Stripe is the reference payment solution for SaaS, e-commerce and startups. Its simple pricing — one rate per card type, no monthly subscription — makes it attractive. But calculating real fees and comparing with PayPal requires knowing the exact rates per transaction type.
In the US, Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card charge. In Europe, 1.5% + €0.25 for European cards and 2.5% + €0.25 for non-European cards (2025 France pricing). No subscription fee on the standard plan. Payouts to your bank account are free within 2 business days. Additional fees apply for refunds ($0.25), disputes ($15) and alternative payment methods.
📐 Formula
Fees = Amount × rate% + $0.30 | To receive X net: charge (X + 0.30) / (1 - rate%)
📊 Reference table
| Card type | Rate | Fixed | Fees on $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| US domestic card | 2.9 % | $0.30 | $3.20 |
| European card | 1.5 % | $0.25 | $1.75 |
| Klarna / BNPL | ~2.99 % | $0.35 | ~$3.34 |
| SEPA debit | 0.8 % | $0.25 | $1.05 (max $5) |
💡 Practical examples
Example 1: SaaS at $29/month, 1,000 customers (US cards)
Fees per payment = 29 × 2.9% + 0.30 = $1.14. For 1,000 customers: $1,141/month in Stripe fees.
Example 2: international sale at $199 (EU card)
Fees = 199 × 1.5% + 0.25 = $3.24. Net margin: $195.76.
Example 3: Stripe vs PayPal on a $50 transaction
Stripe (US): 50 × 2.9% + 0.30 = $1.75. PayPal: 50 × 3.49% + 0.49 = $2.24. Stripe is ~22% cheaper.