PayPal vs Substack Fee Calculator
Compare PayPal (3.49% + $0.49) vs Substack (10.0% + $0.3) processing fees side by side.
Verified 2026 standard rate
3.49% + $0.49
Payment Processor
PayPal Fee Schedule Table ($10 to $10,000)
| Invoice Amount | PayPal Fee | You Receive (Net) | Ask For (Zero Fee Loss) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | -$0.84 | $9.16 | $10.87 |
| $25 | -$1.36 | $23.64 | $26.41 |
| $50 | -$2.24 | $47.76 | $52.32 |
| $100 | -$3.98 | $96.02 | $104.12 |
| $250 | -$9.21 | $240.79 | $259.55 |
| $500 | -$17.94 | $482.06 | $518.59 |
| $1000 | -$35.39 | $964.61 | $1036.67 |
| $2500 | -$87.74 | $2412.26 | $2590.91 |
| $5000 | -$174.99 | $4825.01 | $5181.32 |
| $10000 | -$349.49 | $9650.51 | $10362.13 |
How PayPal Fees Work in 2026
PayPal operates in the Payment Processor sector with a standard transaction rate of 3.49% plus a fixed fee of $0.49 per transaction. For example, on a $100.00 payment, PayPal deducts $3.98, leaving you with a net payout of $96.02. On a $1,000.00 transaction, your net payout is $964.61 after the $35.39 processing fee. If you accept international payments or currency conversions, an additional 1.5% cross-border fee may apply. Meanwhile, Substack operates in the Creator Economy sector with a standard transaction rate of 10.0% plus a fixed fee of $0.30 per transaction. For example, on a $100.00 payment, Substack deducts $10.30, leaving you with a net payout of $89.70. On a $1,000.00 transaction, your net payout is $899.70 after the $100.30 processing fee. If you accept international payments or currency conversions, an additional 1.5% cross-border fee may apply.
The formula (Verified 2026)
- Fee
- amount × 3.49% + $0.49
- International add-on
- +1.5% of the amount
- Invoice to receive an exact net
- (amount + $0.49) ÷ (1 − 3.49%)
- Official Rate Reference
- PayPal Official Fee Schedule 2026 ↗