Standard published rates used as presets
| Region | Stripe (standard domestic cards, online) | PayPal (standard domestic commercial / Checkout) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2.9% + 30¢ | PayPal Checkout 3.49% + $0.49 |
| United Kingdom | 1.5% + 20p (standard UK cards; premium 2.8% + 20p) | 2.9% + £0.30 |
| Germany | 1.5% + €0.25 (standard EEA cards; Ireland pricing page) | PayPal Checkout 2.99% + €0.39 |
| Australia | 1.65% + A$0.30 (domestic cards, incl. GST; from 1 Oct 2026) | 2.90% + A$0.30 |
Sources, last checked 24 October 2026: Stripe US pricing, Stripe UK, Stripe Ireland, Stripe Australia, PayPal US merchant fees, PayPal UK, PayPal DE, PayPal AU. International cards, currency conversion, premium cards and negotiated pricing cost more or less. Every rate box can be edited, so enter the rate from your own statement.
Why the effective rate matters more than the headline percentage
The fixed fee per transaction hits small orders hardest. On a $10 order, a $0.49 fixed fee alone is 4.9% of the sale, but on a $200 order it is only 0.25%. Stores with low order values should compare the effective rate, which is total fees divided by revenue, not just the percentage.
Effective rate = Fee per order ÷ Order value
Should you offer both?
Many stores offer both because some shoppers prefer to pay with PayPal. You can use this calculator to cost each one, then weigh the fee difference against any conversion gain you see in your own checkout data.
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FAQ
Is Stripe cheaper than PayPal?
On the standard published domestic rates checked in October 2026, Stripe is cheaper per order in the US, UK, Germany and Australia. Your own rates may differ with international cards, currency conversion, premium cards or custom pricing.
What is PayPal's fee in the US?
PayPal Checkout on a website is 3.49% + $0.49 per domestic transaction, from PayPal's US merchant fee page updated 1 October 2026.
What is Stripe's fee in the UK?
1.5% + 20p for standard UK cards, 2.8% + 20p for premium UK cards and 2.5% + 20p for international cards, from Stripe's UK pricing page.
Do these fees include GST in Australia?
Stripe says its Australian card fees include GST. Check PayPal's Australian disclosure documents for how GST applies to your account.
Are refunds free?
With both providers, issuing a refund generally doesn't cost an extra fee, but the original transaction fee isn't returned. Check each provider's terms for details.