PayPal does not use one universal seller rate. The charge depends on the product used, the seller's market, the buyer's location, currency conversion, and any custom pricing. For U.S. merchants, PayPal Checkout currently lists 3.49% plus the applicable fixed fee, while standard card processing lists 2.99% plus the fixed fee.
The percentage normally applies to the full amount processed, not to your profit. Shipping collected from the buyer and tax included in the payment can therefore increase the processing fee even when those amounts are not revenue you keep.
Common U.S. transaction rates
The current merchant table lists PayPal Checkout at 3.49%, standard card payments at 2.99%, and eligible QR payments at 2.29%. The calculator updates the listed U.S. fixed fee with the selected product and still lets you edit it for custom pricing.
- PayPal Checkout: 3.49% + $0.49
- Standard card payment: 2.99% + $0.49
- QR code payment: 2.29% + $0.09
- International and conversion charges can be additional
Fee, net payment, and profit are three different numbers
The processing fee is PayPal's estimated charge. Net payment is the processed amount minus that charge. Profit goes further and subtracts inventory, shipping, packaging, and other direct costs. Use profit when deciding whether a transaction is worth taking.
Reverse-calculate the payment request
If you need to receive a specific amount after PayPal's fee, the requested payment must be higher than the desired net amount. If you also need a target profit, include the underlying costs before solving for the request amount.
When the estimate will differ
Micropayment pricing, charity rates, guest checkout, international cards, cross-border charges, chargebacks, refunds, currency conversion, and negotiated enterprise rates can all change the outcome. Confirm the product shown in your PayPal account.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the PayPal fee for receiving money as a business?
It depends on the payment product. PayPal Checkout commonly lists 3.49% plus a fixed fee for U.S. merchants, while standard card rates differ.
Does PayPal charge the percentage on shipping and tax?
The processing percentage generally applies to the total amount processed, which can include shipping and tax.
Can I pass the PayPal fee to a customer?
Surcharging rules depend on PayPal's agreement, card-network rules, and local law. Review those rules before adding a separate charge.