The creator economy is fragmented. You're building an audience, creating content, launching products—and somewhere in between, you need to actually get paid. But here's the thing: choosing the wrong payment processor can quietly eat into your margins, complicate your taxes, and turn payouts into a weekly headache.
At BTS, we've processed over $1.4 million in payouts to creators on our platform. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and which payment solutions actually help creators build real businesses—not just collect tips.
What is the best payment processor for creators? The best payment processor for creators is one that offers transparent pricing, fast payouts, global coverage, and integrates seamlessly with your creator business infrastructure. For most serious creators, that means Stripe—which is exactly why we built BTS on it.
In this guide, we're sharing the payment processors we've tested, the ones our 1,600+ creators actually use, and our honest take on each. No affiliate deals, no fluff—just the tools that help you keep more of what you earn.
Quick Picks: Best Payment Processors for Creators in 2026
| Category | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| **Best Overall** | Stripe | Transparent fees, global reach, developer-friendly, fast payouts |
| **Best for Beginners** | Ko-fi | Zero platform fees on donations, simple setup |
| **Best Value** | Lemon Squeezy | All-in-one MoR with tax handling at 5% + $0.50 |
| **We Use** | Stripe | Powers BTS's entire payment infrastructure |
| **Best for Digital Products** | Paddle | Full MoR with global tax compliance |
| **Best One-Time Purchase** | ThriveCart | $495 lifetime access, no recurring fees |
How We Chose These Payment Processors
We didn't just Google "best payment processor" and call it a day. At BTS, we've spent the last two years helping creators monetise their content and community. Here's how we evaluated each option:
From our experience: "We've processed thousands of transactions across dozens of creator businesses, and the pattern is clear—creators who choose the right payment infrastructure from day one scale faster and keep more revenue."
Our Evaluation Criteria
- Transaction Fees: What's the real cost per sale? We calculated effective rates at different price points.
- Payout Speed: How fast does money hit your bank account? Same-day to 5 days matters.
- Global Coverage: Can you accept payments from anywhere and pay out worldwide?
- Tax Handling: Does it manage VAT, GST, and sales tax—or is that your headache?
- Integration Flexibility: Does it play nice with creator platforms (like BTS) and other tools?
- Creator-Specific Features: Subscriptions, memberships, one-time payments, tips—what's supported?
Our data shows: The average creator loses 8-15% of revenue to payment processing and platform fees combined. Choosing the right processor can cut that significantly.
The Best Payment Processors for Creators in 2026
#1. Stripe — Best Overall for Serious Creators
Website: stripe.com Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (US domestic) Best For: Creators building scalable businesses
Stripe is the backbone of the modern creator economy—and it's what powers BTS. There's a reason nearly every serious creator platform uses it.
What we've learned: "Stripe isn't the cheapest option on paper, but when you factor in reliability, payout speed, and global coverage, it's the most cost-effective for creators earning consistently."
Key Features:
- Accept 135+ currencies with automatic conversion
- Same-day payouts available (US)
- Global payouts to 40+ countries
- Subscription and recurring payment support
- Fraud protection with Radar
- Developer-friendly APIs for custom integrations
Fee Breakdown:
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic cards (US) | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| International cards | 3.9% + $0.30 |
| ACH transfers | 0.8% (capped at $5) |
| Currency conversion | 1% |
Our take: Stripe is the professional choice. It's not trying to be a platform—it's infrastructure that lets platforms like BTS handle payments properly. If you're serious about building a creator business, Stripe should be in your stack.
Pairs with BTS: BTS uses Stripe for all payment processing, giving creators access to enterprise-grade payment infrastructure without the complexity.
#2. PayPal — Best for Familiar Checkout Experience
Website: paypal.com Pricing: 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction Best For: Creators with audiences who prefer PayPal checkout
PayPal is everywhere, and that familiarity matters. For some audiences—especially older demographics or international buyers—PayPal is the trusted default.
