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Stripe vs PayPal vs Square 3-Way Fee Comparator
Side-by-side merchant fee analysis to find the lowest fee processor for your transaction volume.
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Stripe vs PayPal vs Square 3-Way Fee Comparator (2026)
Side-by-side merchant fee analysis for credit card processing. Compare net payouts, international surcharges, and find the lowest fee processor.
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Click any card to calculateStripe vs PayPal vs Square 3-Way Fee Comparator — Frequently Asked Questions
Authoritative answers to common questions, regulatory rules, and compliance guidance.
Which gateway is cheaper: Stripe, PayPal, or Square?
For standard US credit cards, Stripe and Square tie at 2.9% + $0.30, while PayPal is significantly higher at 3.49% + $0.49. For in-person point of sale, Square (2.6% + $0.10) is cheapest.
Which payment processor is cheaper: Stripe, PayPal, or Square?
For standard online domestic transactions, Stripe and Square tie at 2.9% + $0.30, while PayPal Commerce is noticeably more expensive at 3.49% + $0.49. For in-person point-of-sale card processing, Square (2.6% + $0.10) is the most cost-effective.
What is the cheapest payment processor for micropayments under $10?
For low-ticket transactions, PayPal offers a dedicated micropayments rate (5.0% + $0.05). On a $5 transaction, PayPal micropayments fee is $0.30, compared to $0.45 with Stripe’s standard $0.30 fixed fee.
How do international card surcharges compare across Stripe, PayPal, and Square?
Stripe charges a 1.5% international fee (plus 1% for currency conversion). PayPal adds 1.5% plus a 3–4% currency exchange margin. Square charges 1.0% on international cards.
Which gateway provides the fastest payout to my bank account?
Square offers free standard next-business-day deposits and optional 1.75% instant transfers. Stripe defaults to a 2-day rolling payout schedule in the US. PayPal offers free 1–3 day ACH or 1.75% instant transfers.