Payment Fee Reverser
Calculate how much to bill so you receive the exact invoice amount after processing fees
Invoice Client
$1,030.17
Amount to send in invoice
Fee Loss
$30.17
Total fees paid by client
Exactly what you wanted — the client covers all fees
How the Calculation Works
The reverse fee formula ensures your client pays the processing fees, not you:
Invoice Amount = Target ÷ (1 − Fee%) + Fixed Fee
= $1,000.00 ÷ (1 − 2.9%) + $0.30
= $1,030.17
- Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (US standard)
- PayPal International charges 4.4% + $0.30 per transaction (cross-border rate)
- Always add a note on your invoice: "Processing fees included"
Many freelancers absorb fees as a cost of doing business, but it's perfectly acceptable to pass them through. Just be transparent with your client about the markup.
Why Pass Processing Fees to Clients?
It Adds Up
At 2.9% + $0.30, a freelancer earning $5,000/month loses over $1,800/year to processing fees. Passing fees to clients puts that money back in your pocket.
Standard Practice
Many B2B service providers and agencies include a processing fee line item on invoices. It's transparent and widely accepted in professional services.
📋 Best Practices for Passing Fees
- Be transparent — add a line item on the invoice: "Processing fee (2.9%)"
- Offer alternatives — ACH/wire transfers often have lower fees or flat rates
- Check your contract — Some platforms prohibit surcharging; always verify TOS
- Consider ACH/eCheck — Typically $0.50–$1.50 flat fee vs. percentage-based cards
- Round up — Round your invoice amount to the nearest dollar for cleaner numbers
📊 Fee Comparison
| Processor | Fee | On $1,000 Invoice | You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe (US) | 2.9% + $0.30 | $29.30 | $970.70 |
| PayPal (International) | 4.4% + $0.30 | $44.30 | $955.70 |
| ACH Bank Transfer | ~$1 flat | $1.00 | $999.00 |
⚠️ Legal note: Some jurisdictions and card networks restrict or prohibit surcharging (adding a fee for credit card payments). Check local laws and your merchant agreement before passing fees to clients. Discounts for non-card payments are generally more widely permitted.