Stripe Fees for Freelancers

How Stripe fees affect freelancers and consultants — international clients, currency conversion, invoicing, and the tax-deductible cost of accepting card payments.

At a glance

US freelancer, US client
2.9% + 30¢
US freelancer, intl. client
4.4% + 30¢
Currency conversion
+1.0% (US) or +2.0% (most others)
ACH (US)
0.8% capped at $5
Reverse calculate
Get gross invoice from net target

Freelancers and consultants are disproportionately affected by Stripe’s international card surcharge — most freelance work crosses borders. A US freelancer billing a European client with a European card pays 4.4% instead of 2.9% — plus 1% currency conversion if the invoice is in EUR. The reverse calculator solves a common problem: you want to net $5,000 from a contract, what should the invoice say?

Frequently asked questions

I want to receive $5,000 from a US client — how much should I invoice?
Use the reverse calculator. For a $5,000 net target on a US domestic card, you’d invoice $5,151.55 ((5000 + 0.30) / (1 - 0.029) = 5151.55). For a $5,000 net via ACH, you’d invoice $5,005 (the ACH cap of $5 means the percentage component is capped at very high amounts).
Should I add a "card processing fee" line to my invoices?
Surcharging is legal in most US states and Canada (with disclosure rules), but illegal in most of the EU and UK for consumer transactions. For B2B invoices in the US, adding a 3% card processing surcharge is increasingly common. Alternatively, offer ACH (0.8% capped at $5) as the preferred payment method and absorb the lower fee yourself.
Are Stripe fees deductible on my freelance taxes?
In most jurisdictions: yes — Stripe processing fees are a deductible business expense. In US Schedule C, categorize them under "Bank charges" or "Merchant fees." In UK self-employment, deduct as a business expense on your Self Assessment. Specifics vary by jurisdiction; consult your accountant.
Does Stripe Invoicing add fees on top of card processing?
No — Stripe Invoicing (a free product distinct from Stripe Billing) is included with your Stripe account. It does not add a per-transaction fee. The only fee is the standard card or ACH processing fee on the underlying payment. Stripe Tax (a separate product, 0.5%) does add to invoicing if enabled.

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