PayPal fees for US sellers
PayPal's US fee page lists a rate of 2.99% for receiving domestic goods and services payments (and for standard credit and debit card payments), plus a fixed fee of $0.49 per transaction in US dollars. The rates are editable under Fee rates, because PayPal changes them from time to time and other payment types have different rates.
You receive = payment − fee
To receive X, ask for (X + $0.49) ÷ (1 − 2.99%)
Examples
| Case | Payment | Fee | You receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyer sends $100 | $100.00 | $3.48 | $96.52 |
| You need $100 to arrive | $103.59 | $3.59 | $100.00 |
| Small $1 payment | $1.00 | $0.52 | $0.48 |
The fixed fee makes small payments expensive: on $1, the fee is 52% of the payment.
Tips
- Ask for the reverse amount. If you invoice for an exact sum, use the second mode so the fee does not come out of your pocket.
- International payments cost more. Payments from other countries and currency conversion have extra fees; check PayPal's fee page for your case.
- Friends and family is not for sales. Payments for goods and services should be sent as goods and services; that is what this fee covers.
Rates here are for US domestic commercial transactions as listed on PayPal's US business fees page. Always check the current page before relying on a number.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal take from $100?
With the 2.99% + $0.49 rate, $3.48, so you receive $96.52.
How do I make the buyer cover the PayPal fee?
Use the second mode. To receive $100 you would ask for $103.59. Check local rules and the platform's terms before adding a surcharge.
Why is the rate different for me?
PayPal has different rates for card payments through checkout tools, international payments, charities and other cases. Enter the rate from your own PayPal fee page under Fee rates.
Sources
PayPal: Merchant and business fees (US)
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By Muhammad Shujah