Key Features:
- Buyer and seller protection
- PayPal Credit and Pay Later options
- Venmo integration (US)
- QR code payments at 2.29% + $0.09
- Instant transfers available (for a fee)
Fee Breakdown:
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard checkout | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| QR code (in-person) | 2.29% + $0.09 |
| International | Additional 1.50% |
| Instant transfer | 1.75% (min $0.25, max $25) |
From our experience: "PayPal's fees have crept up over the years, making it less competitive than Stripe for most creators. But offering it as a secondary option can boost conversions—some customers simply won't buy without it."
Our take: Use PayPal as a checkout option, not your primary processor. The fees are higher, and the holds on new accounts can be frustrating. But having it available removes friction for PayPal-loyal customers.
#3. Stripe (via BTS) — What We Use
Website: behindthescenes.com Pricing: From 3.5% (Pro plan) to 10% (free Starter plan) Best For: Creators who want infrastructure, not just a payment button
Here's the thing about payment processing: the processor is just one piece. What matters is how payments integrate with your entire creator business—memberships, content delivery, community access, and payouts.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We built our payment infrastructure on Stripe because it's the most reliable, fastest-paying option for creators globally.
What makes BTS different:
- Subscriptions (monthly/annual) with automatic billing
- One-time payments and pay-per-view content
- Free trials to convert audiences
- Tips and custom requests (via apps)
- Bundled offerings for higher average order value
- 1-5 day global payouts (same-day in the US)
Fee Breakdown:
| Plan | Platform Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Starter (Free) | 10% | Included |
| Pro ($149/mo) | 3.5% + $0.30 | Included |
BTS's take: Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. We focus on structure and momentum—the payment processor is just one part of the infrastructure that helps you build something you own.
Our recommendation: "If you're earning over $1,500/month, the Pro plan pays for itself through lower fees. Below that, Starter lets you launch without upfront costs."
#4. Paddle — Best Merchant of Record for Tax Compliance
Website: paddle.com Pricing: 5% + $0.50 per transaction Best For: Creators selling digital products internationally
Paddle operates as a Merchant of Record (MoR), meaning they handle all the tax complexity for you. VAT in Europe? GST in Australia? Sales tax in the US? Paddle calculates, collects, and remits it all.
Key Features:
- Full tax compliance in 200+ countries
- Localised checkout in buyer's currency
- Subscription management built-in
- Chargeback protection
- Revenue recovery tools
Fee Breakdown:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard transactions | 5% + $0.50 |
| Tax handling | Included |
| Currency conversion | Included |
What we've learned: "The 5% + $0.50 looks high compared to Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30, but when you factor in the cost of tax compliance software, accountant fees, and the headache of managing global taxes yourself, Paddle often comes out cheaper."
Our take: Paddle is overkill for most individual creators but makes sense if you're selling high volumes of digital products internationally. The tax peace of mind is worth it for the right business.
#5. Lemon Squeezy — Best All-in-One for Digital Creators
Website: lemonsqueezy.com Pricing: 5% + $0.50 per transaction Best For: Digital product sellers who want simplicity
Lemon Squeezy was acquired by Stripe in 2024, and it shows. It combines Stripe's payment reliability with MoR benefits—tax handling, fraud protection, and compliance—in one package.
Key Features:
- Merchant of Record (handles all taxes)
- 135+ countries, 20+ payment methods
- AI-powered fraud prevention
- Failed payment recovery (dunning)
- Affiliate system built-in
- License key generation for software
Fee Breakdown:
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard | 5% + $0.50 |
| International payments | +1.5% |
| PayPal payments | +1.5% |
| Subscriptions | +0.5% |
From our experience: "Lemon Squeezy is the sweet spot for creators selling digital products who don't want to think about taxes. The fees are reasonable, and the MoR model means you're not personally liable for compliance issues."
