Paddle
Payment platform that handles global taxes for you — they are the seller, you get paid net
Visit Website
5% + 50c per transaction
Paddle takes the scariest part of selling software internationally — tax compliance — and makes it someone else’s problem. They act as the merchant of record, which means they are legally the seller. They collect the payment, handle VAT/sales tax in every country, and pay you a net amount. You never file a foreign tax return.
The price for this peace of mind is real: 5% + 50c per transaction versus Stripe’s 2.9% + 30c. For many SaaS founders selling to customers in the EU, UK, and beyond, the math still works out — hiring an accountant or using a tax service would cost more. Paddle requires approval before you can start, so apply early.
What's good
- Merchant of record means they handle VAT, sales tax, and invoicing worldwide
- Built-in subscription management with dunning and recovery
- You never have to file taxes in foreign countries
Watch out for
- 5% + 50c is nearly double Stripe's rate
- Approval process required — they review your business before you can start
- Less flexibility than Stripe for custom checkout flows