Accepting payments in multiple currencies is no longer optional if you're selling to international customers. But handling it well? That's where Stripe and Paddle take different approaches. One gives you raw control. The other takes over currency management completely. If you're trying to pick between them, here's how each one handles multi-currency support, and what that means for your international checkout flow.
How Stripe Handles Multiple Currencies
Stripe supports over 135 currencies. You can charge customers in their local currency while still receiving payouts in your preferred one. This makes it easier to offer familiar prices without setting up multiple local entities.
Here's how it works:
- Stripe automatically converts the amount based on daily exchange rates.
- You can choose whether the currency is auto-detected or hard-coded.
- Fees vary depending on the currency conversion and card network.
The biggest benefit is control. You set your prices and manage how currency is handled on your platform. But you're also on the hook for compliance, taxes, and FX-related fees.
Best for: Merchants who want full flexibility, already have an accounting team, and sell across many countries.
How Paddle Handles Multiple Currencies
Paddle works more like a merchant of record. Instead of you billing the customer, Paddle does it for you. That means they handle local sales taxes, compliance, and currency support behind the scenes.
Paddle supports 20+ currencies and handles automatic conversion and localized checkout. You list your product in a base currency, and Paddle shows the appropriate local amount to each customer.
You won't get to tweak pricing per currency manually, but you avoid the messy backend work. Paddle also manages global tax collection, which removes a big legal headache for smaller teams.
Best for: SaaS or digital product companies that want an easier international setup and don't need total pricing control.
Key Differences That Matter for Global Merchants
If you need flexibility and already have infrastructure, Stripe gives you the tools. But if you want someone else to deal with the backend, Paddle simplifies it.
The Bottom Line
Stripe and Paddle take very different routes. Stripe gives you control, but with that comes complexity. Paddle takes care of the messy parts, but you give up some flexibility. Choosing between them comes down to your business model and how much control you need over pricing and tax.
If you want international reach without building global infrastructure, Paddle works. If you want precise control over every part of the checkout flow, Stripe's API gives you that freedom.
FAQ: Stripe vs Paddle and Currency Support
Can I manually set prices per currency in Stripe?
Yes, Stripe allows you to define prices for different currencies if you want more control. You can also use automatic conversion.
Does Paddle let me choose how currency is displayed?
No, Paddle automatically handles localization. It converts and displays local pricing without manual setup.
Are Stripe's currency conversion fees high?
Stripe charges a 1-2% conversion fee on top of its standard processing fee for international cards. Rates can add up depending on volume and location.
Does Paddle support local tax rules for every country?
Yes. As the merchant of record, Paddle is responsible for charging and remitting VAT, GST, and other sales taxes.
Can I get paid in my local currency with Paddle?
Yes, but only in currencies Paddle supports for payouts. The list is smaller than Stripe's options.
Chargeblast Tip: Currency Confusion Leads to Chargebacks
Mismatched currency displays or unexpected conversion fees often lead to disputes. Customers may not recognize a foreign charge or may think they were overcharged. With Chargeblast, you can reduce chargebacks tied to pricing confusion by using real-time alerts, billing descriptor previews, and customer-friendly communication tools.
