you collect payment, so you can avoid per-payment fees entirely if you choose a free method like a bank transfer.

Is 1nvoic3 free?

Yes. You can create and download a professional invoice for free, with no signup. Free invoices include a small 1nvoic3 watermark on the PDF, which the Pro plan (£9.99/mo) removes along with unlocking premium templates.

Is the invoice suitable for UK businesses and HMRC?

Yes. 1nvoic3 produces clear, HMRC-ready invoices designed for UK sole traders and freelancers, including the details you are expected to show on a UK invoice. You can keep the PDF as part of your records.

When would PayPal invoicing still be the better choice?

If you specifically want your clients to pay you inside PayPal — for example because they already use it, or you want PayPal's buyer/seller handling — then PayPal's built-in invoicing is convenient. 1nvoic3 is the better fit when you want a free, professional invoice and the freedom to get paid however you like.

Just need to send an invoice? Start free.

Create a professional, HMRC-ready invoice in under 60 seconds. No PayPal account, no signup, no card.

Create your free invoice