Payment fees: compare net payout before choosing Stripe or PayPal
The headline processor rate is not the whole cost. Compare the net payout after percentage fees and fixed transaction fees.
Back to all briefsFor small invoices, fixed fees matter more. For larger invoices, percentage fees usually drive the total processing cost.
Compare the full fee formula
A 2.9% plus $0.30 structure behaves differently on a $10 sale than on a $2,000 invoice. Always include both parts of the fee.
Use net payout for planning
The amount deposited into the business account is what pays expenses. Compare processors by the final net amount, not only by the displayed percentage.
Check surcharge rules before passing fees on
Platform, card-network, state, and country rules can affect whether you may add a separate fee. Confirm the rule before changing customer-facing prices.
Related business checks
Payments / August 6, 2026Payment plans: check fee drag before splitting an invoiceInstallments can make a large balance easier to collect, but repeated card fees and slower cash can weaken the job. Price the plan before offering terms.Payments / August 5, 2026Payment descriptor: match the business name before you send the invoiceA mismatch between the invoice name, payment link, and card statement can confuse customers and invite avoidable support issues. Decide the exact name before the bill goes out.Payments / July 31, 2026Payment minimum: check the fee floor before you set oneA low-ticket card invoice can lose more to fees than the work earns. Compare the processor fee, margin, and invoice size before requiring a minimum payment.