Guide
PayPal vs Stripe for coaches
Most online coaches end up using one or both of Stripe and PayPal. On published rates Stripe is cheaper per payment, but PayPal's familiarity can still win you the sale. Here's the honest comparison and when each fits.
The published rates side by side
On their standard US rates: Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per card payment, while PayPal's goods & services rate is 3.49% + $0.49. PayPal is higher on both the percentage and the fixed fee, so on an identical payment PayPal's cut is larger — the gap widening on smaller payments where the fixed fee dominates.
What you give up to save the difference
Stripe Checkout is a clean, card-first experience and integrates directly into tools like CheckMargin. PayPal's edge is buyer trust and an existing balance — some clients simply prefer paying with the PayPal account they already have. For a one-off enquiry that might otherwise stall, accepting PayPal can be worth the extra few percent.
You don't have to choose just one
Many coaches offer both: Stripe as the default, PayPal on request. The catch is your real fee load becomes a blend you can't eyeball. CheckMargin imports income from both Stripe and PayPal nightly and captures each provider's actual per-transaction fee, so your blended cost shows up as one honest line instead of a guess.
Frequently asked questions
Is PayPal or Stripe cheaper for coaches?
On published US rates Stripe is cheaper: 2.9% + $0.30 versus PayPal's 3.49% + $0.49 for goods & services. PayPal costs more on both the percentage and the fixed fee, especially on smaller payments.
Should I offer both Stripe and PayPal?
Many coaches do — Stripe as the default and PayPal for clients who prefer it. Offering both can close sales that would otherwise stall, at the cost of a higher blended fee that's worth tracking.