Want your own numbers? The PayPal calculator shows every fee and your profit as you type.
Open the PayPal US fee calculatorSelling to buyers abroad is one of the easiest ways to grow, and PayPal makes it simple to get paid. It is also where PayPal’s fees stack up fastest. Here is what to expect, with the maths ready in the PayPal fee calculator.
The international commercial fee
When a buyer outside the US pays you for goods or services, PayPal adds 1.5% to the standard rate. A goods and services payment from a buyer in Canada or the UK costs 4.99% plus a fixed fee.
Currency conversion
If you list in US dollars, the buyer’s PayPal handles conversion on their side and you receive dollars. If you accept payment in another currency and convert it, PayPal uses its own exchange rate, which includes a markup over the base rate of roughly 3% to 4%. This is not shown as a fee line, but it reduces what you get.
Fees compared
| Price | US buyer | International buyer | International + conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | $1.36 | $1.74 | $2.49 |
| $50.00 | $2.24 | $2.99 | $4.49 |
| $100.00 | $3.98 | $5.48 | $8.48 |
| $250.00 | $9.22 | $12.97 | $20.47 |
| $500.00 | $17.94 | $25.44 | $40.44 |
On $100, an international payment costs $1.50 more. Add conversion and the total is close to 8% of the sale.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Price in US dollars so conversion happens on the buyer’s side.
- Hold foreign currency balances if you pay suppliers in that currency, rather than converting back and forth.
- Build the extra 1.5% into international shipping or prices where your marketplace allows it.
- Compare other processors. Stripe charges 1.5% for international cards and 1% for conversion; see Stripe international fees.
If you sell on eBay, remember eBay charges its own 1.65% international fee on those orders. You can include it in the eBay fee calculator. For the full list of PayPal charges, read PayPal fees explained.
Frequently asked questions
How much is PayPal’s international fee?
PayPal adds 1.5% to the standard commercial rate for payments from buyers outside the US.
Does PayPal charge for currency conversion?
Yes. PayPal’s conversion rate includes a markup, typically about 3% to 4% above the base exchange rate.
Run your next sale through the calculator before you commit.
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