PayPal Fee Calculator
Calculate exact PayPal merchant fees for domestic and international transactions, including reverse calculations to know how much to invoice.
PayPal Fee Parameters
Standard US domestic PayPal Checkout, Goods & Services, and Invoicing transactions.
Formula: Fee = Amount × 3.49% + $0.49 · Reverse Invoice = (Target + $0.49) ÷ (1 − 0.0349)
Rates checked on 2026-10-16 against PayPal US Merchant Fees.
If you invoice $100.00
To receive exactly $100.00 after processing fees
Advertisement
PayPal Merchant Fees Explained (Checked 2026-10-16)
PayPal applies different merchant processing rates depending on the payment method: 3.49% + $0.49 for standard PayPal Checkout and Invoicing, and 2.99% + $0.49 for standard credit and debit card payments. Source: PayPal US Merchant Fees (2026-10-16).
Friends & Family vs Goods & Services
- Friends & Family: $0.00 fee for domestic US transfers funded by a linked bank account or PayPal balance. Does not include Buyer or Seller Protection.
- Goods & Services: Incurs commercial merchant rates (3.49% + $0.49 for PayPal Checkout; 2.99% + $0.49 for standard card payments) and includes Purchase Protection.
PayPal Withdrawal & Instant Transfer Fees
Once funds clear into your PayPal balance, transferring money to your bank account or eligible debit card follows two options (updated 1 October 2026):
| Withdrawal Method | Transfer Time | Fee Structure (Checked 2026-10-16) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bank Transfer (ACH) | 1 – 3 Business Days | $0.00 (Free) |
| Instant Transfer (Bank / Eligible Debit Card) | Typically within 30 minutes | 1.50% of amount transferred ($0.50 minimum fee) |
International Payments & Currency Conversion
Cross-border commercial transactions incur an additional +1.50% international surcharge above the domestic base rate. If currency conversion is required, PayPal applies a currency conversion spread (typically 3.0%–4.0% above base exchange rates).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PayPal fee for receiving money for goods and services?
As checked on October 16, 2026, PayPal US charges 3.49% + $0.49 for PayPal Checkout, 2.99% + $0.49 for standard credit/debit card checkout, and 2.99% (no fixed fee) for standard Send/Receive Money for Goods and Services.
Is there a fee for PayPal Friends and Family?
No. Domestic US Friends & Family transfers funded by a linked bank account or PayPal balance are free. Commercial Goods & Services payments always incur processing fees.
How much does PayPal charge for an instant transfer?
Standard bank transfers (1–3 business days) are free. Instant transfers to an eligible bank account or debit card cost 1.50% of the transfer amount, with a minimum fee of $0.50 (up to a $15.00 maximum cap on personal accounts).
Does PayPal charge extra for international payments?
Yes. Receiving cross-border commercial payments adds a +1.50% international transaction surcharge, plus a 3.00% to 4.00% currency conversion spread if currency conversion is required.
How do I calculate how much to invoice to receive a specific amount after fees?
To calculate the required invoice amount (A) for a target net payout (P), percentage fee rate (r), and fixed fee (f), use the reverse fee formula: A = (P + f) / (1 - r). For a $500 target payout on PayPal Checkout (3.49% + $0.49): A = (500 + 0.49) / (1 - 0.0349) = $518.59.
Are PayPal fees tax-deductible?
Yes! PayPal merchant processing fees are ordinary business expenses and can typically be deducted on business tax returns.
How does the 'Ask For' reverse formula work?
To ensure you receive exactly $X after PayPal takes fee percentage (P) and fixed fee (F), invoice Amount = (X + F) / (1 - P).
Related Tools & Guides
Related Tools
All Calculators ToolsStripe Fee Calculator
Calculate Stripe credit card processing fees for domestic (2.9% + $0.30) and international (4.4% + $0.30) payments with instant reverse invoicing math.
Gross Profit Margin Calculator
Calculate gross profit margin, markup percentage, and total profit from cost of goods sold (COGS) and sale price.
Free PDF Invoice Generator
Create, preview, and download professional PDF invoices for your freelance business completely free.