Our take: If you're selling ebooks, templates, software, or courses and want the simplest possible setup, Lemon Squeezy is hard to beat. The Stripe acquisition means it's only getting more reliable.
#6. Gumroad — Best for Getting Started Fast
Website: gumroad.com Pricing: 10% + $0.50 per transaction (direct) or 30% (via Discover) Best For: First-time digital product sellers
Gumroad is the OG of creator commerce. It's not the cheapest, but it's dead simple—you can be selling in under 10 minutes.
Key Features:
- No monthly fees
- Built-in audience discovery (at 30% fee)
- Email marketing tools
- Affiliate program support
- Now handles all global taxes as MoR (as of 2025)
Fee Breakdown:
| Sale Source | Fee |
|---|---|
| Direct sales | 10% + $0.50 |
| Gumroad Discover | 30% (all-in) |
| Credit card processing | +2.9% + $0.30 |
Our take: Gumroad's fees are high for serious sellers—a $50 product loses you $8-9 in fees. But for testing an idea or launching your first digital product, the zero-friction setup has value. Graduate to something more cost-effective as you scale.
#7. Ko-fi — Best for Zero-Fee Donations
Website: ko-fi.com Pricing: 0-5% platform fee (plus payment processing) Best For: Creators accepting tips and small donations
Ko-fi lets you receive donations with zero platform fees on the free plan. You only pay Stripe or PayPal's processing fees.
Key Features:
- Zero platform fees on tips (free plan)
- Ko-fi Gold ($12/mo) removes all platform fees
- Memberships and subscriptions
- Digital product sales
- Commission management
- Discord integration
Fee Breakdown:
| Plan | Platform Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 0% on tips, 5% on sales | Starting out |
| Ko-fi Gold ($12/mo) | 0% on everything | Consistent earners |
What we've learned: "Ko-fi works best as a tip jar alongside your main creator business. It's not designed to be your primary revenue infrastructure—but for supplementary income, the zero-fee model is unbeatable."
Our take: If you're primarily accepting small donations or tips, Ko-fi is the most cost-effective option. For memberships and digital products, you'll want something more robust.
#8. ThriveCart — Best One-Time Payment for Lifetime Access
Website: thrivecart.com Pricing: $495 one-time (Standard) or $790 first year + $295/year (Pro) Best For: Course creators and coaches who hate monthly fees
ThriveCart's one-time pricing model is unique in the space. Pay once, use forever—no transaction fees beyond your payment processor.
Key Features:
- Zero platform transaction fees
- High-converting checkout pages
- Upsells, downsells, and order bumps
- Affiliate management
- A/B testing
- Course hosting (Learn)
Fee Breakdown:
| Plan | Cost | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $495 lifetime | 0% (just Stripe/PayPal fees) |
| Pro | $790 year one, $295/year after | 0% |
| Ultimate | $985 year one, $295/year after | 0% |
Our recommendation: "If you're processing $500+/month in sales, ThriveCart pays for itself within a year compared to platforms charging 5-10% fees. The lifetime deal is genuinely good value."
Our take: ThriveCart is ideal for creators selling courses, coaching, or high-ticket digital products. The one-time cost model rewards long-term builders.
#9. Patreon — Best for Established Patron-Based Creators
Website: patreon.com Pricing: 10% platform fee + payment processing Best For: Creators with loyal audiences who want tiered memberships
Patreon pioneered the membership model, and it still has the largest built-in audience of patrons. But the fees have increased significantly.
Key Features:
- Tiered membership system
- Built-in patron audience
- 100 hours/month free video hosting
- Merch integration
- Podcast hosting
- Mobile app for patrons
Fee Breakdown:
| Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Platform fee (new creators) | 10% |
| Legacy Pro plan | 8% |
| Payment processing | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| iOS purchases | Additional 30% |
BTS's take: "Patreon monetises content, while BTS helps creators build a real business. There's a fundamental difference in philosophy—Patreon is about patronage, BTS is about infrastructure."
