Guides
Explainers that interlink with the calculators — comparisons, reverse pricing, and product rules for freelancers, sellers, and creators. Eleven guides cover Stripe, PayPal, Square, P2P apps, and creator platforms.
Comparisons
Stripe vs PayPal Fees in 2026
Compare typical US online Stripe (2.9%+$0.30), PayPal G&S (2.99%), and PayPal Checkout (3.49%+$0.49) fees, $100 examples, FX notes, and when each wins.
Square vs Stripe vs Shopify Payments
Compare Square, Stripe, and Shopify Payments US online and in-person rates—with $100 examples, plan tiers, and guidance on when each commerce stack wins.
Venmo vs Cash App vs Zelle fees
Compare Venmo Business, Cash App Business, and Zelle fees for freelancers—including instant transfer costs, $100 examples, and when each P2P rail makes sense.
Patreon vs Ko-fi vs Buy Me a Coffee
Compare creator platform commissions and processing estimates for Patreon, Ko-fi, and Buy Me a Coffee—with worked pledge math and when each platform wins.
Gumroad vs Ko-fi Fees (2026): $20 Sale Keep
Compare Gumroad’s blended direct fees with Ko-fi free and Gold processing estimates—worked $100 examples, break-evens, and when each creator checkout wins.
Wise vs PayPal International Fees (2026)
Compare Wise corridor fee estimates with PayPal international pricing for cross-border payouts—worked examples, FX pitfalls, and when each option wins.
Pricing & surcharging
How to Price After Payment Fees
Reverse the fee formula so invoices still net what you need after Stripe, PayPal, Square, or creator fees—including how much to charge to receive $100.
Passing Card Fees to Customers (2026 Rules)
How to build processor fees into prices or surcharges where rules allow—with Stripe and PayPal reverse math, compliance cautions, and customer-friendly framing.
Hidden Payment Fees Freelancers Miss (2026)
Beyond the headline percent: instant payouts, FX, chargebacks, platform commissions, and fixed per-transaction fees that quietly erase freelancer margins.
Product explainers
PayPal Goods & Services Fee (2.99%) vs F&F
PayPal Goods & Services (2.99% US) vs Friends & Family $0: protections, risks, and when each payment type is appropriate.
Chargeback Fees by Processor (2026 Guide)
How chargebacks and disputes affect Stripe, PayPal, and Square sellers—why dollar fees vary, how to budget reserves, and where to verify official dispute costs.