Stripe vs PayPal: Executive Comparison Guide
When choosing payment processing infrastructure for your web app, e-commerce store, or SaaS platform, your choice between Stripe and PayPal impacts checkout conversion rates, developer engineering time, and dispute resolution workflows.
#### Key Takeaways:
1. Developer API & Custom Checkout: Stripe's API is the undisputed developer gold standard with a standard US domestic processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (as documented in Stripe's official pricing schedule). It allows fully custom embedded card forms without forcing customers off your website.
2. Buyer Brand Trust: PayPal provides instant consumer recognition. Adding a "Pay with PayPal" or Venmo wallet button alongside Stripe credit card checkout can boost total checkout conversion by 12% to 18%.
3. Cross-Border FX Fees: Both platforms charge 1% to 1.5% international cross-border conversion markups.