
PayPal fees can be a significant concern for individuals and businesses alike. The standard fee for domestic payments is 2.9% of the transaction amount, plus a flat fee of $0.30 per transaction.
If you're using a debit or credit card to fund your PayPal account, you'll be charged a 2.9% fee, as well as a 2.9% cross-border fee for international transactions. This can add up quickly, especially for frequent online shoppers.
For businesses, PayPal also offers a PayPal Payments Standard plan, which charges a 2.9% + $0.30 fee per transaction. However, this fee can be reduced to 2.2% + $0.30 if you receive more than $3,000 in monthly payments.
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Calculator
Using a PayPal fee calculator can save you a lot of headaches and ensure you're not surprised by unexpected fees.
There are many free online fee calculators available, such as SaleCalc, which can help you calculate fees for sales on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
To use a PayPal fee calculator, you'll need to input the relevant information, including the amount being paid or received, the currency, and the flat fee rate.
Most fee calculators are easy to use and provide accurate information, but it's essential to input everything correctly to get accurate results.
If you're unsure about the fees, you can always check the PayPal platform's flat fee rates or use an online fee calculator to get a better understanding.
Here's a breakdown of the types of fees you might encounter when using PayPal:
Keep in mind that these fees may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your transaction, so it's always a good idea to double-check the fees before sending an invoice.
Domestic Fees
If you send money within the U.S., you're in luck - the fee is waived if you use your PayPal funds, PayPal Cash, or a bank account linked to PayPal.
However, if you make a payment using your debit or credit card, or PayPal Credit, you'll have to pay a fee of 2.9% + a fixed fee, depending on the currency.
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For online purchases made within the U.S., the standard fees are 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. If the sale occurs in your store's physical location, and someone pays through PayPal, the fees are 2.7% + $0.30 per transaction.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for domestic transactions:
Remember, these fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor them into your pricing strategy.
Domestic Money Transfers
Domestic money transfers are a breeze with PayPal, especially when you're sending money within the US. If you use your PayPal funds, PayPal Cash, or a linked bank account, the fee is waived.
To calculate the fees, you can use Lili's PayPal Fee Calculator, which is super simple to use. Just enter the invoice amount, select the type of payment, and click "Calculate" to see the total PayPal fees and the amount you'll receive after fees.
Sending money to friends or family within the US is also free if you use your PayPal account balance or a linked bank account. However, if you use a debit or credit card, PayPal Credit Account, or PayPal Cash card, you'll pay a fee of 2.9% of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee of $0.30.
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To avoid these fees, consider selling your products in your local currency, rather than allowing payments from other countries. This way, you'll avoid PayPal's 2.5% conversion fee.
Here's a quick rundown of the fees for domestic money transfers:
Overall, domestic money transfers with PayPal are convenient and relatively low-cost. Just be aware of the fees and take steps to avoid them whenever possible.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal fees can be a real pain, but understanding how they work can save you some money. If you transfer your funds from your PayPal account to your bank account in the US or UK, the transaction is free.
The money usually takes two to three business days to appear in your bank account, which is a small price to pay for no fee. However, if you live in a different country, you may have to pay an additional PayPal fee.
You can avoid some fees by making a standard transfer, which is free, but it may take a bit longer. Instant transfers cost 1% of the total amount, with a limit cap of $10.
If you're not in a hurry to get your money into your account, you can make a standard transfer for free and avoid the fees.
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International Fees
International fees can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
If you're a US-based account holder and the funds you're receiving come from a PayPal account from a different country, you'll pay a fee of 4.4% + $0.30 for entirely online transactions. This is instead of the standard fee of 2.9% + $0.30.
For physical store transactions, the fee is 4.2% + $0.30, rather than 2.7% + $0.30.
Some additional factors can affect the rate you get, but these are the main conditions in which you can get different fees.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for international transactions:
Keep in mind that these fees are in addition to any other fees you may be charged.
Additional Fees
As a business owner, it's essential to be aware of the additional fees you might incur with PayPal. There are some less-common PayPal fees you should keep in mind to avoid confusion or mistakes.
These fees can include things like PayPal Merchant fees for additional services beyond commercial transactions. It's crucial to understand these fees to make the most out of your PayPal account.
