How much does PayPal charge per transaction?

PayPal charges 3.49% + $0.49 for domestic Goods & Services transactions in the US (the rate increased from the older 2.9% + $0.30). For international Goods & Services, add a 1.5% cross-border fee. Personal Friends & Family transfers within the US are free when funded by PayPal balance or bank account.

What is the PayPal Goods and Services fee?

PayPal Goods and Services fee is 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction in the US for standard processing. This fee is paid by the seller/receiver — the sender doesn't pay any fees. Goods & Services payments include buyer and seller protection from PayPal.

Does PayPal charge a fee to send money?

Sending money as Friends & Family within the US is free using PayPal balance or bank account. Using a credit/debit card incurs a 2.9% fee. Goods & Services payments always have fees (3.49% + $0.49 in the US) paid by the recipient. International transfers have additional cross-border fees.

Are PayPal fees tax deductible?

Yes, PayPal fees are generally tax deductible as a business expense. If you receive business income through PayPal, the processing fees can be deducted on your tax return. Keep records of all PayPal fee transactions. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.

Is PayPal or Stripe cheaper for my business?

PayPal's headline US rate (3.49% + $0.49) is now higher than Stripe's (2.9% + $0.30) on standard processing. Stripe is typically cheaper for international transactions and offers more developer-friendly tools. PayPal has broader consumer trust and offers PayPal Credit options for customers. For most e-commerce, supporting both gives customers maximum choice. Compare directly with Stripe.

PayPal Fee Calculator — Free PayPal Fees Estimator (2026)

Calculate PayPal fees for any transaction amount. Free PayPal fee calculator shows exact charges for US, UK & international payments. Instant results, 100% private.

Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Transaction Amount ($)

Instant Results

$3.98

PayPal Fee

$96.02

You Receive

3.98%

Effective Rate

How to Use

Enter the gross transaction amount.
Read the PayPal fee, your net payout, and effective percentage rate.
For multi-currency or international sales, add Stripe's cross-border surcharge mentally (typically 1.5%).
Want a head-to-head with Stripe? Run the same number through the Stripe Fee Calculator, and if you're freelance, factor fees into your hourly rate.

Formula Explained

PayPal Fee = (Amount × 3.49%) + $0.49

Amount: = Gross transaction amount the customer pays
Rate %: = PayPal's percentage rate for standard domestic Goods & Services (3.49%)
Fixed Fee: = Per-transaction flat fee ($0.49 for US domestic)

Worked example: $100 sale: fee = ($100 × 3.49%) + $0.49 = $3.49 + $0.49 = $3.98. You receive $96.02 (effective rate 3.98%).

PayPal Fee Calculator — Free PayPal Fees Estimator (2026)

How to Use

Formula Explained

References

Frequently Asked Questions