Stripe is transparent about its fees. Even so, there are details many people overlook. I will explain the cost structure and show you how to save on fees.
Key Takeaways
- European cards: 1.4% + EUR 0.25 per transaction.
- International cards: 2.9% + EUR 0.25 per transaction.
- Currency conversion costs an extra 1%. That can be avoided.
Stripe's Fee Structure
Stripe charges per transaction. No monthly base fees. (The advantages of Stripe) You pay 1.4% plus EUR 0.25 for European cards. On a payment of EUR 100 you keep EUR 98.35. Additional costs arise from chargebacks (EUR 15) and currency conversion (1%).
Transaction Fees in Detail
European cards: 1.4% + EUR 0.25. Non-European cards: 2.9% + EUR 0.25. (Mollie vs Stripe) On EUR 100 in revenue with a German Visa card you pay EUR 1.65 in fees. With a US credit card it would be EUR 3.15. It is best to check the current rates at stripe.com/de/pricing.
Costs for International Payments
Selling abroad? Then a 1% currency conversion is added. So for a product at USD 50, an extra USD 0.50 in fees applies. My tip: offer prices in the local currency of your main markets. That saves the conversion fee and increases conversion.
Optimising Fees
Three strategies that work. First: accept payments in your currency to avoid conversion costs. Second: favour payment methods with lower fees (SEPA direct debit costs only EUR 0.35 flat). Third: review transactions regularly and minimise chargebacks.
Comparison with Other Payment Providers
Mollie offers lower rates for certain payment methods in some cases. (Payment methods in WooCommerce) Stripe scores with its API and international coverage. I compare the costs individually for each client project. There is no blanket answer as to who is cheaper.
Know your fees. Check monthly what Stripe costs you. And optimise in a targeted way. With 1,000 transactions per month, that can add up to several hundred euros.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fees does Stripe charge for transactions?
1.4% + EUR 0.25 for European cards. 2.9% + EUR 0.25 for international cards.
Are there additional fees for international payments?
Yes. A 1% surcharge for currency conversion on payments in foreign currencies.
How can I optimise my Stripe costs?
Process payments in your currency. Offer SEPA direct debit. Avoid chargebacks.