Substack vs PayPal Fee Calculator
Compare Substack (10.0% + $0.3) vs PayPal (3.49% + $0.49) processing fees side by side.
Verified 2026 standard rate
10.0% + $0.30
Creator Economy
Substack Fee Schedule Table ($10 to $10,000)
| Invoice Amount | Substack Fee | You Receive (Net) | Ask For (Zero Fee Loss) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | -$1.30 | $8.70 | $11.44 |
| $25 | -$2.80 | $22.20 | $28.11 |
| $50 | -$5.30 | $44.70 | $55.89 |
| $100 | -$10.30 | $89.70 | $111.44 |
| $250 | -$25.30 | $224.70 | $278.11 |
| $500 | -$50.30 | $449.70 | $555.89 |
| $1000 | -$100.30 | $899.70 | $1111.44 |
| $2500 | -$250.30 | $2249.70 | $2778.11 |
| $5000 | -$500.30 | $4499.70 | $5555.89 |
| $10000 | -$1000.30 | $8999.70 | $11111.44 |
How Substack Fees Work in 2026
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. Meanwhile, 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.
The formula (Verified 2026)
- Fee
- amount × 10.0% + $0.30
- International add-on
- +1.5% of the amount
- Invoice to receive an exact net
- (amount + $0.30) ÷ (1 − 10.0%)
- Official Rate Reference
- Substack Official Fee Schedule 2026 ↗