Sample Transaction Fee Schedules
| Customer Payment | Stripe Fee | Net Deposit | Effective Take Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | $0.85 | $24.15 | 3.40% |
| $50.00 | $1.40 | $48.60 | 2.80% |
| $100.00 | $2.50 | $97.50 | 2.50% |
| $250.00 | $5.80 | $244.20 | 2.32% |
| $500.00 | $11.30 | $488.70 | 2.26% |
| $1,000.00 | $22.30 | $977.70 | 2.23% |
Charity Fee Economics & 501(c)(3) Qualification
Stripe supports charitable organizations by offering a discounted processing tier of 2.2% + $0.30 per successful card donation for verified US 501(c)(3) non-profits. In Europe and the UK, similar charity discounts are available for registered charities.
The 0.70% discount (70 basis points) adds up significantly over high fundraising volumes. For a non-profit raising $500,000 annually, the non-profit discount retains $3,500 more for charitable programs.
To qualify, organizations must provide proof of IRS tax-exempt determination status (such as a 501(c)(3) Letter of Determination) and ensure that at least 80% of account processing volume represents tax-deductible donations.
Operational Scenarios & Fee Impacts
$100 Individual Donor Contribution
Under the non-profit discount, a $100 donation incurs $2.50 in fees (leaving $97.50) compared to $3.20 under standard pricing.
$100.00 × 2.2% ($2.20) + $0.30 = $2.50 fee (saves $0.70)$5,000 Major Donor Gala Sponsorship
On a $5,000 card gift, fees are $110.30 under charity rates versus $145.30 commercial, saving $35.00.
Switching this donor to ACH ($5 cap) saves another $105.30!Annual $100,000 Capital Campaign
Processing $100,000 in donations saves $700.00 directly with Stripe's non-profit pricing tier.
Standard fee: $3,200 vs Non-Profit fee: $2,500 (based on $100 avg gifts)Payment Processing FAQs
How do I apply for Stripe non-profit pricing?
Email [email protected] with your Stripe account email and a copy of your official IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Does the discount apply to ACH Direct Debit?
ACH Direct Debit is already capped at $5.00 maximum (0.8%), so the discount primarily applies to credit card processing.
Can political campaigns get the non-profit discount?
No, 501(c)(4) social welfare and 527 political action committees do not qualify; the discount is strictly reserved for 501(c)(3) public charities.