Stripe has become the backbone of online payments for millions of businesses worldwide. But while its seamless integration and global reach make it a top choice, understanding Stripe fees structure can feel like decoding a puzzle—especially for new entrepreneurs. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a SaaS platform, or a nonprofit, hidden fees or unexpected charges can eat into your margins.
Stripe is used globally, and its fee structure affects businesses differently depending on country, currency, and payment method. This guide explains Stripe fees in a way that applies to businesses in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other international markets, with examples and regional comparisons.
In this guide, we’ll demystify Stripe’s 2026 pricing model, breaking down domestic vs. international fees, card-type costs, recurring payment charges, and lesser-known expenses. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to calculate your payment processing costs and how to save.
Stripe fees vary based on transaction type, customer location, currency, and payment method. Using a dedicated Stripe fee calculator helps businesses estimate real costs and net profit before pricing products or subscriptions.
This guide is designed for businesses and individuals who use Stripe to accept online payments and want a clear understanding of how Stripe fees work in real-world scenarios. It is especially useful for:
eCommerce businesses selling physical or digital products
SaaS companies and subscription-based businesses
Freelancers, agencies, and service providers accepting online payments
Startups and small businesses processing international transactions
Nonprofits and organizations using Stripe for donations
Whether you process payments locally or serve customers across multiple countries, understanding Stripe’s fee structure helps you price accurately, manage costs, and protect your profit margins.
Stripe’s Core Fee Structure for 2026
Stripe operates on a “pay-as-you-go” model, charging a percentage of each transaction plus a fixed fee. Here’s the baseline for 2026:
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic Cards (Online) | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| International Cards | 3.9% + $0.30 |
| ACH Direct Debit | 0.8% (capped at $5) |
| In-Person Payments | 2.7% + $0.05 |
Note: Fees may vary slightly by country (e.g., 1.5% + £0.20 in the UK, 1.75% + AU$0.30 in Australia).
But this is just the start. Let’s dive deeper.
For a clearer breakdown with real-world scenarios, you can also review Stripe’s fee structure explained with examples to see how charges apply in practice.
1. Domestic vs. International Fees: Why Location Matters
Stripe fees depend heavily on where your customer’s card was issued.
Domestic Transactions
Rate: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful charge.
Best for: Businesses selling primarily within their home country (e.g., a US store serving US customers).
International Transactions
Rate: 3.9% + $0.30 per charge.
Why it’s costlier: Stripe adds a 1% “cross-border fee” for cards issued outside your business’s country.
Example: A 100 payment from a German customer to a US business costs 3.90 + 0.30 = 4.20.
2. Card Type Costs: Credit, Debit, and Digital Wallets
Not all payment methods cost the same.
Credit & Debit Cards
Most cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) fall under the standard 2.9% + $0.30 rate.
Amex Alert: American Express charges merchants slightly higher interchange fees, which Stripe passes on. Expect ~3.5% for Amex transactions.
Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Same as standard card fees (2.9% + $0.30).
Bonus: Digital wallets often have higher conversion rates, offsetting processing costs.
ACH & Bank Transfers
Fee: 0.8% per transaction (capped at $5).
Ideal for: B2B invoices or high-ticket sales (e.g., a 10,000 ACH payment costs just5).
3. Recurring Payments: How Subscriptions Impact Fees
Businesses using Stripe for subscriptions get volume discounts—but only if they qualify.
Standard Recurring Fees
Same as one-time payments (2.9% + $0.30).
Added features: Stripe Billing supports prorations, metered billing, and dunning management.
Volume Discounts
Eligibility: $100,000+ in monthly processing.
Discounts: Custom rates (as low as 2.4% + $0.30).
Negotiation Tip: Contact Stripe’s sales team once you hit $50k/month in revenue.
4. Hidden Costs: What Many Businesses Miss
Stripe’s transparency is a selling point, but these fees often catch users off-guard:
Chargebacks
Fee: $15 per dispute (non-refundable, even if you win).
Avoidance Tip: Use Stripe Radar (0.05−0.07 per transaction) to block fraud.
Currency Conversion
Fee: 1-2% if your payout currency differs from the transaction currency.
Example: A €100 payment to a USD account incurs a €1-€2 conversion fee.
In addition to standard transaction charges, businesses should also watch out for several hidden Stripe fees that are easy to overlook, especially when selling internationally.
5. Refunds on Stripe: How Fees Work (Simplified)
When you issue a refund, Stripe does not return the original processing fees you paid for the transaction. This means you lose both the percentage-based fee (e.g., 2.9%) and the fixed fee (e.g., $0.30) from the initial charge.
Example Breakdown
Let’s say you process a $100 payment:
Original Transaction:
Customer pays: $100.
Stripe fee: 2.9% + 0.302.90 + 0.30 3.20.
You receive: 1003.20 = $96.80 in your Stripe account.
You refund the full $100:
The customer gets back $100.
Your Stripe account is debited: $100.
What happens to the original $3.20 fee?
Stripe does not refund this fee. You permanently lose the $
Your net loss:
You initially received 96.80, but you must return 100 to the customer.
