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Payment Gateway Fees Comparison:
Compare Stripe vs All Major Platforms

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Compare LemonSqueezy, Gumroad, Payhip, Paddle, Polar, Creem, Stripe, Shopify Payments, Square, and Ko‑fi fees. Calculate exactly how much fees eat into your earnings.

Payment Gateway Fees Comparison Calculator

Enter your product details to see a comprehensive payment gateway fees comparison across all major platforms. Our tool calculates exact costs including processing fees, international charges, and payout expenses.

Fetching latest exchange rates and calculating fees...

Payment Gateway Fees Comparison Results

Complete Payment Gateway Fees Comparison: Platform Details & Features

Stripe No MoR

Base Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

International Fee: +1% for non-US transactions

Payout Fees: $2 + 0.25% + $0.25 per payout + cross-border fees (0.25% EU, 1% other)

Conversion Fees: Stripe conversion fees apply for currency conversion

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact, Klarna, Afterpay

Affiliate Tracking: Affonso

Features: Industry standard fees, extensive API, multiple payment methods, advanced fraud protection, real-time analytics, developer-friendly

Official Pricing: docs.stripe.com

Gumroad MoR

Base Fee: 10% + $0.50 per transaction

Processing Fee: +2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe/PayPal)

International Fee: No additional fees

Payout Fees: Free for US, 1% for non-US (Stripe) / $0.50 for US, 3% capped at $30 for non-US (PayPal)

Conversion Fees: Stripe/PayPal conversion fees apply

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Affiliate Tracking: Built-in affiliate program with custom tracking and commission management

Features: No monthly fees, social media integration, multiple product types, customer management, mobile app, community features

Official Pricing: gumroad.com/help/fees

Creem MoR

Base Fee: 3.9% + $0.40 per transaction

International Fee: Included (MoR)

Payout Fees: Free for SEPA/EU countries only, $7 or 1% (whichever is higher) for all other countries, 2% for USDC payouts

Conversion Fees: Stripe conversion fees apply for non-USD accounts

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, UPI, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact

Affiliate Tracking: Affonso

Features: MoR, modern UX, subscriptions, wallets, strong design, all-inclusive pricing

Official Pricing: creem.io/pricing

DodoPayments MoR

Base Fee: 4% + $0.40 per transaction

International Fee: +1.5% for non-US transactions

Subscription Fee: +0.5% for recurring payments

Payout Fees: $5 for <$1000, free for ≥$1000 (US/Non-US), +$25 SWIFT for USD payouts (Non-US), ₹5 for <₹100k (India)

Conversion Fees: Best exchange rates provided, additional wire charges may apply

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, UPI, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact

Affiliate Tracking: Affonso

Features: Creator-focused checkout, digital delivery, global payments, subscriptions, modern UI

Official Pricing: dodopayments.com/pricing

Polar MoR

Base Fee: 4% + $0.40 per transaction

International Fee: +1.5% for non-US transactions

Subscription Fee: +0.5% for recurring payments

Payout Fees: $2 + 0.25% + $0.25 per payout + cross-border fees (0.25% EU, 1% other)

Conversion Fees: Provider conversion fees apply

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, iDEAL

Affiliate Tracking: Affonso

Features: MoR, developer-focused API, subscriptions, webhooks

Official Pricing: polar.sh/pricing

Lemon Squeezy MoR

Base Fee: 5% + $0.50 per transaction

International Fee: +1.5% for non-US transactions

Subscription Fee: +0.5% for recurring payments

Payout Fees: Free for US, 1% for non-US (Stripe) / $0.50 for US, 3% capped at $30 for non-US (PayPal)

Conversion Fees: Stripe/PayPal conversion fees apply

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact

Affiliate Tracking: Built-in affiliate system with custom tracking links and commission management

Features: MoR (handles global taxes/VAT), subscriptions, license keys, digital delivery, analytics

Official Pricing: lemonsqueezy.com/pricing

Paddle MoR

Base Fee: 5% + $0.50 per transaction

International Fee: Included (MoR)

Payout Fees: Free for most countries, $15 SWIFT fee for certain countries, PayPal/bank charges may apply

Conversion Fees: Third-party conversion fees may apply

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact, Klarna

Affiliate Tracking: Affonso

Features: MoR, subscriptions, global taxes, localized checkout, all-inclusive pricing

Official Pricing: paddle.com/pricing

BagelPay MoR

Processing Fee: 5% + $0.50 per transaction

International cards (Non-US): +0%

Subscription Payments: +0%

Payout Fees: +0% domestic, +0-1% international

Conversion Fees: Conversion fees may apply for currency conversion

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, UPI, SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact

Affiliate Tracking: N/A

Features: MoR, UPI support, global payments, modern checkout

Official Pricing: bagelpay.io/pricing

Payhip No MoR

Free Plan: 5% + processing fees

Plus ($29/mo): 2% + processing fees

Pro ($99/mo): 0% + processing fees

Payout Fees: Free for US, 1% for non-US (Stripe) / $0.50 for US, 3% capped at $30 for non-US (PayPal)

Conversion Fees: Stripe/PayPal conversion fees apply

Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA

Affiliate Tracking: Built-in affiliate system with tracking and commission management

Features: Storefronts, courses, memberships, VAT handling, marketing tools

Official Pricing: help.payhip.com/billing

Why Payment Gateway Fees Comparison Matters for Your Business

Understanding Payment Gateway Fees: A Complete Guide

When choosing a payment gateway for your online business, understanding the complete fee structure is crucial. Our payment gateway fees comparison tool helps you analyze costs across 11+ major platforms, including Stripe, LemonSqueezy, Gumroad, Paddle, and more.

