No, your client does not need a PayPal account to pay you. Joist Payments with PayPal gives your client the ability to pay you by debit or credit card, and Venmo*, whether they have a PayPal account or not.
One of the nice things about Joist Payments with PayPal is your clients have the additional option of paying you through their PayPal account if they prefer.
The funds go to you the same way regardless of which payment option they choose.
*Note: Venmo is only available for residents of the USA.