* Note: The fees indicated here are general in nature and may vary depending on the country and specific contract. Please consult the official PayPal website or your contract partner for exact information.
Using PayPal as a payment service provider has become a matter of course for many private customers and businesses around the world. However, as with many services, there are fees associated with PayPal that can apply to both buyers and sellers. In this article, we will give you an overview of the most important fees that PayPal charges.
Buyer fees
National transactions
For buyers, the use of PayPal is generally free of charge for national transactions. This means that there are no additional fees when shopping online or sending money to friends and family within your own country.
International transactions
However, when shopping in another country or sending money abroad, exchange rate fees or cross-border fees may apply. These fees vary depending on the country and currency.
Seller fees
Basic fee
Sellers incur fees for every transaction. These are usually made up of a fixed amount and a percentage of the sale amount.
International sales
Additional fees may also apply for cross-border transactions and currency conversions.
Micropayments
For sellers who frequently take smaller amounts, such as music downloads, PayPal offers special micropayment fees that are cheaper than the standard fees.
Sending money to friends and family
Sending money to friends and family is free in many cases, as long as the money is sent within the same country and no currency conversion is required. However, fees may apply for international shipments.
Other fees
Chargebacks
If a payment cannot be processed due to insufficient funds or other reasons, PayPal may charge a chargeback fee.
Inactive accounts
In some regions, PayPal may charge an inactive account fee if no transactions have been made for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
While PayPal is free for many buyers, sellers and users who regularly send money abroad should be aware of the applicable fees. It is advisable to check PayPal's fee schedule regularly as fee structures can change.