Stripe vs PayPal: which is best for me?

Choosing the right payment processor for your event ticketing and donations can significantly impact your operations and customer satisfaction. This article compares Stripe and PayPal, two of the world’s leading payment providers, to help you make an informed decision. We’ll outline their fees, payment options, and unique features, enabling you to determine which processor best fits the needs of your event and organization.

Your customers can complete their purchases directly from your event page using a range of payment methods provided by Stripe and PayPal, all without the need to create an account.

All prices here are for accepting payments in USD.  For your specific currency, see Stripe and PayPal pricing.

Explore Stripe

Explore PayPal

	Stripe	PayPal
Online Transaction Fees	2.9% + $0.30 per transaction	2.99% to 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction
In-Person Transaction Fees	2.7% + $0.05 per transaction	Not available
Online Payments	Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna	Credit/debit cards, PayPal Checkout, Venmo, Pay Later
On-Site Payments	Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay & Cash	Cash
Multi-Currency Support	Worldwide	Worldwide
Fee Handling	Can be paid by ticket buyers	Can be paid by ticket buyers
Funding	Instant	Instant
Buy Now Pay Later*	Klarna	Pay Later
Discounted Rates	Available for registered nonprofits	Available for registered nonprofits

*Buy Now Pay Later payments are processed at a higher rate compared to credit card payments. See Stripe and PayPal pricing for more details below.

 

Stripe Payment Processing Fees

Stripe offers competitive credit/debit card and wallet payment processing fees for both online and in-person transactions:

Online Transactions: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (Nonprofit organizations qualify for a discounted rate).
In-Person Transactions: 2.7% + $0.05 per transaction.

Above rates are for the US and Canada. For rates in your region, see Stripe’s pricing here.

Benefits of Connecting Ticketstripe with Stripe

When you connect your Ticketstripe account with Stripe, you unlock a host of benefits:

• Multi-Currency Support: Accept payments in over 135 currencies.
• Versatile Payment Options: Accept various payment methods including debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna.
• Fee Handling: All fees (service and credit card processing) can be paid by ticket buyers unless you opt to cover them, ensuring you receive the full ticket value or donation.
• Simple Accounting: Ticketstripe’s service fee is automatically deducted from every order.
• Immediate Payouts: Stripe funds your account after every sale, with payout timings based on your account settings.
• On-Site Sales: Sell tickets and merchandise on location with the Box Office mobile app and a Stripe Reader M2.
• Flexible Payment Plans with Klarna: Offer your customers the option to buy now and pay over time, enhancing their checkout experience.

Klarna Payment Options:

Enable this option in your Ticketstripe dashboard to allow your buyers the option to buy now and pay over time with Klarna.

• Pay in 4 Installments: 5.99% + $0.30
• Financing: 2.99% + $0.30

Getting Started

• Stripe Account: If you don’t have one, sign up via Ticketstripe’s dashboard or directly at Stripe.com.
• Nonprofit Organizations: May be eligible for discounted payment processing fees with Stripe.

Important Information for Nonprofits

Registered nonprofit organizations can apply for discounted payment processing fees with Stripe. Stripe’s nonprofit rates are separate from Ticketstripe’s nonprofit rates.

• Default Rate: With a standard Stripe account, the fee is 2.9% + $0.30 for all domestic debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, passed on to the buyer.
• Nonprofit Rate: Stripe offers a special rate of 2.2% for all cards except American Express (charged at 3.5%). This can lead to savings on most cards.
• Adjustable Rate: Upon request, Ticketstripe can adjust the set rate passed to attendees. This rate will not fluctuate based on the buyer’s payment method. Our recommendation for organizations with Stripe Nonprofit Pricing is to pass on the Default/Standard Stripe fee of 2.9% + $0.30 to help cover any higher American Express charges.

Exceptions:

• International Cards: Stripe charges slightly higher fees for currency conversion.
• Klarna: This option requires opting in due to higher Stripe charges, which cannot be passed to buyers.

Using Stripe as your payment processor offers a seamless experience for your customers.

PayPal Payment Processing Fees

PayPal is a popular choice for event organizers due to its widespread use and convenience. Let’s explore how connecting PayPal affects your transactions and what you need to know to make an informed decision.

PayPal’s fees for online transactions vary:

• Standard Fees: Range from 2.99% to 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction.
  • 2.99% applies to credit and debit card transactions
  • 3.49% applies to PayPal Checkout and Venmo transactions
• Additional Charges: May apply for international payments and currency conversions. For the latest fee structure, visit PayPal.com.

Key Points When Using PayPal with Ticketstripe

• Multiple Payment Options:  PayPal supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal Checkout, Venmo, and Pay Later, which can help increase ticket sales by offering flexibility to attendees.
• Higher Fees for Certain Payments: Using payment options like PayPal Checkout and Venmo incurs a higher fee (3.49%). With Ticketstripe, you can choose to pass the standard fee of 2.99% to buyers, and PayPal deducts any difference from the transaction before depositing it into your account.
• Immediate Access to Funds: PayPal generally deposits proceeds from ticket sales and donations into your account within minutes after ticket purchase, ensuring quick access to your funds.
• Fee Handling: All fees (service and credit card processing) can be paid by ticket buyers unless you opt to cover them, ensuring you receive the full ticket value or donation.
• Simple Accounting: Ticketstripe’s service fee is automatically deducted from every order.
• No In-Person Payment Processing: PayPal is designed for online transactions, lacking direct in-person digital payment processing capabilities.
• Cash Sales at Events: For events accepting cash, PayPal-connected accounts can process these sales with Ticketstripe’s Box Office mobile app.

Additional Features and Considerations

• Pay Later Option: To offer buyers this payment method, you can enable the “Pay Later” feature in your Ticketstripe dashboard.
• Nonprofit Discounts: Registered nonprofits can apply for discounted payment processing fees with PayPal. PayPal’s nonprofit rates are separate from Ticketstripe’s nonprofit rates.

Getting Started

• Sign Up for PayPal: If you don’t have a PayPal account, sign up through the Ticketstripe dashboard or directly at PayPal.com.

Want to switch payment processors? This article will show you how.

Need help understanding how fees & payments work? Click here to watch a short video.