Payment processing fees are one of those costs that’s easy to forget about until you notice your bank deposit is smaller than the invoice you sent. This calculator works both directions: tell it what you’re charging and it shows what actually lands in your account, or tell it what you need to receive and it works out what to charge to cover the fee.
| Amount charged to client | $0 |
|---|---|
| Processing fee | $0 |
| You receive | $0 |
Why the fee isn't just the percentage
Every major processor charges a percentage plus a small fixed fee per transaction, which matters more than people expect on smaller invoices. A 2.9% fee sounds trivial on a $2,000 project, but on a $50 payment, the fixed $0.30 on top of the percentage works out to well over 3% of the total — which adds up fast if you're invoicing frequently for smaller amounts.
The "I want to receive this much" mode exists for exactly that reason: if a client is only willing to pay via a processor and you need a specific amount to actually land in your account, you have to charge slightly more than that number to cover the fee, not the same amount.
For writing the invoice itself, see the guide to writing a freelance invoice or use the free invoice generator to put one together.
Can I pass the processing fee on to my client?
Some processors and jurisdictions allow surcharging, but rules vary by country, state and card network, and PayPal's terms restrict adding a separate surcharge line in some cases. Check the specific processor's terms and your local regulations before adding a fee to an invoice.
Do these rates apply to international payments?
No, this uses standard US domestic rates. International cards, currency conversion and cross-border payments typically carry additional fees on top of the base rate shown here.
Why is Square cheaper in person than online?
Card-present transactions (swiped, inserted or tapped in person) carry less fraud risk for the processor than card-not-present online payments, so in-person rates are typically lower across most processors, not just Square.
Rates shown are standard published US rates as of September 2026 and can vary by account type, volume, and country. Always confirm current rates directly with your processor.