🌍 Payment Fee Calculator for Stripe, PayPal, Wise, Mollie, Skrill & Payoneer
Use this all-in-one calculator to quickly estimate transaction fees for major payment platforms including Stripe, PayPal, Wise, Mollie, Skrill, and Payoneer. Know exactly what you need to charge or what you'll receive.
Complete Guide to Payment Processing Fees in 2025
Payment processing fees can significantly impact your business profitability. Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or e-commerce entrepreneur, understanding these fees is crucial for accurate pricing and financial planning.
Why Payment Processing Fees Matter
Payment processing fees are charges imposed by payment platforms for facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers. These fees typically range from 1.5% to 5% of the transaction amount, plus fixed fees that can range from $0.09 to $0.49 per transaction.
For businesses processing thousands of dollars monthly, these fees can accumulate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in costs. Many business owners underestimate these expenses, leading to reduced profit margins and pricing strategies that don't account for the true cost of accepting payments.
Understanding Different Fee Structures
Payment processors use various fee structures that can be confusing for business owners. The most common structures include:
- Percentage + Fixed Fee: A combination of a percentage of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee per transaction
- Tiered Pricing: Different rates based on transaction volume or business type
- Interchange Plus: The wholesale cost of processing plus a markup
- Flat Rate: A single rate for all transactions regardless of card type
Platform-Specific Fee Analysis
Stripe: The Developer-Friendly Choice
Stripe has become the go-to payment processor for online businesses due to its robust API and developer tools. However, its fees can vary significantly based on your location and transaction type.
For European businesses, Stripe typically charges 1.5% + €0.25 for domestic transactions, but this increases to 2.9% + €0.25 for cross-border transactions. Currency conversion adds another 1% to the total cost.
The platform excels in handling complex payment scenarios, subscription billing, and marketplace transactions, making it popular among SaaS companies and online marketplaces.
PayPal: The Household Name
PayPal remains one of the most recognized payment methods globally, with over 400 million active users. However, it's also known for having some of the highest fees in the industry.
PayPal's fee structure is complex, varying based on funding source, account type, and transaction purpose. Personal transactions funded by bank accounts or PayPal balance are often free, while business transactions typically incur 2.9% + fixed fees.
Cross-border transactions can be particularly expensive, with additional fees of 1.5% and unfavorable exchange rates that can add 3-4% to the total cost.
Wise: The International Transfer Specialist
Formerly TransferWise, Wise specializes in international money transfers with transparent pricing and real exchange rates. It's particularly popular among freelancers and businesses dealing with international clients.
Wise's fees are generally lower than traditional banks and PayPal for international transfers, typically ranging from 0.35% to 2% depending on the currency pair and transfer method.
The platform's strength lies in its transparency – you always know exactly how much you'll pay and what exchange rate you'll get before confirming a transfer.
Mollie: The European E-commerce Solution
Mollie has gained significant traction in the European e-commerce market by offering competitive rates and excellent local payment method support, including iDEAL, Bancontact, and SEPA Direct Debit.
Card payments through Mollie typically cost 1.8% + €0.25, which is competitive compared to other European processors. The platform also offers transparent pricing with no setup fees or hidden costs.
Mollie's strength lies in its focus on the European market and its support for local payment methods that are crucial for e-commerce success in specific countries.
How to Choose the Right Payment Processor
Selecting the right payment processor involves more than just comparing fees. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Geographic Coverage and Local Payment Methods
Consider where your customers are located and what payment methods they prefer. European customers might prefer SEPA transfers or local banking methods, while US customers are more comfortable with credit cards and ACH transfers.
2. Integration Complexity
Some processors offer simple, plug-and-play solutions, while others require significant development work. Consider your technical resources and timeline when making a decision.
3. Settlement Times
Different processors have varying settlement times – the time it takes for funds to reach your bank account. This can range from same-day to several business days, which can impact your cash flow significantly.
4. Customer Support and Reliability
Payment processing is mission-critical for your business. Look for processors with strong uptime records and responsive customer support, especially if you operate in different time zones.
5. Additional Features
Modern payment processors offer various additional features like subscription billing, fraud protection, detailed analytics, and multi-currency support. Evaluate which features are important for your business model.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your payment platform from the buttons above. Each platform has different fee structures and regional variations.
- Configure your transaction details including sender/receiver regions and whether currency conversion is needed.
- Enter the transaction amount to see real-time calculations of fees, net payout, and the total amount needed to cover fees.
- Compare different platforms by switching between tabs to find the most cost-effective option for your specific use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these fee calculations accurate?
A: Our calculator uses the most current publicly available fee structures from each payment processor. However, fees can change, and some processors offer volume discounts or custom pricing for large merchants. Always verify current rates on the official websites.
Q: Why do cross-border transactions cost more?
A: Cross-border transactions involve additional processing complexity, regulatory compliance, and often currency conversion. Payment processors charge extra fees to cover these additional costs and risks.
Q: Can I negotiate lower fees with payment processors?
A: Yes, if you process significant volume (typically $10,000+ per month), many processors are willing to negotiate lower rates. Enterprise customers often receive custom pricing based on their specific needs and volume.
Q: What's the difference between percentage and fixed fees?
A: Percentage fees scale with transaction amount (e.g., 2.9% of $100 = $2.90), while fixed fees remain constant regardless of amount (e.g., $0.30 per transaction). For small transactions, fixed fees have a larger relative impact.
Q: Should I pass payment processing fees to customers?
A: This depends on your business model, industry norms, and local regulations. Some businesses absorb fees as a cost of doing business, while others add a processing fee or adjust their prices to account for payment costs.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current fee structures or special pricing agreements. Actual fees may vary based on your business type, processing volume, and specific agreement with each payment provider.
Always consult the official websites of payment processors for the most up-to-date fee information and terms of service. We recommend testing with small amounts before committing to large transactions.
PaymentFeeCalc.com is not affiliated with any of the payment processors mentioned and does not receive compensation for recommendations.