Paypal Calculator for Credit Card Fees to Send Money

Sending money internationally through PayPal using a credit card can incur significant fees. This calculator helps you estimate the total cost of your transaction, including PayPal's fees and your credit card's foreign transaction fees.

How PayPal Credit Card Fees Work

When you send money internationally using a credit card through PayPal, several fees apply:

PayPal's transaction fee: Typically 3.49% of the transfer amount plus a fixed fee of $0.30
Credit card foreign transaction fee: Usually 1-3% of the transfer amount
Currency conversion fee: PayPal may charge an additional fee for converting currencies

Note: Fees may vary based on your credit card issuer, PayPal's pricing structure, and the specific countries involved in the transaction.

PayPal's Fee Structure

PayPal's international money transfer fees are structured as follows:

3.49% of the transfer amount
Plus $0.30 fixed fee
Minimum fee of $5.00

Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees

Most credit cards charge an additional fee for foreign transactions, typically:

1-3% of the transaction amount
Some cards may charge a flat fee instead

Formula Explained

The total cost of sending money through PayPal with a credit card is calculated as:

Total Cost = Transfer Amount + PayPal Fee + Credit Card Fee

Where:

PayPal Fee = (Transfer Amount × 3.49%) + $0.30 (minimum $5.00)
Credit Card Fee = Transfer Amount × Credit Card Fee Rate

For example, if you transfer $1000 with a 2% credit card foreign transaction fee:

PayPal Fee = ($1000 × 3.49%) + $0.30 = $34.90 + $0.30 = $35.20
Credit Card Fee = $1000 × 2% = $20.00
Total Cost = $1000 + $35.20 + $20.00 = $1055.20

Worked Examples

Example 1: Small Transfer

Transfer $200 with a 1.5% credit card foreign transaction fee:

PayPal Fee = ($200 × 3.49%) + $0.30 = $6.98 + $0.30 = $7.28 (minimum $5.00 applies)
Credit Card Fee = $200 × 1.5% = $3.00
Total Cost = $200 + $5.00 + $3.00 = $208.00

Example 2: Medium Transfer

Transfer $500 with a 2% credit card foreign transaction fee:

PayPal Fee = ($500 × 3.49%) + $0.30 = $17.45 + $0.30 = $17.75 (minimum $5.00 applies)
Credit Card Fee = $500 × 2% = $10.00
Total Cost = $500 + $17.75 + $10.00 = $527.75

Example 3: Large Transfer

Transfer $2000 with a 2.5% credit card foreign transaction fee:

PayPal Fee = ($2000 × 3.49%) + $0.30 = $69.80 + $0.30 = $70.10
Credit Card Fee = $2000 × 2.5% = $50.00
Total Cost = $2000 + $70.10 + $50.00 = $2120.10

Tips to Reduce Fees

Compare credit card options: Some cards have lower foreign transaction fees or no foreign transaction fees at all
Use PayPal's currency conversion tool: Sometimes converting currencies before sending through PayPal can result in better exchange rates
Check for promotions: Some credit cards offer temporary 0% foreign transaction fees or reduced rates
Consider alternative services: For large transfers, services like Wise or TransferWise might offer better rates

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does PayPal charge to send money with a credit card?

PayPal charges 3.49% of the transfer amount plus a $0.30 fixed fee, with a minimum fee of $5.00. Your credit card may also charge a foreign transaction fee.

Are there any hidden fees when sending money through PayPal with a credit card?

The fees displayed in the calculator are the primary fees. However, your credit card issuer may charge additional fees like cash advance fees or foreign transaction fees that aren't included in this calculation.

Can I avoid PayPal's fees when sending money with a credit card?

No, PayPal's fees are part of their service. However, you can compare different credit cards for lower foreign transaction fees or consider alternative money transfer services that might offer better rates.

How accurate is this PayPal fee calculator?

This calculator provides an estimate based on PayPal's published fee structure and typical credit card foreign transaction fees. Actual fees may vary based on your specific credit card and PayPal's current pricing.