Short answer
PayPal's US business fees page lists 3.49% plus $0.49 for checkout payments, so a $100 sale costs $3.98. To receive $100 you would need to charge about $104.12.
1. The fee formula
Fee = sale × 3.49% + $0.49. This is the rate for receiving domestic checkout payments on PayPal's US business fees page, last updated 1 October 2026. Other payment types and international payments have different fees.
2. Examples
| Sale | PayPal fees | As % of sale | You receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.84 | 8.4% | $9.16 |
| $50.00 | $2.24 | 4.5% | $47.77 |
| $100.00 | $3.98 | 4.0% | $96.02 |
| $500.00 | $17.94 | 3.6% | $482.06 |
| $1,000.00 | $35.39 | 3.5% | $964.61 |
3. Small sales cost more in percentage terms
On a $10 sale the fixed $0.49 is part of a 8.4% total fee, while on a $1,000 sale the total is 3.5%.
4. How much to charge to receive an exact amount
Charge = (amount you want + $0.49) ÷ (1 − 0.0349). To receive $100: (100 + 0.49) ÷ 0.9651 = $104.12.
5. Check before you price
Fees change and depend on your account and the payment type. Check PayPal's page for the current rate.
6. Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal charge to receive a payment?expand_more
On the US business fees page, 3.49% plus $0.49 for checkout payments.
How do I calculate the amount to charge to cover the fee?expand_more
(Amount you want + 0.49) ÷ 0.9651.
Are PayPal fees higher on small payments?expand_more
As a percentage, yes, because the $0.49 fixed fee is a larger share.
Do international payments cost more?expand_more
Yes, they usually have extra fees. Check PayPal's page.
7. Sources
- menu_bookeBay: Selling fees
- menu_bookPayPal: Business fees
- menu_bookIRS Publication 15 (Employer's Tax Guide)