PayPal review

PayPal earns its place because many shoppers look for its button at checkout, and one account adds PayPal, Venmo and Pay Later options next to card payments. That reach costs more than a card-only gateway. Standard credit and debit card payments cost 2.99% plus a fixed fee, PayPal Checkout and Pay with Venmo cost 3.49% plus a fixed fee, and Pay Later options cost 4.99% plus a fixed fee; the US dollar fixed fee is 0.49 USD. Sellers who move to Advanced Credit and Debit Card Payments get a lower 2.89% plus fixed fee rate. Getting money out is free on standard withdrawals to an eligible bank account when no currency conversion is involved, and instant withdrawals cost 1.50% of the amount. PayPal's fee page also warns it may raise the percentage part of your rate if an account draws a high share of complaints, reversals or chargebacks. Most stores use it alongside a card gateway rather than as their only processor.

Who it is for

stores whose customers expect a PayPal or Venmo button

Price

No monthly fee; standard card payments 2.99% plus a fixed fee, PayPal Checkout 3.49% plus a fixed fee.

Standard Credit and Debit Card Payments 2.99% + fixed fee
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Standard credit and debit card payments 2.99% plus a fixed fee
• PayPal Checkout, Pay with Venmo and PayPal Guest Checkout 3.49% plus a fixed fee
• Advanced Credit and Debit Card Payments 2.89% plus a fixed fee
• US dollar fixed fee of 0.49 USD per transaction
• Standard bank withdrawals with no fee when no currency conversion is involved

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: PayPal, Venmo and Pay Later buttons from one account
• Strength: Advanced card payments drop the card rate to 2.89%
• Strength: Instant withdrawals to a bank or debit card for 1.50% of the amount
• Weakness: PayPal Checkout costs 3.49% + 49¢, more than most card-only gateways
• Weakness: PayPal Pay Later options cost 4.99% plus a fixed fee
• Weakness: PayPal may raise rates for accounts with high chargebacks or complaints

Key facts

• Card rate: 2.99% + fixed fee
• PayPal Checkout rate: 3.49% + fixed fee
• US fixed fee: 0.49 USD
• Instant withdrawal: 1.50% of amount transferred

Where it ranks

PayPal is No. 5 in our Best Payment Gateways for Small Business verdict.