Stripe vs PayPal Fees Calculator: Which is Cheaper? (2024)
Compare Stripe vs PayPal processing fees side-by-side. Calculate exact deductions, international charges, and hidden costs to find the cheapest payment gateway.
Comprehensive Fee Comparison
| Feature / Fee | Stripe Calculator | PayPal Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Card Rate | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.99% + 49¢ (Standard) or 3.49% + 49¢ (Checkout) |
| International Card Fee | + 1.5% | + 1.5% Cross-Border Fee |
| Currency Conversion | + 1.0% | 3.0% - 4.0% built into exchange rate |
| Chargeback/Dispute Fee | $15.00 (Non-refundable) | $20.00 (Standard) |
| ACH Direct Debit | 0.8% (Capped at $5) | N/A |
| Standard Payout Speed | 2 rolling days (US) | Instant to PayPal balance, 1-3 days to bank |
| Instant Payout Fee | 1.5% (Min $0.50) | 1.75% (Min $0.25, Max $25) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stripe or PayPal cheaper for small businesses?
For standard domestic credit card processing, Stripe is generally cheaper at 2.9% + 30¢. PayPal charges 3.49% + 49¢ if you use their branded checkout button, making it significantly more expensive for low-ticket items.
Does Stripe charge monthly fees?
No, both Stripe and PayPal operate on a pay-as-you-go model with no setup fees, monthly fees, or cancellation fees for their standard checkout products.
Which has better international rates, Stripe or PayPal?
Stripe is vastly superior for international transactions. Stripe charges a transparent 1.5% cross-border fee and 1% conversion fee. PayPal charges a 1.5% cross-border fee but hides a massive 3-4% markup inside their currency exchange rate.