PayPal vs Stripe Fees in 2026: Which Costs Less?
Both PayPal and Stripe charge a percentage plus a fixed fee on US online card transactions, but the rates differ. Below is the verified 2026 comparison.
2026 cost breakdown
| Item | 2026 value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal US online rate | 3.49% | Per transaction |
| Stripe US online rate | 2.9% | Per transaction |
| Example fee on $100 (PayPal) | 3.98 | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Example fee on $100 (Stripe) | 3.20 | 2.9% + $0.30 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Stripe cheaper than PayPal?
On standard US online transactions Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30 is lower than PayPal's 3.49% + $0.49, especially on small-ticket sales where the fixed fee matters.
Do both charge monthly fees?
Standard pay-as-you-go accounts have no monthly fee for either provider; you only pay per transaction.
Are there extra fees for international cards?
Yes. Both providers add an additional percentage for cross-border payments and currency conversion, which can narrow or reverse the difference.
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