Stripe vs Checkout.com: fees compared
Stripe publishes a flat 3.50% effective rate; Checkout.com uses interchange-plus pricing, so compare on your real card mix. Stripe uses flat rate pricing (2.90% + $0.30); Checkout.com 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 Checkout.com overview
| Factor | Stripe | Checkout.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Custom; quote-based |
| International / cross-border | +1.5% for international cards, +1% currency conversion | Interchange + scheme fees pass through; cross-border fees vary |
| Chargeback fee | $15.00 (refunded if you win the dispute) | Per-scheme dispute fee, typically $10–$25 |
| Payout speed | 2 business days (US, first payout 7–14 days) | Configurable settlement |
| Best for | online businesses and developers | high-volume global digital merchants |
Sources: Stripe, Inc. pricing · Checkout.com pricing.
Effective rate by transaction size
| Transaction size | Stripe | Checkout.com | 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 Checkout.com. 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 Checkout.com — and model your own numbers in the effective-rate calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stripe or Checkout.com cheaper?
Stripe publishes a flat 3.50% effective rate; Checkout.com 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 Checkout.com: what is the difference in pricing model?
Stripe uses flat rate (2.90% + $0.30); Checkout.com 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 Checkout.com?
Stripe is best for online businesses and developers; Checkout.com is best for high-volume global digital 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