This PayPal fee calculator shows what PayPal takes from a payment, what lands in your account, and how much to charge if you need to receive an exact amount after fees. It uses PayPal’s published US merchant rates for 2026. Choose how the payment reaches you, because PayPal charges different rates for checkout payments, card payments and money sent for goods and services.
PayPal Fees In 2026
| Payment Type (US) | Fee |
|---|---|
| PayPal Checkout, Guest Checkout, Pay with Venmo | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Invoicing | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Standard credit and debit card payments | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| Send or receive money for goods and services | 2.99% |
| QR code payments | 2.29% + $0.09 |
| International commercial payments | Add 1.5% |
Rates come from PayPal’s merchant fees page. PayPal updates its rates from time to time, so check that page before you set prices.
How The PayPal Fee Is Calculated
The fee is a percentage of the payment plus a fixed amount: fee = amount x rate + fixed fee. On a $100 PayPal Checkout payment, that is $3.49 + $0.49 = $3.98, so you receive $96.02. A standard card payment of $100 costs $2.99 + $0.49 = $3.48.
To receive an exact amount after fees, divide the amount you want plus the fixed fee by one minus the rate: charge = (target + fixed fee) / (1 – rate). To receive $100 through PayPal Checkout, you need to charge $104.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PayPal refund its fee when I refund a customer?
No. When you refund a commercial payment, PayPal returns the full amount to the buyer but keeps the fee you originally paid to receive it.
Is Friends and Family free?
Personal payments funded from a PayPal balance or bank account are generally free in the US, but they carry no Purchase Protection and must not be used for business sales. Using them to avoid fees can lead PayPal to limit your account.
Is PayPal cheaper than Stripe?
For standard online card payments, Stripe’s 2.9% + $0.30 is usually cheaper than PayPal Checkout. Compare the two with our Stripe fee calculator, and remember that many buyers prefer to pay with PayPal, which can lift conversion.
