PayPal Pricing (April 2026)
How much does PayPal cost?
PayPal offers a free plan with paid tiers starting at Free/mo.
All Plans
Pro
- 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction
- Advanced checkout
- Virtual terminal
PayPal Pricing Breakdown
Transaction Fees
PayPal's pricing is usage-based, with fees varying by transaction type and sales volume. For domestic online transactions in the United States, you'll typically pay 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction. International sales incur an additional 1.5% fee, making it crucial to factor these costs into your pricing strategy.
No Monthly Fees
Unlike many payment processors, PayPal offers a free basic account with no monthly maintenance fees. This makes it an attractive option for small businesses and startups looking to minimize upfront costs. However, advanced features like virtual terminals or recurring billing do carry additional monthly charges.
Volume-Based Pricing
As your business grows, PayPal offers more competitive rates. High-volume merchants can negotiate custom interchange rates, potentially reducing per-transaction costs. Businesses processing over $100,000 monthly might qualify for specialized pricing that significantly lowers their effective transaction rate.
Additional Costs
Be aware of potential hidden costs. Chargebacks can cost $20 per incident, and currency conversion fees add approximately 3-4% to international transactions. While these aren't enormous expenses, they can impact profit margins for businesses with tight financial constraints.
Feature Breakdown by Plan
| Feature | Standard | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction | ✓ | ✗ |
| No monthly fees | ✓ | ✗ |
| PayPal checkout | ✓ | ✗ |
| 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction | ✗ | ✓ |
| Advanced checkout | ✗ | ✓ |
| Virtual terminal | ✗ | ✓ |
Is PayPal Worth It?
The free plan lets you test core functionality before committing.
Best for: Small businesses, Freelancers, eBay sellers. Keep in mind: higher fees than competitors.
PayPal Pros & Cons
- Trusted brand recognition
- Buyer protection
- Easy setup
- Wide acceptance
- One-click checkout
- Higher fees than competitors
- Account freezes
- Limited customization
- Slow fund access