Best ways to buy a friend a drink online in 2026
The best way to buy a friend a drink online depends on whether you’re in the same country, whether they already have an account, and whether you want a gesture or just a cash transfer. For cross-border mates, a locally priced wallet-to-wallet pint usually beats gift cards and generic PayPal sends.
Quick comparison
| Option | Works abroad? | Accounts needed? | Feels like a drink? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal / bank transfer | Yes | Usually yes | No — it’s cash |
| Gift cards | Often no | Often yes | Sometimes |
| US drinks delivery apps | Rarely | Both sides | Yes, if available |
| Have a Pint on Me | 100+ countries | No | Yes — local pint value |
When PayPal alone is enough
If you already know their PayPal email and you’re fine sending a plain payment, a direct transfer works. You lose the “pint” framing and local pricing unless you calculate it yourself.
When gift cards fall short
Retail gift cards expire, lock to one country or store, and often need an account. They’re weak for friends who’ve moved abroad.
The locally priced pint gesture
Have a Pint on Me prices the amount to a typical pint where they live, then you pay wallet-to-wallet via PayPal, Revolut, or Wise. No platform fee. No accounts. See how to buy someone a pint online.