Paddle vs Lemon Squeezy: fees compared
Paddle and Lemon Squeezy have the same headline effective rate on a typical $50.00 sale. Paddle uses merchant of record pricing (5.00% + $0.50); Lemon Squeezy uses merchant of record pricing (5.00% + $0.50). Beyond the headline rate, compare international surcharge, chargeback fees, monthly cost and payout speed in the table below. Snapshot June 2026 — processors change pricing; verify on the provider's pricing page before relying on a figure.
Data as of June 2026.
Note: These are general estimates, not a quote or offer. Your real rate depends on your card mix, volume, region, risk profile and the contract you sign.
Paddle vs Lemon Squeezy overview
| Factor | Paddle | Lemon Squeezy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Merchant of Record | Merchant of Record |
| Headline rate | 5.00% + $0.50 | 5.00% + $0.50 |
| Effective @ $50.00 | 6.00% | 6.00% |
| Monthly fee | $0 — pay only the per-transaction rate | $0 — pay only the per-transaction rate |
| International / cross-border | Included — Paddle is the seller of record worldwide | Included — MoR handles cross-border |
| Chargeback fee | Handled by Paddle (included in the rate) | Handled by Lemon Squeezy |
| Payout speed | Monthly payouts (configurable) | Weekly payouts via Stripe/PayPal/Wise |
| Best for | SaaS and software companies selling globally | indie makers and digital-product creators |
Sources: Paddle.com Market Ltd. pricing · Lemon Squeezy LLC (Stripe) pricing.
Effective rate by transaction size
| Transaction size | Paddle | Lemon Squeezy | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | 10.00% | 10.00% | tie |
| $50.00 | 6.00% | 6.00% | tie |
| $200.00 | 5.25% | 5.25% | tie |
Verdict
On headline rates it is close between Paddle and Lemon Squeezy. But the cheapest processor depends on your average ticket (fixed-fee weight), international card share and volume. Read each one's full breakdown — Paddle and Lemon Squeezy — and model your own numbers in the effective-rate calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paddle or Lemon Squeezy cheaper?
Paddle and Lemon Squeezy have the same headline effective rate on a typical $50.00 sale. Run your real volume and card mix in the calculator to see which actually costs less. Snapshot June 2026 — processors change pricing; verify on the provider's pricing page before relying on a figure.
Paddle vs Lemon Squeezy: what is the difference in pricing model?
Paddle uses merchant of record (5.00% + $0.50); Lemon Squeezy uses merchant of record (5.00% + $0.50). Flat rate is simplest for small merchants; interchange-plus and subscription win at higher volume; Merchant-of-Record bundles global tax.
Which should I choose, Paddle or Lemon Squeezy?
Paddle is best for SaaS and software companies selling globally; Lemon Squeezy is best for indie makers and digital-product creators. Beyond sticker price, weigh international surcharge, chargeback fees, payout speed and features. These are general estimates, not a quote or offer. Your real rate depends on your card mix, volume, region, risk profile and the contract you sign.
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Last updated: 2026-06-29