To help you navigate these fees, consider using Lili's PayPal Fee Calculator. This tool allows you to calculate the total PayPal fees for your transactions, including the amount you'll receive after fees are charged and how much you should ask for to cover the fees.
Here are the steps to use Lili's PayPal Fee Calculator:
- Enter the invoice amount
- Select United States Domestic or International from the drop-down menu
- Select the Applicable PayPal Fee from the drop-down menu
- Click “Calculate”
The calculator will display the total PayPal fees, the amount you'll receive after fees are charged, and how much you should ask for to cover the fees.
Additional Lesser-Known
As a business owner, it's essential to be aware of the various fees associated with using PayPal. There are some additional lesser-known PayPal fees that you may encounter.
These fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial to keep them in mind to avoid confusion or mistakes. You have to keep them in mind if you want to make the most out of your PayPal account.

The Standard Domestic Merchant Fee is a common one, but it's worth noting that it's not the only fee you'll encounter. This fee is 2.9% of the payment you receive, with the addition of 30 cents (or the equivalent “fixed fee” that PayPal gives for your currency, if the country in question is not the United States).
Additional Fees
As a business owner, it's essential to be aware of the various fees associated with using PayPal. There are some additional lesser-known fees you should keep in mind to avoid confusion or mistakes.
PayPal charges merchant fees for services beyond commercial transactions. This is a crucial aspect to consider when signing up for a PayPal Business account.
You can use Lili's PayPal Fee Calculator to feel more prepared when sending an invoice through PayPal. This tool is straightforward and helps you calculate the total PayPal fees and the amount you'll receive after fees are charged.
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To use Lili's calculator, simply enter the invoice amount, select the transaction type (United States Domestic or International), and choose the applicable PayPal fee. Then, click "Calculate" to see the results.
Here's a breakdown of the steps to use Lili's PayPal Fee Calculator:
- Enter the invoice amount
- Select United States Domestic or International from the drop-down menu
- Choose the Applicable PayPal Fee from the drop-down menu, e.g. “3.49% + $0.49 (PayPal Checkout & Guest Checkout, Venmo)”
- Click “Calculate”
By using this calculator, you'll be able to determine the total PayPal fees and the amount you should ask for to cover the fees.
Fees for Specific Situations
The standard domestic merchant fee for using PayPal's Shopping Cart is 2.9% of the payment, plus 30 cents for the whole transaction.
If you're a seller based in the United States, you'll pay this fee for online payments from customers also based in the United States using a credit card and paying with American currency.
International transactions, on the other hand, may require converting currency and incur extra fees. These fees are imposed for transactions that deviate from the standard expectation.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for different situations:
Keep in mind that these fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand what you're paying for when using PayPal's services.
Discountable Rate for Non-Profit Organizations
If you're a registered charity on PayPal, you can receive donations without any issues, but keep in mind that PayPal charges a fixed fee of 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction.
You can negotiate lower monthly fees if you receive more than $100K in donations each month by contacting PayPal support.
The donor can choose to pay the payment fees, so you receive the full amount, which is a great perk for eligible charities.
PayPal also has a limit of $25,000 per transaction for eligible charities.
Chargebacks/Disputes
Chargebacks can be a costly mistake, with fees ranging from $20 to $30, depending on the currency received and the country of origin.
PayPal's chargeback fee is a flat $20, regardless of the currency.
The dispute fee, on the other hand, varies by country, with standard fees at $15 and higher fees at $30 for a dispute rate of 1.5% or above, plus over 100 sales transactions in the last 3 full months.
If you're unsure about your dispute rate, you can check your sales history to see if you're approaching the threshold for a higher fee.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous fees can be a surprise, but there are some specific instances where they apply.
Using your credit or debit card to confirm your identity with PayPal will cost you $1.95, but it's refunded once the verification process is complete.
If you use your PayPal Cash Card or PayPal Business Debit Card at a gas pump, the preauthorization hold can be as high as $100. This is just a temporary hold, but it's still worth being aware of.
When you use your PayPal Business Debit MasterCard at a restaurant, the restaurant can place a hold on your account for up to 10 days in the amount of up to $240, which is the purchase amount plus an additional 20%. This is because the restaurant is reserving funds for the potential purchase, but you'll still have access to your money once the hold is lifted.
