Stripe
Stripe's cheapest published rate is 2.9% + 30c (US online card). Pricing model: flat-rate. Monthly fee: $0. Dispute fee: $15 non-refundable receipt fee + $15 refundable counter (since 17 Jun 2025); Smart Disputes waives counter for 30% of disputed amount on win. Cross-border: +1.5% on international cards (3.9% + 30c). FX: +1% on currency conversion.
Tier table (vendor-published)
| Tier | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online card (US) | 2.9% + 30c | - |
| International card | 3.9% + 30c | - |
| ACH Direct Debit | 0.8% (capped at $5) | Capped at $5 |
| Currency conversion | +1% | - |
| Instant payouts | 1% (min $0.50) | - |
Source: https://stripe.com/us/pricing (verified 2026-06-19).
What Stripe is best for
- SaaS and developer-led products that need the cleanest API and the deepest webhook coverage.
- Platforms and marketplaces using Stripe Connect for split payments and merchant onboarding.
- Recurring billing teams that want Stripe Billing native, not bolted on.
Hidden costs and gotchas
Custom rates and interchange-plus available above ~$80K/mo. Connect, Tax, Billing, Radar charged separately.
- $15 non-refundable dispute receipt fee, plus $15 refundable counter, since 17 Jun 2025. Smart Disputes waives the counter for a 30% success fee on the disputed amount.
- 1% currency conversion margin on top of the international card surcharge.
- Instant payouts cost 1% (min $0.50). Standard payouts free.
- Stripe Tax 0.5%, Stripe Billing 0.5%, Radar 5c/screen all bill separately.
When this vendor wins, when it loses
FAQ
Is Stripe really 2.9% + 30c for everything?
Only for US online card. International cards are 3.9% + 30c. ACH is 0.8% capped at $5. Custom rates and interchange-plus open up above roughly $80K/mo.
Are Stripe dispute fees refunded if I win?
Partly. Since 17 Jun 2025 the $15 receipt fee is non-refundable even on a win. The separate $15 counter fee is refunded on a win. Smart Disputes waives the counter for a 30% success fee.
When does it pay to negotiate?
Most merchants get a meaningful interchange-plus offer above ~$80K/mo. Below that, the flat 2.9% + 30c is what you pay.
See the full vendor index, run the cross-vendor cost calculator, or read how we verify every rate.