Sample Transaction Fee Schedules
| Customer Payment | Stripe Fee | Net Deposit | Effective Take Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | $3.20 | $103.30 | Charge $103.30 |
| $250.00 | $7.55 | $257.78 | Charge $257.78 |
| $500.00 | $14.80 | $515.24 | Charge $515.24 |
| $1,000.00 | $29.30 | $1,030.18 | Charge $1,030.18 |
| $2,500.00 | $72.80 | $2,574.97 | Charge $2,574.97 |
| $5,000.00 | $145.30 | $5,149.64 | Charge $5,149.64 |
The Mathematical Proof of Inverse Fee Netting
A common freelancer mistake is simply adding 2.9% to their desired payout. For example, adding 2.9% to $1,000.00 yields $1,029.00. However, when Stripe processes $1,029.00, it deducts 2.9% ($29.84) + $0.30 = $30.14, leaving you with only $998.86—shorting your account by $1.14.
The true mathematical formula accounts for the fact that Stripe taxes the gross total, not your net target. The algebraic derivation is: Net = Gross - (Gross × Rate + Fixed) → Net + Fixed = Gross × (1 - Rate) → Gross = (Net + Fixed) / (1 - Rate).
FastTools implements integer minor-unit forward simulation to guarantee you never end up even one penny short due to floating point rounding errors.
Operational Scenarios & Fee Impacts
Freelance Design Client ($1,000 Net Invoice)
To pocket exactly $1,000.00 into your bank account after standard US card fees, write your invoice for $1,030.18.
($1,000 + $0.30) / (1 - 0.029) = $1,030.175 → $1,030.18B2B Retainer via ACH ($5,000 Net Target)
Because ACH Direct Debit fees are capped at $5.00, simply bill $5,005.00 to receive exactly $5,000.00 net.
$5,000.00 target + $5.00 ACH cap = $5,005.00 invoiceInternational Client ($1,000 Net Target)
Accounting for a 1.5% international card surcharge (4.4% total rate), bill $1,046.34 to net $1,000.00.
($1,000 + $0.30) / (1 - 0.044) = $1,046.34 grossPayment Processing FAQs
Why does adding 2.9% leave me short of my target net?
Because Stripe takes 2.9% of the final gross amount, which includes the extra money you added. You must use the inverse formula `(Net + Fixed) / (1 - Rate)` to account for the fee on the fee.
Is it legal to pass Stripe credit card fees to clients in the US?
Credit card surcharging is legal in most US states, but must not exceed your actual cost of acceptance and requires clear disclosure on the checkout page or invoice.
How do I calculate inverse fees for UK and EU cards?
Select UK or EU in the calculator above. The tool automatically substitutes local rates (e.g. 1.5% + 20p or 1.5% + €0.25) into the inverse equation.