PayPal vs Stripe
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
Stripe is a payments platform with 2.9% + $0.30 per domestic card transaction, no monthly fees (free to start); PayPal charges 2.99% + $0.49 for card Checkout or 3.49% + $0.49 for PayPal/Venmo, also with no monthly fees. Stripe for developer-first integrations and global coverage; PayPal for consumer trust and Venmo ecosystem.
| Pricing | PayPal | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 2.99 USD | 2.9 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, API/SDKs, iOS, Android |
PayPal — Pros
- No setup or monthly fees — pay 2.99% + $0.49 per US card transaction, 3.49% + $0.49 for PayPal/Venmo
- Trusted global brand with 400M+ accounts and built-in buyer protection
- Checkout, Invoicing, Pay Later and Subscriptions out of the box
Stripe — Pros
- Pay-as-you-go: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful domestic card transaction, no setup or monthly fees
- 100+ payment methods, global coverage and built-in fraud prevention (Radar)
- Prebuilt Checkout, Payment Links and SDKs in every major language
PayPal — Cons
- Per-transaction fees are higher than interchange-plus processors at volume
- Chargeback/dispute fee applies ($15, varies by region)
- Payouts and currency conversion carry additional fixed and percentage costs
Stripe — Cons
- Per-transaction fees add up at high volume vs negotiated/IC+ pricing
- International cards add +1.5% and currency conversion +1%
- Advanced features (Billing, Tax, Connect) are separate paid products
Read the full reviews
FAQ
Is PayPal cheaper than Stripe?
PayPal starts at 2.99 USD (checked 2026-09-03); Stripe starts at 2.9 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do PayPal and Stripe have a free plan?
Both PayPal and Stripe offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does PayPal vs Stripe support?
PayPal is available on Web, iOS, Android. Stripe is available on Web, API/SDKs, iOS, Android.
Are PayPal and Stripe in the same category?
Yes. Both PayPal and Stripe are classified as cloud tools.