PayPal fee calculator
See what PayPal takes from a sale: 3.49% + $0.49 for the PayPal button, lower card rates, the international surcharge and the currency conversion spread.
Rates assume a US-registered account settling in USD. Any card issued outside the US counts as international.
PayPal fee breakdown
- You charge
- $100.00
- Processing fee (3.49%)
- −$3.49
- Fixed fee per transaction
- −$0.49
- Total fees
- $3.98
You receive
$96.02
Effective rate
3.98%
At 50 sales a month that is about $199 in fees a month, or $2,388 a year.
The same sale on other gateways
Standard rate for the same amount, customer location and options.
Estimates from each provider's published standard pricing for US accounts. Negotiated rates, taxes, disputes, refunds and payout fees are not included. Check the provider's own pricing page before you rely on a number.
Rates checked on 28 September 2026 against each provider's published US pricing.
PayPal fees at a glance
Standard pay-as-you-go pricing for a US account settling in USD.
| Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| PayPal Checkout (PayPal button) | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Standard card processing | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| Advanced card processing | 2.89% + $0.29 |
| Venmo | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| PayPal Invoicing | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| International cards | +1.5% |
| Currency conversion | +3% |
| Transfer to your bank | Standard transfer free; instant transfer 1.75% (max $25) |
| Chargeback fee | Set per currency; waived when Seller Protection covers the case |
| Monthly fee | None on the standard account |
Source: PayPal pricing page
How PayPal fees are calculated
PayPal prices by how the customer pays. When they use the PayPal button the fee is 3.49% + $0.49, so a $100 sale costs $3.98 and you receive $96.02.
A buyer outside the US adds 1.5%, for $5.48. Currency conversion is not a separate line: PayPal builds it into the exchange rate, with a spread from about 3% above the base rate, which takes the fee to about $8.48.
- Standard card processing: 2.99% + $0.49.
- Advanced (unbranded) card processing: 2.89% + $0.29.
- Venmo and PayPal Invoicing: same rate as the PayPal button.
PayPal for founders in Egypt and the Gulf
A personal PayPal account receiving regular business income is exposed to reviews and freezes, and its fees are higher than Stripe's in most cases. It works best as a second channel, not the foundation.
A US company can apply for a US PayPal Business account at the rates in this calculator and run it alongside Stripe for customers who prefer PayPal.
Read: PayPal in Egypt, withdrawals, fees and limitsMore payment fee calculators
Run the same sale through another gateway, or compare them all at once.
- Payment gateway fee calculator Compare Stripe, PayPal, Airwallex, Dodo Payments and Polar on one sale.
- Stripe fee calculator 2.9% + $0.30 on US cards, +1.5% on international cards.
- Airwallex fee calculator 2.8% + $0.30 on US cards, 4.3% + $0.30 on international cards.
- Dodo Payments fee calculator 4% + $0.40 as merchant of record, tax and compliance included.
- Polar fee calculator From 5% + $0.50 on the free plan, tax included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal charge on $100?
$3.98 through the PayPal button for a US buyer (3.49% + $0.49), leaving you $96.02. For an international buyer it is $5.48, and about $8.48 with currency conversion.
What is PayPal's international fee?
1.5% on top of the domestic rate when the buyer is outside the US. The currency conversion spread is charged separately.
Why is PayPal more expensive than Stripe?
PayPal Checkout's base rate is 3.49% + $0.49 against Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30, and PayPal's currency conversion spread is much wider than Stripe's conversion fee.
How do I avoid PayPal currency conversion fees?
Price in USD and receive USD into a US account. Conversion happens when a buyer pays in a currency your account does not hold or when you convert your balance.
Want the lowest rate? Start with a US company.
A US LLC lets you apply for Stripe, PayPal Business and Airwallex at the US rates on this page. Foundlie forms it for one all-in price.