PayPal fee calculator

See how much PayPal keeps from a payment and how much to ask for if you need to receive an exact amount.

The payment
Fee settings
Optional
We work out what to charge so you receive it after fees.

Last updated September 28, 2026. Main US rate: 3.49% + $0.49 (goods & services).

How PayPal fees work in the US

PayPal charges the person receiving money for a commercial payment. The rate depends on how the buyer pays you. When a customer pays through PayPal checkout or sends money as goods and services, the fee is 3.49% plus a fixed $0.49. Card payments you process through PayPal’s standard card option cost 2.99% plus $0.49. In-person QR code payments are cheaper at 2.29% plus $0.09 over $10.

Personal payments between friends and family are free when they come from a PayPal balance or bank account. They carry no buyer or seller protection, so they should not be used for sales.

International and currency fees

If the payment comes from a buyer outside the US, PayPal adds an extra 1.5% international commercial fee. If you then convert the money to another currency, PayPal applies its own exchange rate, which includes a spread of roughly 3% to 4% above the base rate. The calculator lets you set that spread yourself.

Charging the right amount

Because PayPal’s fee includes a fixed part, you cannot add 3.49% to your price and come out whole. Enter the amount you want to take home in the optional section and the calculator works out the exact amount to request. For example, to receive $100 after goods and services fees, you need to ask for $104.13.

The fixed fee values in the settings match the US fee page at the time of our last review. PayPal updates its rates from time to time, so change them if your statement shows something different.

Frequently asked questions

How much does PayPal take from $100?

For a US goods and services payment, PayPal keeps $3.98 from $100 (3.49% plus $0.49), so you receive $96.02.

Who pays the PayPal fee?

For commercial payments the seller or receiver pays. For friends and family payments funded by a card, the sender pays the card fee.

Can I pass PayPal fees on to buyers?

You can build fees into your prices. Adding a separate surcharge for paying by PayPal may break PayPal’s user agreement and some state laws, so check both before doing it.

Are PayPal fees refunded when I issue a refund?

On a refund PayPal returns the percentage part of the fee but keeps the fixed fee.

PayPal guides

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