PayPal Business Fees: Rates by Payment Type (2026)
PayPal U.S. fees differ by product: standard card, Checkout, goods-and-services transfers, QR code, and international transactions. Check the current merchant schedule before pricing.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Direct answer
PayPal’s U.S. merchant schedule lists different domestic rates by product. Examples include Standard Credit and Debit Card Payments at 2.99% + $0.49, PayPal Checkout or Guest Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49, and Send/Receive Money for Goods and Services at 2.99% with no fixed fee. International commercial payments generally add 1.50%; currency conversion and other services can cost extra.
The problem
There is no single PayPal fee for every business payment. Checkout, card processing, invoices, QR payments, and international transactions can use different rates. A calculator that treats all payments as 2.9% + $0.30 or assumes Friends & Family is a business method is unreliable.
Why it happens
PayPal groups charges by product, funding method, transaction type, and currency. The U.S. schedule also separates commercial and personal payments. Use the fee table for the exact product enabled in your account and check the rate shown before accepting payment.
How to compare PayPal fees
- 1
Choose the exact U.S. payment product
The current schedule lists 2.99% + $0.49 for standard credit/debit card payments, 3.49% + $0.49 for PayPal Checkout or Guest Checkout, and 2.99% with no fixed fee for Send/Receive Money for Goods and Services.
- 2
Add international charges only when applicable
The published U.S. commercial schedule generally adds 1.50% for an international commercial transaction. Some products or negotiated pricing may have different terms.
- 3
Keep currency conversion separate
Fixed fees depend on the currency received; conversion, payout, chargeback, dispute, or optional service fees may be separate.
- 4
Use commercial payment types for business
Do not label a business sale as a personal Friends & Family transfer to avoid fees. Use an authorized commercial payment method and follow PayPal’s User Agreement.
- 5
Treat net as pre-tax and pre-expense
Subtract the applicable transaction and other entered costs from the payment. Business taxes, refunds, product costs, and payout fees are not automatically included.
Key takeaways
- PayPal U.S. rates depend on product: for example, standard card is 2.99% + $0.49 and Checkout is 3.49% + $0.49.
- Send/Receive Money for Goods and Services is listed at 2.99% with no fixed fee.
- International commercial transactions generally add 1.50%; conversion and other service charges are separate.
- Use the commercial payment product and current fee schedule for your account.
Frequently asked questions
What is PayPal’s U.S. fee for card payments?
The current merchant schedule lists 2.99% + $0.49 for standard domestic credit and debit card payments. Other PayPal products have different rates.
Is PayPal Checkout the same rate as card processing?
No. The schedule lists PayPal Checkout and Guest Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49 for domestic transactions, while standard card payments are listed at 2.99% + $0.49.
Does PayPal charge international fees?
The U.S. commercial schedule generally adds 1.50% for international commercial transactions. Currency conversion and other product-specific costs may also apply.
Can I use Friends & Family for a business sale?
Do not use a personal payment type to disguise a commercial transaction or avoid a seller fee. Use an authorized commercial product and follow PayPal’s current User Agreement.
Does this include taxes and payout fees?
No. The calculator estimates the selected transaction fee only. Taxes, currency conversion, instant withdrawals, disputes, refunds, and account-specific costs may be separate.
Related guides
Official sources
- PayPal U.S.: Merchant and Business Fees
Current product-specific domestic and international commercial rates; listed as updated October 1, 2026.
- PayPal User Agreement
Terms governing personal and commercial payment use.
Educational information only; not individualized legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Rules can change and results depend on your facts. Check current official guidance or consult a qualified professional.