Payment apps
PayPal vs Stripe
Real fees on $25, $100 and $500 — and when to pick each. Stripe keeps you more on a $100 sale.
| Sale price | PayPal fees | PayPal you keep | Stripe fees | Stripe you keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | - $1.36 | $23.64 | - $1.03 | $23.98 |
| $100.00 | - $3.98 | $96.02 | - $3.20 | $96.80 |
| $500.00 | - $17.94 | $482.06 | - $14.80 | $485.20 |
Based on each platform’s standard 2026 fees with no add-ons. Use the calculators for your exact category, store tier, or promoted listings.
When to pick PayPal
- Universally recognized by buyers — instant checkout trust.
- Best for freelancers and one-off invoices.
- Buyer/seller protection built in.
When to pick Stripe
- Lower fees (2.9% + $0.30 vs PayPal's 3.49% + $0.49).
- Best for SaaS, subscriptions, and custom integrations.
- Cleaner dashboard and recurring-billing tools.
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, PayPal or Stripe?+
On a $100 sale, Stripe keeps more of your money. PayPal charges $3.98 on $100 (you keep $96.02); Stripe charges $3.20 (you keep $96.80). The answer can flip on very small or very large orders — use the full calculators for your exact numbers.
When should I choose PayPal?+
Universally recognized by buyers — instant checkout trust. Best for freelancers and one-off invoices. Buyer/seller protection built in.
When should I choose Stripe?+
Lower fees (2.9% + $0.30 vs PayPal's 3.49% + $0.49). Best for SaaS, subscriptions, and custom integrations. Cleaner dashboard and recurring-billing tools.
Can I use both PayPal and Stripe?+
Yes — many sellers cross-list to spread reach and compare what sells where. Just price each listing to cover that platform's specific fees so you stay profitable on either.
Where do these fee numbers come from?+
Each platform's published 2026 fee schedule, verified against its official help center. We update the rates as they change — see our methodology for details.