PayPal vs Stripe Fees (2026): Which Is Cheaper?
Last updated May 2026
PayPal and Stripe are the two most common ways to take card payments online. Here is how their fees compare in 2026.
PayPal fees
For US goods and services payments via standard online checkout, PayPal charges 3.49% + $0.49. Card-funded payments are 2.99% + $0.49, and international payments cost more.
Stripe fees
Stripe charges a flat 2.9% + $0.30 for online card payments in the US, with no monthly or setup fees. International cards add about 1.5%.
Head to head
On a $100 payment, PayPal takes about $3.98 (you keep $96.02) while Stripe takes $3.20 (you keep $96.80). Stripe is cheaper per transaction for standard online payments.
That said, PayPal offers buyer trust and an easy checkout button, which can lift conversions. Stripe is more developer-focused and flexible.
Which should you use?
Use Stripe if you run your own checkout and want the lowest per-transaction cost. Offer PayPal too if your customers expect it. Run your numbers in the calculators below.