Stripe vs. a merchant account for small businesses
Stripe is a developer-friendly platform with simple published pricing. For in-person and high-volume businesses, a traditional merchant account can be worth comparing.
Stripe's published pricing
As published on Stripe's website, checked October 2026. Rates change; confirm current pricing with Stripe.
| Online cards (domestic) | 2.9% + 30¢ |
|---|---|
| In person (Terminal) | 2.7% + 5¢ |
| Keyed cards | Additional 0.5% |
| International cards | Additional 1.5% |
| Pricing model | Flat rate; custom pricing available for some businesses |
What that rate costs at real volume
Processing cost only, using the Stripe's standard online rate (2.9% + 30¢) and a $40 average ticket. Monthly software, hardware and other fees are not included.
| Monthly card sales | Transactions | Est. monthly fees | Est. annual fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | 250 | $365.00 | $4,380 |
| $30,000 | 750 | $1,095.00 | $13,140 |
| $75,000 | 1,875 | $2,737.50 | $32,850 |
Simple arithmetic on published rates, for illustration. Your effective rate depends on your card mix, ticket size and how cards are taken. Try your own numbers in the processing fee calculator.
When Stripe is a good fit
- You sell online and have a developer or a platform built on Stripe
- You want simple published pricing with no monthly fee
- Your volume is low to moderate
When it's worth comparing
- You sell mostly in person and want a counter POS
- You process steady volume and want interchange-plus pricing
- You want a cash discount program or a person to call
How to compare fairly
A rate on a pricing page is only part of the cost. To compare Stripe with any merchant account, including one through us, line up the same things side by side:
- Effective rate: total fees divided by total card sales, from a real statement.
- Monthly fees: software, gateway, PCI, statement and account fees.
- Hardware: purchase, subscription or included with an agreement, and who owns it.
- Terms: agreement length, early termination fees and whether equipment is locked to the provider.
- Pricing options: flat rate, interchange-plus or a cash discount program.
If Stripe comes out ahead for your business, stay. If it doesn't, we'll show you exactly why.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stripe a merchant account?
Stripe is a payment facilitator: your business processes under Stripe's account rather than your own dedicated merchant account.
What's the difference with a dedicated merchant account?
A dedicated account is underwritten for your business up front, which can mean more paperwork but also negotiable pricing and fewer surprise holds.
Can I use Stripe online and a merchant account in person?
Yes, some businesses split channels. Comparing both against your statement shows whether it's worth it.
Square is a trademark of Block, Inc. Clover is a trademark of Fiserv, Inc. or its affiliates. Toast is a trademark of Toast, Inc. Stripe is a trademark of Stripe, Inc. Cedarline Payments is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any of these companies. Names are used only to identify the products being compared. Rates are as published on each company's website when checked in October 2026; they change, and your actual pricing may differ. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
Other comparisons
See how your Stripe costs compare
Send a recent statement. We'll calculate your effective rate and show options side by side, including staying where you are.