PayPal Fee Calculator
See exactly how much PayPal takes and what lands in your account.
Your numbers
US domestic 2.99%. Cross-border ~4.49%.
US $0.49 per transaction.
You receive
- Amount
- $100.00
- PayPal fee
- −$3.48
- Net received
- $96.52
When someone pays you through PayPal for a sale or invoice, you don't receive the full amount. PayPal takes a percentage plus a fixed fee before the money reaches your balance. This guide explains exactly how the Goods & Services fee works, what the current rates are, and how to keep more of every payment.
What is the PayPal Goods & Services fee?
Any time you receive a commercial payment — a product sale, an invoice, or a "Goods & Services" transfer — PayPal charges a merchant fee. In the US that's 2.99% of the amount + a fixed $0.49 per transaction.
Sending money as Friends & Family (funded by a PayPal balance or bank account) is free domestically, but it offers no buyer or seller protection, so it shouldn't be used for sales.
How PayPal fees are calculated
The formula is simple:
Fee = (rate × amount) + fixed fee
On a $100 payment at the US domestic rate:
2.99% × $100 + $0.49 = $2.99 + $0.49 = $3.48
So you receive $96.52 — an effective fee of 3.48%. The calculator above runs this for any amount and rate instantly.
The rates that apply
| Transaction type | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| US domestic (Goods & Services) | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| PayPal Checkout / invoicing | up to 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Cross-border (international) | ~4.49% + $0.49 |
| Currency conversion | extra ~3–4% spread |
Rates vary by country, product, and how the payment is taken, and PayPal updates them over time — always confirm against PayPal's current fee page, then plug your real rate into the calculator.
Why the fixed fee matters for small payments
The flat $0.49 is charged regardless of size, so it punishes small transactions. On a $5 payment it's effectively a 9.8% fee on top of the percentage; on a $500 payment it's just 0.1%. If you sell low-priced items, the fixed fee can quietly erase your margin — bundle products or set a minimum order to dilute it.
How to reduce your PayPal fees
- Keep cross-border payments in mind — international rates are ~1.5% higher, so factor that into pricing for overseas customers.
- Avoid unnecessary currency conversion by holding and withdrawing in the same currency where possible.
- Raise average order value so the fixed $0.49 is spread across more revenue.
- Compare processors — for high volume, a dedicated merchant account or a processor like Stripe may undercut PayPal's rate.
- Build the fee into your price — add roughly 3–4% of headroom so fees don't come out of your profit.
The bottom line
For US Goods & Services payments, budget 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction — more for cross-border or converted currency. Use the calculator above to see exactly what you'll receive on any amount, then price with the fee built in so PayPal's cut never surprises you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal take per transaction?
For US Goods & Services payments, PayPal takes 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction. On a $100 payment that’s $3.48, leaving you $96.52. Cross-border payments cost more (~4.49% + $0.49).
What is the PayPal fee on $100?
At the US domestic Goods & Services rate: 2.99% × $100 + $0.49 = $3.48. You receive $96.52 — an effective fee of about 3.5%.
How do I avoid PayPal fees?
Domestic Friends & Family transfers funded by a bank account or PayPal balance are free — but they offer no buyer or seller protection, so never use them for sales. For commercial payments, the fee is unavoidable; the goal is to price it in rather than absorb it.
Why does PayPal charge a fixed fee?
The flat $0.49 covers the fixed cost of processing each transaction. Because it’s charged regardless of size, it hits small payments hardest — it’s nearly 10% of a $5 payment but only 0.1% of a $500 one.
What are PayPal’s international fees?
Cross-border (international) Goods & Services payments typically cost around 4.49% + a fixed fee, roughly 1.5% more than domestic. If a currency conversion is involved, PayPal also adds a spread of about 3–4% on the exchange rate.
Does PayPal refund fees on refunds?
When you refund a Goods & Services payment, PayPal returns the percentage portion of the fee, but the fixed per-transaction amount may not be returned, depending on current terms. Check PayPal’s latest refund policy.
Is PayPal cheaper than Stripe?
The headline rates are similar (both around 2.9–3% + a fixed fee). PayPal can be costlier on cross-border and currency conversion, while Stripe is often preferred for on-site checkouts. For high volume, compare your real blended rate rather than the sticker price.
Are PayPal fees tax deductible?
In most countries, payment processing fees are a legitimate business expense and are deductible against business income. Keep your PayPal statements and confirm the rules with a qualified accountant for your jurisdiction.