How it works
PayPal's fee is a percentage of the payment plus, for most payment types, a fixed fee of $0.49 per transaction when you receive US dollars. The percentage depends on how the buyer pays: 3.49% for PayPal Checkout, guest checkout and Venmo, 2.99% for card payments, 4.99% for Pay Later, and 2.99% with no fixed fee for a goods and services payment. QR code payments in person are 2.29% + $0.09, and an invoice paid by bank transfer (ACH) is 1%, capped at $10. When the buyer is in another country, PayPal adds 1.50% of the payment. If the payment arrives in another currency and PayPal converts it to dollars, the exchange rate includes a 3.00% spread; this calculator shows that as a separate line. You keep the payment minus all of these.
Worked examples
- A $100 PayPal Checkout payment from a US buyer: 3.49% × $100 = $3.49, plus the $0.49 fixed fee: $3.98 in fees. You keep $96.02. To keep exactly $100 you would ask for $104.12.
- A $100 goods and services payment: 2.99% × $100 = $2.99 and no fixed fee. You keep $97.01. The same $100 by card through PayPal costs $3.48, so you keep $96.52.
- A $1,500 invoice the customer pays by bank transfer (ACH): 1% would be $15, but the fee is capped at $10. You keep $1,490.
Common questions
How much does PayPal charge for goods and services?
PayPal's US business fee page lists 2.99% for sending or receiving money for goods and services, with no fixed fee shown next to it. A $100 payment costs $2.99, so you keep $97.01. A buyer outside the US adds 1.50%.
What is PayPal's fixed fee?
For most commercial payments received in US dollars it is $0.49 per transaction, on top of the percentage. QR code payments and micropayments have a $0.09 fixed fee instead. The fixed fee is different for other currencies; this calculator covers US dollars only.
How much does PayPal charge for international payments?
The domestic fee for that payment type plus an extra 1.50% of the payment. If the money arrives in another currency and PayPal converts it, the exchange rate also includes a 3.00% currency conversion spread.
How much should I ask for so I receive a set amount?
Switch the calculator to 'Amount to ask for' and enter what you want to keep. It finds the smallest payment that leaves you at least that much after PayPal's fees. For example, to keep $100 from a PayPal Checkout payment you ask for $104.12.
Are invoices cheaper?
Only when the customer pays by bank (ACH): 1%, capped at $10 per transaction. If they pay the invoice with PayPal, Venmo or a card, the normal checkout or card rate applies.
What does this calculator leave out?
Chargeback and dispute fees, withdrawal fees, PayPal Payouts, crypto, donations and charity rates, and the Payments Advanced, Payments Pro and Interchange Plus Plus card plans. It uses PayPal's US business fee page; fees in other currencies are not covered.
Related tools
Sources
- Source: PayPal merchant fees (US) (Checked 2026-10-19)