Our take: Patreon works if you have an audience that already uses it. But the fees are steep, and the platform owns the relationship with your patrons. For creators who want ownership, it's not the long-term answer.
#10. Buy Me a Coffee — Best for Simple Tip Jars
Website: buymeacoffee.com Pricing: 5% platform fee + payment processing Best For: Creators who want quick, casual support
Buy Me a Coffee is the friendliest-looking tip jar on the internet. The brand resonates, and setup takes minutes.
Key Features:
- One-time donations ("coffees")
- Memberships
- Digital downloads
- Extras (bonus content)
- Mobile-friendly checkout
Fee Breakdown:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Platform fee | 5% |
| Stripe processing | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Subscription fee | +0.5% |
| International | +1% |
Our take: Similar to Ko-fi but with higher fees. The branding is stronger, but for pure economics, Ko-fi's free tier wins. Use Buy Me a Coffee if the brand aesthetic fits your audience better.
How These Payment Processors Work with BTS
BTS is the creator business infrastructure. We've designed our platform to give you one place to build something you own—and payments are a critical piece of that infrastructure.
Here's how we think about payment processing:
We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you don't have to stitch together Stripe accounts, webhook integrations, and payout systems manually. When you use BTS, you're getting:
- Stripe-powered payments with no additional integration needed
- Global payouts in 1-5 days (same-day in the US)
- Flexible monetisation: subscriptions, one-time payments, pay-per-view, tips
- Tax documentation: We provide the records you need for your accountant
From our experience: "Creators who try to build their own payment stack from scratch spend months on integration work that could go toward creating content. BTS gives you enterprise-grade payments on day one."
If you're using other tools—Gumroad for digital products, Ko-fi for tips, Patreon for memberships—you're managing multiple platforms, multiple payout schedules, and multiple fee structures. BTS gives creators one place to build something they own.
What We Don't Recommend (And Why)
Not every payment processor belongs in a creator's stack. Here's what we'd avoid:
High-Fee Platforms Without Added Value
If you're paying 10%+ in platform fees without getting significant infrastructure in return, you're leaving money on the table. The math doesn't work at scale.
Platforms With Slow Payouts
Waiting 2-3 weeks for your money isn't acceptable in 2026. Cash flow matters. Prioritise processors offering weekly or faster payouts.
Processors Without Global Support
If your audience is international (and it probably is), your payment processor needs to handle multiple currencies, international cards, and global payouts. US-only options limit your growth.
Complicated Enterprise Software
What we've learned: "Kajabi is enterprise software for course creators; BTS is infrastructure for creator businesses." Some tools are built for marketing teams, not individual creators. Don't pay for complexity you won't use.
Platforms That Own Your Customer Relationship
When you build on a marketplace (Gumroad Discover, Patreon's patron network), you're renting access to your own audience. If the platform changes its algorithm or policies, your revenue is at risk.
Our recommendation: Choose processors that treat you as the merchant. You should own the customer relationship, control the data, and be able to migrate without losing your business.
Building Your Creator Stack
Payment processing is one piece of a larger puzzle. Here's how we think about the complete creator business stack:
The BTS Approach to Creator Infrastructure
| Layer | What It Does | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Payments | Process transactions, handle payouts | Stripe (via BTS) |
| Content Hosting | Deliver courses, videos, downloads | BTS (built-in) |
| Community | Engage members, build relationships | BTS (built-in) |
| Memberships | Recurring revenue, tiered access | BTS (built-in) |
| Marketing | Email, landing pages, funnels | BTS + ConvertKit/Beehiiv |
| Analytics | Track revenue, engagement, growth | BTS + Stripe Dashboard |
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space.
Getting Started
- Choose your payment processor based on your primary monetisation model
- Connect it to your platform (BTS handles this automatically)
- Set your pricing with creator-controlled rates
- Launch and iterate based on what your audience responds to
BTS's take: "Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. We believe you should own what you build—your content, your community, your customer relationships, and your payment data."
