PayPal & Stripe Fee Calculator – Accurate Take-Home Pay
How to avoid losing money on PayPal and Stripe fees
When billing freelance clients or accepting online store payments, merchant processors deduct both a percentage fee and a fixed transaction fee (such as PayPal's 2.99% + $0.49 or international 4.49% + $0.49). If you invoice $1,000 expecting $1,000, you will only receive $969.61.
The Reverse Invoicing Formula
To receive an exact net amount, use the gross-up formula: Invoice Amount = (Desired Net + Fixed Fee) / (1 - Percentage Rate). This calculator works backwards automatically so you can ask clients for the exact sum needed to cover merchant processing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current PayPal merchant fee?
Standard US domestic commercial transactions are 2.99% + $0.49. International cross-border payments typically add a 1.5% surcharge (4.49% + $0.49).
Can I legally pass credit card fees to clients?
In most US states and international jurisdictions, surcharge rules allow charging convenience fees or including processing buffers in invoices, provided terms are disclosed up front.
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