Platform Overview
Stripe Overview
Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card charge. No monthly fees or hidden costs.
PayPal Overview
PayPal: 2.9% + $0.30 for standard payments. Similar rates but different user experience.
Fee Comparison
| Aspect | Stripe | PayPal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Card Processing | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.9% + $0.30 | Identical rates |
| International | Additional 1% auto | 1.5% fee | Stripe significantly cheaper for cross-border (1% + 1% FX â 3.9%) |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 | Both free |
| Subscription Billing | Excellent tools | Good tools | Stripe slightly better |
Our Recommendation
Both have identical US rates; Stripe for developers, PayPal for simplicity.
Key Takeaways
What to Consider
- Domestic US: both Stripe and PayPal charge 2.9% + $0.30 â identical rates.
- Internationally: Stripe wins. PayPal adds 3-5% currency conversion markup vs Stripe's 1% â at $10K/month cross-border, PayPal costs $200-400 more.
- For micropayments under $10: PayPal's percentage-based fees eat more margin; Stripe's flat $0.30 fee is proportionally heavier below $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Stripe's fees compare to PayPal?
Stripe and PayPal charge the same base rate: 2.9% + $0.30 per domestic US card transaction. International rates are also identical at 2.9% + 1% + $0.30 for foreign cards. Key differences: Stripe offers more developer tools, while PayPal has higher fees for micropayments (under $10) and some business categories.
Does Stripe charge monthly or hidden fees?
Standard Stripe accounts have no monthly fees, no setup fees, and no cancellation fees. Optional paid add-ons include Stripe Billing ($8+/month), Stripe Atlas ($500/year), and Stripe Radar fraud prevention ($0.05/transaction). The base payment processing rate (2.9% + $0.30) has no hidden costs.
Data Methodology & Disclaimer
Fee data and benchmarks in this article are sourced from official platform documentation and cross-referenced with publicly available rate schedules as of April 2026. Calculations use standard fee formulas; individual results vary based on product category and specific listing details.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Check the latest rates at each platform's official seller fees page. Fee structures reflect publicly available information as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current rates before making financial decisions.