Here are some examples of the fees you might encounter:
- Preauthorization hold at a gas pump: up to $100
- Preauthorization hold at a restaurant: up to $240 (purchase amount plus 20%)
Refunds
Refunds can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
PayPal keeps the fixed fee you paid when you received the money in case of a refund. This applies to US-based payments, where they'll take $0.30 of the refunded amount.
If you need to refund a payment to your customers, be aware that PayPal's fixed fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
Micropayments
If you sell low-priced items, the standard PayPal fee can seriously eat away at your revenue. You'll pay 2.9% of the transaction amount, plus a fixed fee of 30 cents.
For example, if you sell an item for $2, the fee would be 2.9% of $2 plus 30 cents, which is quite a bit.
Applying for a PayPal program for micropayments can be a good option if you make less than $10 from the majority of your purchases. This program charges a higher percentage of each transaction, 5%, but drops the fixed fee.
Fees for Specific Payment Methods
If you send a payment to friends or family with an account in another country, you'll pay a 5% PayPal fee on the total amount, with a minimum of $0.99 and a maximum of $4.99.
You can avoid some PayPal fees by using other payment platforms, such as checks, direct deposits, or invoicing software. However, transfers from another country may still charge you a currency conversion rate.
There are different fees for international transactions, including a funding fee of 2.9% + a fixed fee based on the currency, in addition to the PayPal fee.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for specific payment methods:
Credit Card Processing Fees
Credit card processing fees can be a bit tricky, but let's break it down.
The fees for using PayPal Here to accept payments and transactions are as follows: 2.70% for transactions for cards, 3.50% + fixed fee for transactions that are keyed in without the card, 2.70% for in-store transactions, and 2.70% for QR code transactions.
If you accept a transaction from a customer who knows their card number but doesn't have the physical card in hand, you'll have to key in the card for this transaction. For a $750.00 transaction, the fees would be $26.25 + $0.30 for the fixed fee, totaling $26.55 in fees.
PayPal charges a fee for making withdrawals from an ATM in the U.S. using your PIN, which is $2.50 per transaction. This also includes making a balance inquiry using your PIN at an ATM.
Here's a summary of the fees for using PayPal Here:
Keep in mind that these fees may vary depending on the type of account you have and the country you're in.
Withdrawal Method
Withdrawing funds from your PayPal account can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
If you're transferring funds to your bank account in the US or UK, the transaction is free, and the money usually takes two to three business days to appear in your account.
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However, if you live in a different country, you may have to pay an additional PayPal fee, so be sure to check your country's policies.
Transferring funds to a linked debit or credit card comes with a fee, which is 1% of the total amount, with a maximum fee of $10.
This fee is worth considering, especially if you need the money quickly, as these transactions are usually faster than sending payments from your PayPal funds to your bank account.
Before you transfer your funds, check the withdrawal limits for both debit cards and bank accounts, as these can vary.
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Debit MasterCard
Using your PayPal Business Debit MasterCard can be a convenient way to make transfers, but be aware of the fees involved.
Transfers to your local bank account are free as long as you're not required to use currency conversion.
If you request a check be mailed to you, the fee is $1.50, which is deducted from your PayPal account balance.
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For instant transfers to your bank account or linked debit card, the fee is 1% of the amount transferred.
Here's a breakdown of the maximum transfer limits and corresponding fees:
Keep in mind that the maximum fee applied is $10.00, as illustrated by an example where a $5,000 instant card transfer incurs a $10.00 fee.
Cash Card
The Cash Card is a convenient option for making purchases in-store, as you won't be charged any fees except those charged by the merchant, and currency conversion is not involved.
You can use the PIN-based cash back option to make purchases without incurring any additional fees, aside from what the merchant charges.
Teller-assisted withdrawals using the Cash Card or Business Debit Card will cost you $3.00 per withdrawal.
Withdrawing money from an ATM within the U.S. will set you back $1.50 per transaction.
International withdrawals come with a $1.50 fee, plus a foreign transaction fee of 1% for using non-U.S. ATMs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of using PayPal?
PayPal offers ease of use and additional features for small businesses, but comes with relatively high merchant fees.
How much is the PayPal fee for $1000?
The PayPal fee for a $1000 payment is $35.39. To receive the full $1000, you should charge $1036.67.
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