Key Takeaways
- Stripe is the standard for serious creators—reliable, fast, globally available
- MoR platforms (Paddle, Lemon Squeezy) handle taxes but cost more per transaction
- Zero-fee options (Ko-fi free tier) work for tips, not primary revenue
- BTS uses Stripe because it's the best infrastructure for creator businesses
- One-time payment models (ThriveCart) reward long-term builders
- Platform fees matter at scale—10% of $10,000/month is $1,000/year gone
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a payment processor for creators?
A payment processor handles the transaction between your customer's payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.) and your bank account. For creators, the right processor also supports subscriptions, digital product delivery, and global payouts.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started. Our Pro plan is $149/month with a 3.5% + $0.30 fee—significantly lower than Starter's 10% for creators earning consistent revenue. Check our pricing page for current rates.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features and lower fees.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetisation. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place, so you can focus on creating. Unlike marketplaces, you own your audience and data.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly with their payment details.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent: 10% on Starter (free plan) or 3.5% + $0.30 on Pro ($149/month). Check our pricing page for the exact breakdown.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience.
What's the difference between a payment processor and a merchant of record?
A payment processor (like Stripe) handles transactions, but you're responsible for taxes and compliance. A merchant of record (like Paddle or Lemon Squeezy) becomes the legal seller, handling taxes, refunds, and chargebacks for you.
Should I use multiple payment processors?
Offering multiple payment options (Stripe + PayPal) can increase conversions. But don't spread your revenue across multiple platforms—consolidate where possible for simpler accounting and faster payouts.
What are typical payment processor fees for creators?
Most processors charge 2.5-5% plus a fixed fee ($0.30-$0.50) per transaction. Platform fees (like Patreon's 10%) come on top of processing fees.
How fast can I get paid?
Stripe offers same-day payouts in the US and 1-5 day payouts globally. PayPal offers instant transfers for a fee. BTS uses Stripe's infrastructure, so you get the same speed.
Do I need to handle taxes myself?
With standard processors (Stripe, PayPal), yes—you're responsible for tax compliance. Merchant of record platforms (Paddle, Lemon Squeezy) handle taxes for you at a higher fee.
What's the best payment processor for subscriptions?
Stripe excels at subscription management with built-in retry logic and dunning. Platforms built on Stripe (like BTS) inherit these capabilities automatically.
Can I accept international payments?
Most modern processors support international payments. Stripe covers 135+ currencies, PayPal is available in 200+ countries, and MoR platforms handle currency conversion automatically.
What happens if a customer disputes a charge?
Stripe and PayPal have dispute resolution processes. MoR platforms often handle chargebacks on your behalf. Fees typically apply ($15-25 per dispute).
Is there a best payment processor for digital products specifically?
Lemon Squeezy and Gumroad are built specifically for digital products, with features like license key generation and automatic delivery. For courses, ThriveCart and Teachable integrate payments with content delivery.
How do I reduce payment processing fees?
Process higher-value transactions when possible (fixed fees matter less at higher prices), negotiate custom rates at volume, and choose processors with competitive base rates.
What should I look for in a payment processor as a new creator?
Start with low or no platform fees, fast setup, and the ability to accept basic payments. Ko-fi's free tier or Gumroad are good starting points. Upgrade to more robust infrastructure as you grow.
About the Author
The BTS Team is the content team at BTS, focused on helping creators build real businesses. We work with over 1,600 creators who've collectively earned $1.4M+ through our platform.
Our expertise comes from building the infrastructure that powers creator businesses—we understand payments because we process them every day.
Sources
- Stripe Official Pricing (2025-2026)
- PayPal Merchant Fees (October 2025)
- Paddle Pricing Documentation
- Lemon Squeezy Fee Structure
- Patreon Creator Fees Overview (August 2025)
- BTS Internal Data: $1.4M+ paid to 1,600+ creators
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.