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PayPal Pricing 2026

Plans, hidden costs, and cheaper alternatives compared

Reviews onG2CapterraSourceForge
? plans tracked·Updated May 2026

Is PayPal worth the price?

75/10

PayPal's pricing is generally fair for small to medium businesses, offering a wide range of payment solutions.

The 2.99% + $0.49/txn for PayPal Checkout is competitive for online transactions, though it can add up for high volume. It's best for businesses needing a comprehensive, widely accepted payment gateway without high monthly fees.

Pricing

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Card reader for in-person payments ($29)

Higher rates for 'Pay Later' option

Potential for interchange-plus rates for large volume

Terminal for in-person payments ($199)

Which Plan Do You Need?

Small online businesses

Merchants needing diverse payment options

Businesses with varying transaction types

How PayPal Compares to Competitors

Compared to Stripe, which typically charges 2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions, PayPal's 2.99% + $0.49 is slightly higher per transaction. Square offers similar in-person rates around 2.6% + $0.10, making PayPal's 2.29% + $0.09 competitive for card-present transactions.

PayPal Pricing FAQ

How much does PayPal cost?

PayPal uses custom pricing. Contact PayPal directly for a quote based on your team size and requirements.

Does PayPal have a free plan?

PayPal does not offer a permanent free plan. Paid plans are required from day one.

Is there a cheaper alternative to PayPal?

Yes. Popular alternatives to PayPal include Stripe, Square, Adyen, Wise. Free alternatives include Square, Wise. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.

Cheaper alternatives to PayPal

2 of 6 direct competitors below offer a free plan. Per-seat pricing varies up to 60% across this set.