Quick answer
“X is cheapest” is usually oversimplified. Your real cost depends on which payment methods buyers use, how much you sell internationally, whether currency conversion applies, disputes, volume, and whether you qualify for custom pricing.
Mechanics
Percentage plus fixed fee
Most published online rates combine a percentage of the sale with a fixed amount per transaction—for example, Stripe’s standard US domestic online card rate of 2.9% + 30¢. The fixed part weighs more heavily on small orders: 30¢ is 3% of a $10 order but 0.3% of a $100 order.
Methods
Payment methods change the rate
The same provider can charge different rates by method. PayPal’s US fee page lists PayPal Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49, standard card payments at 2.99% + $0.49, and Pay Later at 4.99% + $0.49. Stripe lists ACH Direct Debit at 0.8% with a $5 cap. Adyen charges a processing fee plus a payment-method fee that varies by method.
Cross-border
International and currency surcharges
Cross-border sales often add fees. Stripe adds 1.5% for international cards and 1% when currency conversion is required; PayPal adds 1.50% for international commercial transactions. These stack on the base rate.
Beyond the rate
Other costs to include
Chargebacks and disputes
Dispute fees and the operational cost of responding are rarely in the headline rate.
ACH and bank payments
Bank methods can be cheaper for large or recurring payments; check caps and timing.
Custom and IC+ pricing
At volume, providers may offer negotiated or interchange-plus pricing; Stripe states custom pricing is available.
Minimum invoices and contracts
Enterprise providers may apply minimums—Adyen says a minimum invoice may apply by industry and model.
Plan-dependent rates
Square’s online rates vary by plan/service, so pick the configuration before comparing.
Platform gateway fees
Some storefront platforms charge extra when you use a third-party processor.
Verified Sep 28, 2026
Published examples
| Provider | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 2.9% + 30¢ | US domestic online card, standard pricing |
| PayPal | 3.49% + $0.49 / 2.99% + $0.49 | PayPal Checkout / standard cards |
| Square | 2.9% + 30¢ | Online API; other online rates vary by plan |
| Adyen | $0.13 + method fee | Indicative; minimum invoice may apply |
Hypothetical
A worked example (illustrative)
This is a hypothetical store, not a real merchant or a quote. Assume $20,000 in monthly online sales at a $50 average order value (400 transactions), a 2.9% + 30¢ rate, and 10% of sales on international cards with a 1.5% surcharge.
| Component | Calculation | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage fee | $20,000 × 2.9% | $580 |
| Fixed fee | 400 × $0.30 | $120 |
| International surcharge | $2,000 × 1.5% | $30 |
| Total | $730 (3.65% effective) |
The effective rate (3.65%) is well above the 2.9% headline because of the fixed fee and surcharge. Try your own numbers in the payment fee calculator.
Providers
Editorial overviews
Decision support
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical ecommerce payment processing fee?
Published US online card examples cluster around a percentage plus a fixed fee, but rates vary by method, market, and plan. Calculate your effective rate rather than relying on a typical figure.
How do I lower payment fees?
Understand your mix first. Options can include bank payments, negotiated pricing at volume, and reviewing international and conversion costs—verify every change with the provider.