PayPal vs Braintree: fees compared
Braintree has the lower effective rate (3.57% vs 4.47%) on a typical $50.00 sale. PayPal uses flat rate pricing (3.49% + $0.49); Braintree uses flat rate pricing (2.59% + $0.49). 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.
PayPal vs Braintree overview
| Factor | PayPal | Braintree |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat rate | Flat rate |
| Headline rate | 3.49% + $0.49 | 2.59% + $0.49 |
| Effective @ $50.00 | 4.47% | 3.57% |
| Monthly fee | $0 standard; PayPal Payments Pro / Advanced Checkout are $0–$30/mo tiers | $0 standard pay-as-you-go |
| International / cross-border | +1.5% international fee + currency conversion spread | +1% international, +1% currency conversion |
| Chargeback fee | $20.00 (waived under Seller Protection / Standard Dispute Fee program) | $15.00 |
| Payout speed | Instant to PayPal balance; 1 business day to bank | 2 business days (US) |
| Best for | marketplaces, freelancers and brand-trust checkout | online businesses wanting PayPal + cards in one gateway |
Sources: PayPal Holdings, Inc. pricing · PayPal (Braintree) pricing.
Effective rate by transaction size
| Transaction size | PayPal | Braintree | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | 8.39% | 7.49% | Braintree |
| $50.00 | 4.47% | 3.57% | Braintree |
| $200.00 | 3.74% | 2.84% | Braintree |
Verdict
On a typical $50.00 sale, Braintree has the lower effective rate. But the cheapest processor depends on your average ticket (fixed-fee weight), international card share and volume. Read each one's full breakdown — PayPal and Braintree — and model your own numbers in the effective-rate calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is PayPal or Braintree cheaper?
Braintree has the lower effective rate (3.57% vs 4.47%) on a typical $50.00 sale. Braintree wins on headline effective rate, but factor in international cards, chargebacks and monthly fees. Snapshot June 2026 — processors change pricing; verify on the provider's pricing page before relying on a figure.
PayPal vs Braintree: what is the difference in pricing model?
PayPal uses flat rate (3.49% + $0.49); Braintree uses flat rate (2.59% + $0.49). 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, PayPal or Braintree?
PayPal is best for marketplaces, freelancers and brand-trust checkout; Braintree is best for online businesses wanting PayPal + cards in one gateway. 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.
More comparisons
Last updated: 2026-06-29