PayPal fees in 2026, explained
PayPal's fee depends on how the money arrives, not just the amount. The headline rates for receiving money in the US as of July 2026:
| Payment type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Goods & Services (send money) | 2.99% — no fixed fee |
| PayPal Checkout / Guest Checkout | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Pay with Venmo | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Standard credit/debit card | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| Advanced credit/debit card | 2.89% + $0.29 |
| Invoicing — paid with PayPal/Venmo | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Invoicing — paid by card / Apple Pay | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| Invoicing — Pay by Bank | 1%, capped at $10 |
| QR code payment | 2.29% + $0.09 |
| Micropayments (opt-in) | 4.99% + $0.09 |
Add-ons: international commercial payments cost an extra 1.50%; currency conversion carries a 3–4% spread; card chargebacks cost $20. Note that the Goods & Services rate is 2.99% with no fixed fee — a July 2026 schedule detail that many older calculators get wrong by adding $0.49.
The reverse formula
To receive an exact net amount, request: (net + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − rate). Example: to keep $100 from a Goods & Services payment, request $100 ÷ 0.9701 = $103.08. The calculator's reverse mode does this for every payment type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PayPal Goods & Services fee?
2.99% of the amount, with no fixed fee, for US domestic payments (verified July 2026). Checkout and card payments have different rates — see the table above.
How much should I ask for to receive $100?
Via G&S: $103.08. Via Checkout (3.49% + $0.49): $104.13. Use reverse mode above for any amount.
Does PayPal charge more for international payments?
Yes — +1.50% on commercial payments from abroad, plus a 3–4% currency conversion spread if converted.
Are Friends & Family payments free?
Free when funded by balance or bank (domestic). Card-funded F&F costs the sender 2.90% + $0.30. Don't use F&F for sales — no protection, and it violates PayPal's commerce terms.
Source: PayPal US merchant fees (page dated July 15, 2026). Independent tool, not affiliated with PayPal. Fees verified July 23, 2026.