Quick picks
The best choice for each typical need.
Full comparison
Standard online card fee per transaction (US). Volume discounts and local rates (e.g. EU cards) can be lower.
| Provider | Card fee | Fee on $50 | International | Monthly | Best for |
|---|
💡 The fixed fee matters more than you think
On small sales the fixed part ($0.30–$0.50) eats a big share. A $5 sale with 3.49% + $0.49 loses almost 13%. If you sell cheap items, pick a provider with a low fixed fee.
Monthly fee calculator
Enter your expected sales to see what each provider would cost per month.
Standard domestic card rates. Excludes Adyen (custom pricing) and India-only Razorpay.
How to choose
1. Count your average sale
Small orders → low fixed fee matters most. Big orders → low percentage matters most.
2. Selling worldwide?
A Merchant of Record (Paddle, Lemon Squeezy) handles VAT and sales tax in every country for you.
3. Subscriptions?
Bank debit (GoCardless) is much cheaper than cards for recurring payments.
4. Offer a familiar button
Adding PayPal or a buy-now-pay-later option can raise conversions, even if fees are higher.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to accept online payments?
For card payments, Stripe, Square and Airwallex start around 2.8–3.3% + $0.30 in the US. For recurring payments, bank debit through GoCardless (1% + $0.20, capped at $4) is usually far cheaper than cards.
What is a Merchant of Record?
A Merchant of Record (MoR) such as Paddle or Lemon Squeezy sells your product on your behalf and handles VAT, sales tax and invoices worldwide. Fees are higher (around 5% + $0.50), but you avoid registering for taxes in many countries.
Is PayPal more expensive than Stripe?
For standard US online checkout, yes: PayPal charges 3.49% + $0.49 versus Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30. Many shops still offer PayPal because some customers trust it more.
Do I pay extra for international customers?
Usually yes. Stripe and PayPal add about 1.5% for cards issued abroad, plus a currency conversion fee if the money is converted.