If you're stuck choosing between Adyen and Stripe, it's probably not about features anymore. It's about cost. And not just the headline rate — real-world pricing that hits your margins. We break down what each platform actually charges, how they pay out, and where unexpected costs creep in.
Adyen vs Stripe Fees: What Merchants Actually Pay
Both Adyen and Stripe promote simple pricing. But beneath that, things get complicated. Here's how their fees stack up when you dig into the real numbers.
Transaction Fees
Stripe starts at 2.9% + 30¢ per successful domestic transaction. International cards add 1%. Currency conversion adds another 1%. So for non-USD cards, it's more like 4.9% + 30¢.
Adyen doesn't have one flat rate. It uses an interchange++ model, which passes along actual card network fees plus a markup. That makes fees vary based on region, card type, and even issuing bank. As a rule of thumb, Adyen's markup is around 0.6% for Visa and Mastercard, with scheme and interchange fees stacked on top.
Example comparison (US card):
But Adyen gets cheaper with scale. Large merchants can negotiate fees well below Stripe's default.
Chargeback Fees
When it comes to chargeback fees, Stripe charges $15 per dispute, win or lose. If you win, you get the money back, but not the fee. We talk about Stripe’s recent dispute fee increase here.
Adyen charges €25 (or local equivalent) per chargeback. That's higher upfront, but Adyen's risk tools and auto-refund logic sometimes stop disputes before they escalate. Stripe leaves that to you or your third-party tool.
Fraud Management Fees
Stripe includes basic fraud detection (Radar) with standard fees, but advanced machine learning rules cost extra: $0.05 per screened transaction or custom plans for high volume. Adyen bundles fraud tools into its pricing. You can customize risk rules without extra fees. Some large merchants integrate Adyen with in-house tools, but for most, the built-in system is enough.
Payout Times
Stripe pays out on a 2-day rolling schedule for US merchants by default. You can switch to daily, weekly, or monthly at no extra cost. Instant payouts to a debit card are available for a 1% fee, capped at $10.
Adyen usually pays out twice a week or weekly, depending on volume and risk profile. Faster payout schedules are possible, but depend on your account manager and your transaction history.
Currency Conversion
Stripe's conversion rate includes a 1% fee on top of the mid-market rate. You can't avoid it unless you settle in the card's currency.
Adyen lets you settle in multiple currencies, minimizing conversion if you have local bank accounts. If not, their FX margin is typically 0.6%, and some accounts have access to better rates based on volume.
Risk and Compliance Fees
Stripe has no listed extra fees for PCI or risk monitoring. But it does shut down accounts quickly if it detects high chargeback activity or policy violations.
Adyen is more enterprise-focused, and reviews accounts more holistically. You may face temporary holds during onboarding or spikes, but not surprise terminations. For regulated industries, Adyen's compliance process is longer but more flexible once approved.
Final Thoughts: Stripe vs Adyen
Stripe is simple, fast to launch, and transparent about pricing. But its processing fees get expensive with international volume, and its chargeback system is limited unless you bolt on external tools.
Adyen works better for enterprise and global merchants who want custom pricing, multiple currencies, and deeper risk controls. It's less plug-and-play, but gives you more leverage once you're running at scale.
If you're an early-stage business in a hurry, Stripe is easier. If you're growing and looking to reduce fees while staying in control of chargebacks, Adyen is worth the extra setup time.
FAQ: Stripe vs Adyen
What is the main difference between Adyen and Stripe pricing?
Stripe offers flat-rate pricing, while Adyen uses interchange++ pricing. That means Stripe is easier to understand but can be more expensive at scale, especially for international cards. Adyen's pricing varies by transaction and can be cheaper if you process high volume.
Which platform has faster payouts?
Stripe typically pays out in 2 days and offers instant payouts for a 1% fee. Adyen usually pays weekly or twice a week, depending on your setup. Adyen's payouts can be customized but require approval.
Does Stripe charge for currency conversion?
Yes. Stripe adds a 1% fee on top of the mid-market exchange rate. If you accept a foreign currency but settle in your own, you'll pay that fee.
Can you negotiate Stripe's fees?
Sometimes. Stripe offers custom pricing for high-volume or enterprise accounts, but most smaller merchants stick with the default 2.9% + 30¢ unless they can show very large volume or special risk.
Does Adyen charge setup fees?
No, but the onboarding process can take longer. Adyen vets businesses more carefully upfront, especially in high-risk industries or for multi-currency settlement.
Which is better for fraud protection?
Adyen includes robust risk tools as part of its core platform. Stripe has basic fraud detection included, but more advanced tools cost extra. Both platforms support custom rule settings, but Adyen allows more granular control without charging per transaction.
Do both platforms support chargeback management?
Yes, but differently. Stripe lets you respond to disputes through its dashboard and charges a $15 fee. Adyen has a more hands-on chargeback process, and its platform can proactively refund transactions to avoid disputes. Their fee is higher at €25, but it may prevent more chargebacks overall.
Beat the Hidden Costs with Chargeblast
What don’t Stripe and Adyen protect you from? Chargebacks.
Whether you're running thousands of international transactions a day or are still scaling, chargeback fraud eats into your revenue fast. Chargeblast uses smart, automated tools to fight disputes across platforms before they spiral into fees, penalties, or lost processing privileges.
Get back control over your margins with better chargeback prevention by booking a demo below.
