💳 Dedicated PayPal Merchant Fee Calculator

PayPal Fee Calculator & Net Payout Estimator

Accurately calculate PayPal merchant deductions, compare domestic vs. international fees, and compute the exact invoice amount needed to receive your target payout.

Universal Free Merchant Tool

Universal Payment Gateway & Merchant Fee Calculator

Instantly calculate processor deductions, net bank payouts, and compare fees across Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, Square, and Wise. Use Target Payout mode to bill clients accurately.

$
Quick Presets:
Card Origin & Location
Currency Conversion (FX)

Same currency (0% FX)

PayPalCommercial Rate
3.49% + $0.49
Net Bank Payout You Receive:
$964.61

From $1,000.00 invoiced

Total Processor Fee-$35.39
Effective Fee Rate3.54%
Net: $964.61Fees: $35.39

Save $30.49 compared to the most expensive option!

Wise gives you the lowest fee deduction on this transaction.

Side-by-Side Gateway Comparison Matrix

See where your money goes on the exact same transaction and spot the biggest savings.

Amount: $1,000.00

Stripe

2.90%
Net Payout$970.70
Fee:-$29.30

PayPal

3.49%
Net Payout$964.61
Fee:-$35.39

Shopify Payments

2.90%
Net Payout$970.70
Fee:-$29.30

Square

2.90%
Net Payout$970.70
Fee:-$29.30
Lowest Fee 🏆

Wise

0.45%
Net Payout$995.10
Fee:-$4.90
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PayPal Merchant Fee Rates & Cross-Border Surcharges

While PayPal is universally recognized and trusted by consumers, its merchant fees are among the highest in the payment industry:

  • Standard US Merchant / Invoicing Rate: 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction.
  • Standard Debit & Credit Card Checkout: 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction.
  • International Transactions: Additional +1.50% cross-border fee.
  • Currency Conversion Spread: 3.0% to 4.0% above the wholesale interbank exchange rate.

Why International Freelancers and Agencies Are Switching

On a $5,000 international client payment, PayPal can deduct over $270 in transaction fees and foreign exchange spreads. In comparison, receiving the same payment via Wise or direct bank wire typically costs under $25 total. Use our comparison matrix above to evaluate your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions About PayPal Fees

What is PayPal's standard commercial transaction fee?

In the United States, PayPal's standard merchant transaction fee is 3.49% + $0.49 for standard commercial invoices and checkout. Standard card transactions through PayPal Checkout are typically 2.99% + $0.49.

Why does PayPal charge so much for international payments?

PayPal charges an additional 1.50% cross-border fee for payments received from senders in another country, plus a 3.0% to 4.0% currency conversion markup if funds must be converted into your home currency.

How can I invoice a client on PayPal to receive exactly $1,000 net?

Using the formula: Invoice Amount = (Desired Net + $0.49) / (1 - 0.0349). For $1,000 net via PayPal's commercial rate, invoice $1,036.67. After PayPal takes 3.49% + $0.49 ($36.67), you will receive exactly $1,000.00.