How Much Does PayPal Charge?
PayPal does not have one fee for every business payment. The applicable rate depends on the product, payment method, currency and whether the transaction is domestic or international. Start with the fee category shown in your agreement and transaction details.
Selected PayPal US merchant fees
The following examples were checked against PayPal’s US merchant fee schedule on October 9, 2026. They concern standard domestic commercial transactions, not all PayPal products or negotiated agreements.
| Payment type | Published standard rate |
|---|---|
| PayPal Checkout | 3.49% plus the applicable fixed fee |
| Standard credit and debit card payments | 2.99% plus the applicable fixed fee |
| Send/receive money for goods and services | 2.99% |
These rows are different products, not interchangeable rate quotes. The schedule lists fixed fees by currency and separate rules for other products. Check the applicable row before estimating your costs.
How to calculate an estimate
For a percentage-plus-fixed-fee transaction, multiply the payment amount by the percentage and add the fixed fee. For example, if your verified agreement says 3% plus $0.30, a $100 payment costs $3.30 before any other applicable charges. This is an arithmetic illustration, not a PayPal or Payline quote.
For a monthly comparison, group transactions by product and payment type rather than applying one rate to all revenue. Include transaction count: fixed fees have a larger effect on small tickets. Reconcile your estimate against actual settlement reports.
What else belongs in the cost comparison?
Check international transactions, currency conversion, dispute/chargeback charges, refunds, withdrawal options and any paid software or services. Their treatment depends on the relevant product and agreement. Do not combine a consumer transfer schedule with merchant acceptance pricing.
A payment hold affects when money is available; it is different from a processing fee. If that is your concern, use our PayPal pending payments and holds guide. For an account-specific charge, consult your transaction details and PayPal support options.
When is it worth comparing providers?
Compare when your payment mix, software requirements or volume has changed. PayPal may still fit customers who want its checkout experience. Evaluate any alternative on the same sales mix, including implementation and support requirements, rather than comparing a full fee with only a processor markup.
Our PayPal alternatives guide helps frame that decision. Eligible US businesses can also review Payline pricing information and request terms for their own business; there is no universal savings guarantee.
PayPal fee questions
Is every PayPal transaction charged at the same rate?
No. Identify the product, transaction type, country and currency before choosing a fee row.
Is a fee calculator a substitute for my agreement?
No. A calculator is only as current and complete as its inputs. Use the official schedule and your account terms, then check the result against a real transaction.
Does a higher effective rate always mean switching is better?
No. Include customer payment preferences, software, hardware, operational work and any transition costs. Compare useful functionality as well as fees.