Stripe vs PayPal Fees
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Compare net payout on the same charge using US default rates. Stripe 2.9% + $0.30 vs PayPal Checkout 3.49% + $0.49 — confirm live pricing on each platform.
Rates last reviewed: July 2026
Compare a charge
Stripe 2.9% + $0.30 vs PayPal Checkout 3.49% + $0.49 (US defaults).
Stripe nets more
$0.78
Difference in net payout on a $100.00 charge. Stripe: $96.80 · PayPal: $96.02.
- Stripe fees
- $3.20 (3.2%)
- Stripe net
- $96.80
- PayPal fees
- $3.98 (4.0%)
- PayPal net
- $96.02
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Head-to-head: US online rates
Both processors charge a percentage plus a fixed fee per transaction. This page compares Stripe's standard US online rate (2.9% + $0.30) with PayPal Checkout (3.49% + $0.49) on the same charge amount. Fee = amount × rate + fixed; net = amount − fee. Optional international surcharges (+1.5% each) can be toggled for cross-border cards. Defaults are published US schedules — your negotiated or regional rates may differ.
| Stripe (online) | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| PayPal Checkout | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| International surcharge (each) | +1.5% |
Example: on a $100 charge, Stripe fees are $3.20 (net $96.80) and PayPal Checkout fees are $3.98 (net $96.02) — about $0.78 more kept with Stripe. On $25, the gap is smaller in dollars but similar in relative terms ($1.03 vs $1.36 fees). PayPal card or goods & services rates can close the gap; this comparison is Checkout-focused.
Conversion rates, dispute costs, payout timing, and product fit (subscriptions, wallets) often matter as much as a few cents per sale. Calcometry is not affiliated with Stripe or PayPal; use each dashboard's pricing for final decisions. Need a target net? Use the reverse fee calculator to back into the charge amount.
Official sources
Rates and formulas in this calculator reference the documentation below. Confirm current numbers on the source site before relying on them. Links do not imply endorsement by those organizations of Calcometry or this tool.
Common questions
Which is cheaper for a $100 online sale?
Stripe (2.9% + $0.30) typically nets more than PayPal Checkout (3.49% + $0.49) on the same charge. The gap widens on larger amounts because PayPal's percentage rate and fixed fee are both higher.
Does this compare all PayPal transaction types?
This comparison uses PayPal Checkout — the most common ecommerce integration. PayPal card payments (2.99% + $0.49) or goods & services (2.99%) may net closer to Stripe depending on your setup.
What else should I consider besides the fee rate?
Checkout conversion, payout speed, dispute handling, international support, and whether you already use one platform for subscriptions or invoicing often matter as much as a few cents per transaction.