Stripe vs Adyen: fees compared
Stripe publishes a flat 3.50% effective rate; Adyen uses interchange-plus pricing, so compare on your real card mix. Stripe uses flat rate pricing (2.90% + $0.30); Adyen uses interchange-plus pricing (Interchange-plus). 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.
Stripe vs Adyen overview
| Factor | Stripe | Adyen |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat rate | Interchange-plus |
| Headline rate | 2.90% + $0.30 | Interchange-plus |
| Effective @ $50.00 | 3.50% | Interchange-plus (varies) |
| Monthly fee | $0 (pay-as-you-go); Stripe Billing/Tax are paid add-ons | $0 base; $120 minimum monthly invoice typical |
| International / cross-border | +1.5% for international cards, +1% currency conversion | Interchange + scheme fees pass through; varies by card and region |
| Chargeback fee | $15.00 (refunded if you win the dispute) | $10–$25 dispute fee depending on scheme |
| Payout speed | 2 business days (US, first payout 7–14 days) | Configurable; daily/weekly settlement |
| Best for | online businesses and developers | large enterprises and global omnichannel merchants |
Sources: Stripe, Inc. pricing · Adyen N.V. pricing.
Effective rate by transaction size
| Transaction size | Stripe | Adyen | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | 5.90% | Interchange-plus (varies) | depends on mix |
| $50.00 | 3.50% | Interchange-plus (varies) | depends on mix |
| $200.00 | 3.05% | Interchange-plus (varies) | depends on mix |
Verdict
On headline rates it is close between Stripe and Adyen. But the cheapest processor depends on your average ticket (fixed-fee weight), international card share and volume. Read each one's full breakdown — Stripe and Adyen — and model your own numbers in the effective-rate calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stripe or Adyen cheaper?
Stripe publishes a flat 3.50% effective rate; Adyen uses interchange-plus pricing, so compare on your real card mix. 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.
Stripe vs Adyen: what is the difference in pricing model?
Stripe uses flat rate (2.90% + $0.30); Adyen uses interchange-plus (Interchange-plus). 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, Stripe or Adyen?
Stripe is best for online businesses and developers; Adyen is best for large enterprises and global omnichannel merchants. 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