Want your own numbers? The PayPal calculator shows every fee and your profit as you type.
Open the PayPal US fee calculatorPayPal is still one of the most common ways for small US sellers to get paid, and its fees depend on how the money arrives. This guide covers the main rates and how to work out what you will receive. Try each payment type in the PayPal fee calculator.
The main US rates
- PayPal checkout and goods and services payments: 3.49% + $0.49.
- PayPal invoices: 3.49% + $0.49.
- Standard credit and debit card payments: 2.99% + $0.49.
- Pay with Venmo at checkout: 3.49% + $0.49.
- QR code payments in person: 2.29% + $0.09 over $10; 1.90% + $0.10 for $10 and under.
- Friends and family from a bank or balance: free.
Goods and services fees at common amounts
| Payment | Total fees | Payout | Fees % |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.84 | $9.16 | 8.39% |
| $25.00 | $1.36 | $23.64 | 5.45% |
| $50.00 | $2.24 | $47.77 | 4.47% |
| $100.00 | $3.98 | $96.02 | 3.98% |
| $250.00 | $9.22 | $240.79 | 3.69% |
| $500.00 | $17.94 | $482.06 | 3.59% |
| $1,000.00 | $35.39 | $964.61 | 3.54% |
The fixed $0.49 makes small payments expensive. A $10 payment loses 8.4% to fees, while a $500 payment loses about 3.6%.
International payments
When a buyer pays from outside the US, PayPal adds a 1.5% international commercial fee. If the payment arrives in another currency and you convert it, PayPal’s exchange rate includes a markup of around 3% to 4%. We cover this in PayPal international fees.
What happens on refunds
If you refund a buyer, PayPal returns the percentage part of its fee but keeps the fixed $0.49. Partial refunds return a proportional share of the percentage.
Receiving an exact amount
To receive a set figure, divide the figure plus $0.49 by 0.9651. To get $100, ask for $104.13. The calculator’s take-home field does this for you.
PayPal isn’t always the cheapest option. Compare it with Stripe and Cash App before choosing, and read how to avoid PayPal fees for legitimate ways to pay less.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PayPal fee for $50?
A $50 goods and services payment costs $2.24 in fees (3.49% plus $0.49), so you receive $47.76.
Does PayPal charge to receive money from friends?
No, as long as it is sent as friends and family from a PayPal balance or bank account.
Run your next sale through the calculator before you commit.
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