PayPal fees in the US
At the time of writing, PayPal lists these US rates for payments in US dollars. They change from time to time, so check PayPal's fees page for your account:
- PayPal Checkout (buyers pay with PayPal on your site): 3.49% + $0.49.
- Standard credit and debit card payments: 2.99% + $0.49.
- Receiving money for goods and services: 2.99%.
- International payments: an extra 1.5%.
- Currency conversion: a spread of about 3% to 4% on the exchange rate.
The PayPal fee formula
Fee = amount × percentage + fixed fee. With PayPal Checkout, a $100 payment costs $3.49 + $0.49 = $3.98, so you keep $96.02.
To receive an exact amount: charge = (amount you want + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − percentage). To keep $100 with Checkout, charge ($100 + $0.49) ÷ 0.9651 = $104.13.
Goods and services vs friends and family
If you're selling something, take the payment as goods and services. It's what PayPal's rules expect for sales, and it gives your buyer purchase protection. Friends and family payments are meant for personal transfers; using them for sales can get your account limited.
Ways to keep more
The $0.49 fixed fee is steep on small sales: on a $5 sale, Checkout takes about 13%. Bundle low-priced items, set a minimum order, or offer a cheaper method alongside PayPal for larger invoices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PayPal fee on $100?
With PayPal Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49, the fee is $3.98 and you keep $96.02. For goods and services at 2.99%, it's $2.99.
How much should I charge to receive $100 on PayPal?
$104.13 with PayPal Checkout rates. The formula is (amount + $0.49) ÷ (1 − 0.0349).
How much is PayPal's international fee?
At the time of writing, an extra 1.5% on top of the domestic rate, plus a currency conversion spread if the money needs converting.
Does PayPal charge for friends and family payments?
Sending money to friends and family in the US from your PayPal balance or bank is free. The sender pays a fee if they use a credit or debit card.