Shortfall: 100 (refund) − 96.80 (what you received) = $3.20.
Total loss: Original fee (3.20) + shortfall ( = $6.40.
Why This Feels Like a “Double Loss”
Loss #1: The original $3.20 fee (Stripe keeps this).
Loss #2: You have to give $3.20 extra from your pocket to the customer to return him/her $100
This is why refunds can be costly—especially for small transactions.
Key Takeaways
You don’t get fees back: Stripe retains the original 2.9% + $0.30 (or other applicable fees).
Refunding costs you money: You lose the fees and may need to add funds to cover the refund.
Small transactions hurt most
6. Regional Variations: US, UK, EU, and Australia Fees
Stripe adjusts fees by country. Here’s a snapshot:
| Country | Domestic Card Fee | International Card Fee |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 2.9% + $0.30 | 3.9% + $0.30 |
| UK | 1.5% + £0.20 | 2.9% + £0.20 |
| EU | 1.5% + €0.25 | 2.5% + €0.25 |
| Australia | 1.75% + AU$0.30 | 2.9% + AU$0.30 |
Key Takeaway: EU businesses enjoy lower rates due to regulatory caps on interchange fees.
If you sell internationally, your effective Stripe fees can change significantly based on where your customer is located and which payment method they use. This is why international sellers should always calculate fees per transaction instead of relying on flat averages. For a deeper look at cross-border charges, currency conversion costs, and global transactions, businesses should also review how Stripe international fees apply in different regions.
7. How to Reduce Stripe Fees in 2026
Optimizing costs isn’t just about negotiation. Try these hacks:
Use ACH for Large Transactions
A 10,000 payment costs 80 via ACH vs. 290+0.30 via credit card.
Pass Fees to Customers
Enable Stripe’s “Checkout” to add a 3% surcharge (where legal).
Avoid Microtransactions
A 1 sale costs 0.329 in fees (32.9%!). Bundle small purchases (e.g., 5 items for $5).
Once businesses understand the full cost structure, the next step is exploring whether Stripe fees can be reduced legally without changing payment platforms.
Case Study: How a US E-Commerce Store Saved $1,200/Year
Background: A Shopify store selling $20,000/month via Stripe.
Original Fees: 2.9% + 0.30613/month.
Optimizations:
Switched 30% of customers to ACH ($5k/month), cutting fees to 0.8%.
Negotiated a 2.6% rate after hitting $50k/month.
New Fees: 412/month→2,412 annual savings.
Businesses evaluating their payment setup may also want to explore Stripe alternatives that offer different pricing models or lower fees for certain use cases.
FAQs: Stripe Fees in 2026
Do Stripe fees vary by country?
Yes. While Stripe’s core fee structure is similar globally, domestic rates, international card fees, and fixed charges vary by country. Payment methods and local regulations can also affect final costs.
Are international Stripe fees higher than domestic fees?
In most cases, yes. Stripe typically adds a cross-border fee for cards issued outside your business’s country. International transactions may also include currency conversion charges.
Does Stripe charge currency conversion fees?
Yes. If the customer pays in a different currency than your payout currency, Stripe applies a currency conversion fee, usually around 1–2 percent, depending on the currency pair.
Are Stripe fees the same for credit cards and debit cards?
Most credit and debit cards are charged at standard rates, but some card types, such as American Express, may result in higher effective fees due to higher interchange costs.
How do Stripe fees work for subscriptions?
Recurring payments are generally charged at the same rate as one-time payments. However, businesses with high monthly volumes may qualify for custom pricing by negotiating directly with Stripe.
What happens to Stripe fees when I issue a refund?
Stripe does not refund the original processing fees when you issue a refund. This means you lose the transaction fees paid on the original charge, even if the payment is fully refunded.
Are there any monthly or setup fees on Stripe?
Stripe does not charge monthly or setup fees for standard usage. Additional tools such as Stripe Billing, Radar, or custom integrations may carry extra costs.
Can Stripe fees be reduced legally?
Yes. Businesses can reduce the impact of Stripe fees by choosing cost-efficient payment methods, minimizing refunds and chargebacks, optimizing pricing, and negotiating custom rates once processing volume increases.
Is Stripe suitable for international businesses?
Yes. Stripe is widely used by international businesses because it supports multiple currencies and payment methods. However, international sellers should always calculate fees carefully, as costs can vary by country and transaction type.
Why is it important to calculate Stripe fees before pricing products?
Accurate fee calculation helps businesses avoid underpricing, protect margins, and understand true net earnings. Relying on averages instead of real calculations can lead to hidden losses over time.
Even small percentage-based charges can compound over time, and many companies underestimate how businesses lose profit due to Stripe fees when pricing products or subscriptions.
Conclusion: Master Your Payment Costs
Stripe’s flexibility makes it a powerhouse, but Stripe fees can spiral without careful planning. By understanding card types, regional rates, and hidden costs, you can keep more revenue in your pocket.
Final Step: Don’t guess—calculate. Use our Stripe Fee Calculator to simulate transactions, test scenarios, and optimize your pricing strategy.