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Bank transfer is probably better if you're doing this regularly. PayPal takes a cut on every transaction and it adds up fast, especially if you're getting paid decent money for jobs. Like if a client sends you $500 through PayPal you're losing like $15-20 depending on the fee structure. Over time that's real money you're just handing over.
That said, PayPal's got its uses. It's faster to set up, clients sometimes already have it, and there's decent buyer/seller protection built in. If you're just starting out and don't have a ton of jobs lined up yet, it might be fine. But once you get steady work I'd push clients toward bank transfer. You keep everything and it clears pretty quick nowadays.
My advice: get a separate business bank account if you haven't already, give clients that info, and use that for transfers. Keeps your personal and work money separated, looks more professional, and you're not getting dinged with fees every time. PayPal can stay as a backup option for clients who really want it, but don't make it your main thing.
Bank transfer is the way to go for regular client work. like others said, PayPal's fees will eat into your income pretty quickly. For legal work especially, you want a clean paper trail and direct documentation of payments, which bank transfers give you automatically. Most clients expect to wire funds anyway, and it looks more professional than requesting PayPal.
Set up a separate business account if you haven't already - keeps your personal and client money compartmentalized, which is important for accounting and if you ever need to show records to a bar association or in a malpractice situation. Get your clients the wire instructions upfront and include them in your engagement letter or invoice. Make it easy for them and they'll just do it. You can still accept PayPal as a backup option for smaller invoices or clients who really push back, but don't lead with it.
One thing: confirm wire details verbally before the first transfer. Sounds paranoid but it prevents someone fat-fingering the account number. And keep a spreadsheet or use accounting software to track what's cleared versus pending. With bank transfers there's usually a 1-2 day lag depending on the banks involved, so knowing what's actually in your account matters for cash flow.
I'd lean toward bank transfer for most client work, especially if you're doing this regularly. The fee issue is real - PayPal's percentage cuts add up quickly, and honestly, after five years of any kind of professional work, you want to protect your margins. If you're charging $500 for a photography job and PayPal takes 3-4%, that's money you're essentially giving away on every single gig. With a direct bank transfer, you keep it all.
That said, it depends a bit on your client base and how formal your arrangement is. Some clients actually prefer PayPal because it's convenient and familiar to them, especially smaller businesses or individuals. There's also a small protection element if something goes wrong with payment. But if you're working with regular clients or anyone paying significant amounts, asking for a bank transfer is totally reasonable and professional. Just set clear expectations upfront about how you'd like to be paid.
The clean record aspect mentioned above is worth considering too - direct deposits create a straightforward paper trail for your own bookkeeping and taxes, which makes things simpler when tax season rolls around. My advice would be to offer bank transfer as your preferred method and mention it in your initial quote or invoice. Most clients won't push back, and the ones who do can usually accommodate it pretty easily.
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