CardFeeCalc

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Guide

Stripe vs PayPal fees (US online)

Both processors publish percent + fixed US rates for online card payments. This guide compares Stripe’s standard 2.9% + $0.30 with PayPal Checkout 3.49% + $0.49—the same assumptions as /compare, /stripe, and /paypal. UK sellers should also see Stripe UK.

Rates checked October 6, 2026 (Stripe/Square/PayPal US tools). Estimates only—not processor advice.

Headline rates

  • Stripe US online: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card charge
  • PayPal Checkout: 3.49% + $0.49 (PayPal Checkout, Guest Checkout, and Venmo)

PayPal’s higher fixed fee ($0.49 vs $0.30) hurts small tickets. Stripe’s lower percent helps on larger charges.

Side-by-side (published calculator math)

$25.00 charge

Stripe — fee $1.03, net $23.97 (4.12% effective)

PayPal Checkout — fee $1.36, net $23.64 (5.44% effective)

PayPal fee is $0.33 higher on this amount (Checkout rate).

$100.00 charge

Stripe — fee $3.20, net $96.80 (3.20% effective)

PayPal Checkout — fee $3.98, net $96.02 (3.98% effective)

PayPal fee is $0.78 higher on this amount (Checkout rate).

Where Square fits

Square Free online/invoice is 3.3% + $0.30—often between Stripe and PayPal on the same charge. Run all three in the comparison table with your typical ticket size.

PayPal has more rate types

Goods & Services (2.99% without a fixed fee on PayPal’s table) can beat Checkout on some amounts—but most hosted checkouts use Checkout rates. Pick the payment type on /paypal that matches how you actually get paid.

Related calculators

More guides

FAQ

Are my numbers sent to a server?
No. The math runs in your browser and nothing typed is uploaded or stored.
Which is cheaper on a $100 US online charge?
At published Checkout rates, Stripe (2.9% + $0.30) usually keeps more net than PayPal Checkout (3.49% + $0.49) on the same $100—the comparison guide shows the exact math.
Does Square beat both on US online rates?
Square Free online/invoice is 3.3% + $0.30—between Stripe and PayPal on many amounts. Use the side-by-side comparison calculator for your charge size.
What if I sell in the UK?
This guide focuses on US rates. Stripe UK standard online cards are 1.5% + 20p—see the Stripe UK calculator and Stripe GB pricing.