Stripe Fee Guide & Processing Rate Breakdown 2026
Stripe is one of the world's most widely used payment infrastructures for software platforms, SaaS businesses, and e-commerce stores. Understanding how transaction fees, international card markups, and currency conversion affect your bottom line is vital for accurate pricing.
Standard vs International Stripe Rates
| Transaction Type | Processing Rate | Fixed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| US Standard Cards | 2.9% | $0.30 USD |
| International Cards | 4.4% (+1.5%) | $0.30 USD |
| Currency Conversion | +1.0% additional | $0.30 USD |
| Instant Payouts | +1.5% additional | Min $0.50 |
Forward vs Reverse Fee Calculations
Forward Formula: Fee = (Charge Amount × Rate) + Fixed Fee. For a $100.00 payment, the fee is $3.20, giving a net payout of $96.80.
Reverse Invoicing Formula: Required Charge = (Target Net + Fixed Fee) ÷ (1 - Rate). If you need $100.00 net, you must charge $103.30.
Official References
- Official Stripe Pricing Directory (Stripe Inc.)
- Stripe Fee Refund Policy & Merchant Agreement