Stripe vs Paddle
Stripe vs Paddle compares published lines. Stripe's US domestic cards are 2.9% + $0.30, read November 9, 2026. Paddle is listed at 5% + $0.50. Dispute fees that day: Stripe $15 received, and Paddle Not listed on the pricing page we read.
What is the verdict on Stripe vs Paddle?
Paddle publishes 5% + $0.50, read on November 9, 2026. Stripe's US domestic card rate on that date is 2.9% + $0.30.
Paddle at 5% + $0.50 is not a cheaper Stripe. It is a different purchase: Paddle becomes the seller, and sales tax and VAT are Paddle's problem. Use it when that work costs you more than the extra two points. Use Stripe when you need to be the merchant on the invoice.
How do Stripe and Paddle compare on features?
Paddle is a merchant of record with the dispute line Not listed on the pricing page we read, read on November 9, 2026. Stripe's dispute line on that date is $15 received.
| Feature | Stripe | Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Card rate | 2.9% + $0.30 | 5% + $0.50 |
| Dispute fee | $15 received | Not listed on the pricing page we read |
| Pricing | Flat rate | Merchant of record |
| Payout | Standard schedule free. Instant 1.5%, minimum $0.50. | See Paddle's payout terms. The pricing page does not add a separate US card surcharge. |
| Region | Global. Rates here are the US list prices. | Global software sales. Paddle is the seller, so coverage is Paddle's, not yours. |
| Underwriting | Instant signup. Stripe can review, restrict, or close the account later. | Paddle reviews the product because Paddle is the merchant. A business Stripe closed can still be declined. |
| Merchant of record | ||
| In the fee calculator |
What does Stripe vs Paddle cost at $10,000, $100,000, and $1 million a month?
The dollar columns use a $50 average ticket and successful charges only, on rates read November 9, 2026. Paddle's published line is 5% + $0.50.
Stripe
Published standard rate, read November 9, 2026.
- Manually entered cards. +0.5%
- International cards. +1.5%
- Currency conversion. +1% when required
Paddle
Published standard rate, read November 9, 2026.
- High volume or products under $10. Custom. No public figure on the pricing page.
| Monthly volume | Stripe, $50 ticket | Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $350.00 | $600.00 |
| $100,000 | $3,500.00 | $6,000.00 |
| $1 million | $35,000.00 | $60,000.00 |
Read on November 9, 2026 from each provider's pricing page. A figure that says "from" is a floor, not the rate a business is charged. International cards, currency conversion, and disputes are not inside these totals. Stripe pricing · Paddle pricing
Where does Stripe win, and where does Paddle win?
Stripe wins on the job in the left column. Paddle wins on the job in the right column, at the rate 5% + $0.50 read on November 9, 2026.
Stripe wins when
You can handle tax, or tax is simple because you sell in one country, and enterprise buyers need your company on the invoice.
Paddle wins when
You sell software globally, you do not want to register for VAT, and you have checked that Paddle will accept the product.
How do underwriting and account stability differ?
Stripe's underwriting note is instant signup, with the right to review later, as recorded on November 9, 2026. Paddle's note is: Paddle reviews the product because Paddle is the merchant. A business Stripe closed can still be declined.
A live API key is not the same thing as a written approval. If Stripe closed the account for the business model, an instant-onboard processor can reach the same answer after you have moved customers. A prohibited category does not become lawful because the logo changed.
How do you switch from Stripe to Paddle?
Stripe's data export page, read on November 10, 2026, says Stripe transfers saved cards only to a PCI DSS Level 1 processor and does not export subscriptions or payment history. The switching guide is the longer checklist.
- Export Stripe customers, prices, and disputes while the dashboard still allows it.
- Ask Paddle in writing whether a Stripe token import exists. This page does not claim one.
- Recreate plans and run five real customers in a test, including one annual plan.
- Map webhooks before cutover. Do not bill the same period twice.
- If the Stripe account is already closed, plan for customers to enter cards again.
What did Paddle publish on the pricing page?
Paddle contributed 2 fee lines to this comparison, read on November 9, 2026. The headline beside those lines is 5% + $0.50.
Pay as you go
5% + $0.50 per checkout transaction. No monthly fee on that plan.
High volume or products under $10
Custom. No public figure on the pricing page.
Where is the source page?
These figures were last updated November 9, 2026. The provider's own page is the source.