Stripe vs PayPal for cross-border orders
For a typical international card order, the gap between Stripe and PayPal comes less from the headline rate and more from the cross-border extras: international card surcharges and currency conversion. Set your order profile below to see the full stack for each, every number cited to the provider's official pricing page.
Stripe (US account)
You receive USD 75.38 (5.78% total fees)
- Processing 2.9% + 0.3 Official fact−2.62
- International card +1.5% Official fact−1.2
- Currency conversion +1% Official fact−0.8
Standard payouts are free; US settlement is typically 2 business days.
⚠ US-account standard pricing. UK and Canada accounts differ (both pay +2% currency conversion).
PayPal (US business)
You receive USD 72.32 (9.6% total fees)
- Processing 3.49% + 0.49 Official fact−3.28
- International card +1.5% Official fact−1.2
- Currency conversion +4% Official fact−3.2
Standard withdrawal to a US bank is free; Instant Transfer costs 1.5% (min $0.50).
⚠ Rate shown is PayPal Checkout (wallet). Direct card fields via Payments Advanced cost 2.89% + $0.49 plus $5/month.
⚠ The 4% conversion spread is PayPal's published figure; it may disclose a different rate during a transaction.
Where the real difference hides
Headline rates look close. The separation appears on international orders, where surcharges and conversion spreads stack on top — conversion applies to the entire order value, so it often outweighs the base-rate difference.
If most of your buyers pay in your settlement currency, the comparison tightens; toggle the conversion switch above to see it.
Common questions
- Do these fees apply to marketplace sales?
- No — marketplaces bundle payment processing into their own fees. This comparison is for your own checkout (DTC store or invoicing).