Stripe vs. PayPal Fees: Compare the Payment Type
Compare current U.S. Stripe card processing with PayPal card and Checkout rates. A $100 example shows why the lower-cost option depends on the payment path and added fees.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Direct answer
For a $100 successful domestic U.S. card payment, Stripe’s standard online card rate of 2.9% + $0.30 is $3.20, leaving $96.80 before other costs. PayPal’s listed standard card rate of 2.99% + $0.49 is $3.48, leaving $96.52; PayPal Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49 is $3.98, leaving $96.02. These are different product paths, not a universal comparison.
The problem
A headline comparison can be misleading if it compares a payment link to a card processor, includes different fixed charges, or ignores international cards, currency conversion, invoicing, payment method, chargebacks, and monthly product costs.
Why it happens
Both providers publish multiple prices by product and transaction type. Stripe lists surcharges for manually entered and international cards and currency conversion; PayPal lists separate card and Checkout rates. The merchant’s actual checkout method and account terms determine the applicable fee.
A fair comparison
- 1
Compare matching U.S. products
Stripe’s standard domestic online card rate is listed as 2.9% + $0.30. PayPal lists standard domestic card at 2.99% + $0.49 and PayPal Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49.
- 2
Use the same transaction example
On a $100 successful domestic card payment, those listed rates yield $3.20 Stripe fee, $3.48 PayPal standard-card fee, or $3.98 PayPal Checkout fee, before any other cost or account-specific term.
- 3
Add the right surcharges
Stripe lists 0.5% for manually entered cards, 1.5% for international cards, and 1% if currency conversion is required under standard U.S. pricing. PayPal generally adds 1.5% for international commercial transactions; its currency conversion schedule is separate.
- 4
Compare the whole workflow
Check invoice/checkout type, recurring-billing features, disputes, refunds, payout timing, currency conversion, integrations, and any software or monthly fee.
- 5
Recheck your live account
Pricing can change or differ by product, negotiated plan, country, and transaction. Compare the exact rate shown in your account and choose based on more than one fee line.
Key takeaways
- For $100 domestic online cards: Stripe lists $3.20; PayPal standard card $3.48; PayPal Checkout $3.98.
- The comparison uses distinct product paths and excludes other costs.
- Stripe lists manual-entry, international-card, and currency-conversion surcharges.
- PayPal’s U.S. rate varies by product and international status.
- Compare the actual payment flow, account terms, disputes, and currency needs.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper for a $100 domestic card payment?
Using the listed U.S. standard rates, Stripe online cards at 2.9% + $0.30 cost $3.20; PayPal standard card at 2.99% + $0.49 costs $3.48; PayPal Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49 costs $3.98. Your actual product and account terms may differ.
Does Stripe always cost less than PayPal?
No. Fees depend on payment type, currency, card location, payment flow, and added features. Compare the exact product rates you will use.
Does the calculation include international cards?
Only if you select the relevant input. Stripe lists international and currency-conversion surcharges; PayPal has separate international and currency-conversion terms.
Are taxes included?
No. The estimate is a transaction-fee comparison before income taxes, business expenses, refunds, disputes, and other account charges.
Related guides
Official sources
- Stripe U.S. pricing
Standard domestic card pricing and listed manually-entered, international-card, and currency-conversion surcharges.
- PayPal U.S. merchant and business fees
Product-specific domestic and international commercial rates.
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.