Key factors in payment gateway fees comparison:

  • Processing Fees: Base percentage + fixed fee per transaction
  • International Fees: Additional charges for cross-border transactions
  • Payout Fees: Costs for transferring money to your bank account
  • Currency Conversion: Exchange rate fees for multi-currency businesses
  • Subscription Fees: Extra charges for recurring payment processing
  • Merchant of Record (MoR): Platforms that handle tax compliance vs. processor-only gateways

Our comprehensive payment gateway fees comparison calculator provides real-time analysis with current exchange rates, helping you make informed decisions about which platform offers the best value for your specific business model and transaction volume.

Payment Gateway Fees Comparison: Key Takeaways & Recommendations

Making the Right Choice: Payment Gateway Fees Comparison Summary

Based on our comprehensive payment gateway fees comparison analysis, here are the key insights for choosing the right platform:

For Low-Volume Businesses & Creators:

  • MoR Platforms: LemonSqueezy, Paddle, or Creem offer all-inclusive pricing with tax handling
  • Best Value: Creem at 3.9% + $0.40 with MoR benefits
  • Digital Products: LemonSqueezy excels with built-in affiliate tracking and digital delivery

For High-Volume Businesses:

  • Lowest Fees: Stripe at 2.9% + $0.30 (requires tax compliance management)
  • International Focus: Consider MoR platforms for global tax handling
  • Custom Solutions: Processor gateways offer more flexibility for enterprise needs

Key Factors in Payment Gateway Fees Comparison:

  • Transaction volume and frequency
  • International vs. domestic sales
  • Tax compliance requirements
  • Required features (affiliate tracking, subscriptions, etc.)
  • Payout preferences and currency needs

Use our payment gateway fees comparison calculator above to analyze your specific scenario and find the most cost-effective solution for your business needs.

Payment Gateway Fees Comparison: Frequently Asked Questions

Which payment gateway has the lowest fees in our comparison?
Based on our comprehensive payment gateway fees comparison, Stripe offers the lowest base processing fees at 2.9% + $0.30. However, Creem provides excellent value at 3.9% + $0.40 with all-inclusive MoR pricing that includes international fees. DodoPayments and Polar charge 4% + $0.40, while LemonSqueezy and Paddle charge 5% + $0.50. Gumroad has a flat 10% + $0.50 fee plus processing costs. The total cost depends on your specific use case, transaction volume, international transactions, and whether you need additional features like tax handling.
Do these platforms charge monthly fees?
No, all four platforms operate on a pay-per-transaction model with no monthly subscription fees. You only pay when you make a sale.
How do international fees work in payment gateway comparison?
International fees are a crucial factor in payment gateway fees comparison. LemonSqueezy, DodoPayments, and Polar add 1.5% for international transactions, while Stripe adds 1%. MoR platforms like Paddle and Creem include international fees in their base pricing, making them more predictable for global businesses. Our comparison tool calculates these fees automatically based on your seller and buyer locations.
Which platform is best for digital products?
LemonSqueezy and Gumroad are specifically designed for digital products and creators, offering features like digital delivery, email marketing, and affiliate programs. Payhip also excels with custom storefronts and SEO optimization.
How do PayPal fees affect the total cost?
When customers pay via PayPal, you may incur additional PayPal fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 for US transactions). Some platforms pass these fees through to you, while others absorb them. Always check the fine print for PayPal-specific terms.
Can I use multiple payment gateways?
Yes, many businesses use multiple payment gateways to optimize for different customer preferences and reduce dependency on a single provider. However, this requires additional setup and management overhead.
Why did Gumroad change their pricing to 10%?
Gumroad updated their pricing to a flat 10% fee to simplify their pricing structure and make it more transparent. While this is higher than their previous 3.5% + $0.30 model, it eliminates hidden fees and provides a predictable cost structure for creators.
What's the difference between MoR and processor-only payment gateways?
In our payment gateway fees comparison, Merchant of Record (MoR) platforms like LemonSqueezy, Paddle, and Creem handle tax compliance, VAT collection, and legal requirements for you, but typically charge higher fees (4-5%). Processor-only gateways like Stripe offer lower base fees (2.9%) but require you to handle taxes and compliance yourself. MoR platforms are ideal for creators and small businesses, while processors work better for established businesses with tax expertise.
How accurate is this payment gateway fees comparison tool?
Our payment gateway fees comparison tool uses real-time exchange rates and up-to-date fee structures from official platform documentation. We update pricing information regularly and include all major fee components: processing fees, international charges, payout costs, and subscription fees. However, we recommend verifying current rates directly with each platform before making final decisions, as pricing can change.

Additional Payment Gateway Options: Complete Fees Comparison

Complete Payment Gateway Fees Comparison: Additional Platforms

  • Ko‑fi – Free plan: 0% on donations, 5% on shop + processing; Gold ($6/mo): 0% platform fees + processing
  • FastSpring – MoR for software/SaaS (fees vary, e.g., 8.9% or 5.9% + $0.95)
  • Buy Me a Coffee – Tips, memberships, simple shop
  • Patreon – Memberships/subscriptions (platform take ~10%)
  • Sellfy – Fixed monthly plans, no platform fee
  • Podia – Courses, community, memberships; no platform fee on paid plans
  • SendOwl – Digital delivery, subscriptions, Shopify integration
  • Etsy – Marketplace for digital goods (listing + transaction + processing fees)
  • Creative Market – Design asset marketplace (revenue share)
  • Easy Digital Downloads (WordPress) – Self-hosted, processor fees apply
  • WooCommerce + Payments – Self-hosted, processor fees apply

Tip: MoR platforms (Lemon Squeezy, DodoPayments, Paddle, Polar, Creem, FastSpring) handle global taxes for you. Processor gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Square) require you to manage taxes/compliance.

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