PayPal Invoice Fee Calculator (2026)

PayPal charges 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction when a client pays a PayPal invoice. This is the same as the standard Goods and Services rate. There is no extra charge for creating or sending invoices.

Creating and sending PayPal invoices is free. You only pay the 3.49% + $0.49 fee (USA) when your client actually pays the invoice.

Fee = (Invoice amount × 3.49%) + $0.49. To receive exactly what you need, use the gross-up formula: Charge = (Desired net + $0.49) ÷ (1 − 0.0349).

In the USA, surcharging is legal in most states. You can add the fee to your invoice as a separate line item. Always check local laws and PayPal's terms before doing so.

Yes. Stripe invoicing charges 2.9% + $0.30 vs PayPal's 3.49% + $0.49. On a $500 invoice, Stripe saves $3.14. On $5,000/month in invoices, Stripe saves about $37/month.