Braintree
Braintree's cheapest published rate is 2.89% + 29c (standard). Pricing model: flat-rate. Monthly fee: $0. Dispute fee: $15 per chargeback. Cross-border: +1% cross-border surcharge. FX: +1% currency conversion.
Tier table (vendor-published)
| Tier | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cards (standard) | 2.89% + 29c | - |
| ACH (standard) | 0.75% (capped $5) | - |
| ACH (same-day) | 1.5% + 10c | - |
Source: https://www.paypal.com/us/enterprise/paypal-braintree-fees (verified 2026-06-19).
What Braintree is best for
- Established ecommerce merchants who want a Stripe-like API but with PayPal-network access built in.
- Marketplaces using Braintree Marketplace for split-payment workflows.
- Merchants negotiating custom rates above the 2.89% + 29c published standard.
Hidden costs and gotchas
Owned by PayPal. Custom flat rates and interchange-plus available for established businesses by volume.
- $15 per chargeback (consistent with Braintree's published schedule).
- +1% cross-border surcharge; +1% currency conversion.
- Same-day ACH is 1.5% + 10c; standard ACH 0.75% capped at $5.
When this vendor wins, when it loses
FAQ
Is Braintree cheaper than Stripe?
Yes on the headline number, 2.89% + 29c vs Stripe 2.9% + 30c. The 1c difference per transaction is meaningful at scale but the API parity is what most teams actually compare.
When does Braintree go quote-only?
Custom flat rates and interchange-plus offers open up by volume, typically above $80K/mo of card volume.
Does Braintree support PayPal at checkout?
Yes, that is the headline integration advantage. PayPal-branded checkout is a one-line add inside the Braintree SDK.
See the full vendor index, run the cross-vendor cost calculator, or read how we verify every rate.