# TabChaser vs PayPal Pools

> PayPal Pools is a pre-collection pot; TabChaser is a post-split request and chase workflow.

Choose PayPal Pools to collect contributions into a pot before the group spends. Choose TabChaser when one host has already fronted the bill, assigned exact shares, and needs one-tap WhatsApp follow-up on named balances.

## Feature and pricing table

| Criterion | TabChaser | PayPal Pools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Category | Host-fronted group-tab splitting and payment follow-up | Pre-collection money pot |
| Pricing | $29/month (as of July 2026 — verify current pricing on the provider's site) | Free to create (as of July 2026 — verify current pricing on the provider's site) |
| Timing | Collects exact repayments after or alongside a host-fronted tab. | Pre-collects contributions before spending. |
| Accounting model | Tracks a named request and payment status for each share. | Uses a shared pot; no per-person expense ledger is documented. |
| Reminder workflow | Automated chasing of balances still open. | No automated chasing of named non-payers is documented. |
| WhatsApp | One-tap reminders the host sends. | No automated WhatsApp chasing is documented. |
| US limits | No pool model is used. | US limits are $20,000 per pool, 5 active pools, and a 1-year maximum duration. |

## What each includes

### TabChaser

- Unequal per-person shares for a host-fronted group tab
- A private payment-request link for each guest
- Open, reported-paid, and confirmed payment statuses
- One tap opens a WhatsApp chat with each person's private link
- Guests use the host's existing payment method and need no account

### PayPal Pools

- Pre-collection into a shared pot
- The current Pools product relaunched in November 2024
- US pool caps of $20,000
- Up to 5 active pools in the US
- A maximum pool duration of 1 year in the US

## Choose by the bottleneck

### Choose TabChaser when…

- The expense has already been paid by one host.
- Each person owes a named, exact amount.
- One-tap WhatsApp follow-up on outstanding balances matters.

### Choose PayPal Pools when…

- The group can collect money before committing the spend.
- A shared pot is more useful than a per-person expense ledger.
- The pool fits the applicable US amount, count, and duration limits.

## Limits to keep in view

### TabChaser

- It is a request and status workflow, not a payment processor or stored-money pot.
- TabChaser never messages anyone for you: the host sends each WhatsApp reminder.

### PayPal Pools

- No per-person expense ledger is documented.
- No automated chasing of named non-payers is documented.

## FAQ

**Q: Is this the old PayPal Money Pools product?**

No. This comparison covers the current PayPal Pools product relaunched in November 2024, not the Money Pools product retired in 2021.

**Q: Does PayPal Pools track who owes which expense?**

No per-person expense ledger is documented; its model is a pre-collection pot.

**Q: Which works after one person has already paid?**

TabChaser is aligned with post-spend repayment and named outstanding shares. PayPal Pools is aligned with collecting a pot before spending.

Updated July 2026