What are platform fees? Platform fees are the percentage or flat-rate charges that creator platforms deduct from your revenue every time you make a sale. In simple terms, it's the cut the platform takes for hosting your content, processing payments, and providing you with the tools to run your creator business.
Our take: The platform you choose can mean the difference between keeping 85% of your earnings or losing nearly 20% to fees. At BTS, we've built our fee structure to be transparent and creator-friendly because we believe you should keep more of what you earn.
Platform Fees Explained
At BTS, we talk to creators every day who are shocked when they discover how much they're actually paying in platform fees. The creator economy is fragmented, and most platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. This means fees are often buried in fine print, stacked on top of each other, and designed to extract maximum value from your hard work.
From our experience: "We've seen creators lose thousands of dollars annually simply because they didn't fully understand their platform's fee structure."
Platform fees typically come in three forms:
- Percentage-based fees: A percentage of every transaction (e.g., 5%, 10%, 30%)
- Flat transaction fees: A fixed amount per sale (e.g., $0.30, $0.50 per transaction)
- Monthly subscription fees: A recurring charge regardless of sales (e.g., $29/month, $149/month)
Most platforms combine these approaches, which is why your "10% fee" often ends up being 15-20% when you factor in payment processing, currency conversion, and other hidden charges.
Key Finding: "Our research shows that creators on high-fee platforms can lose $5,000-$20,000 annually compared to those on lower-fee alternatives."
The evolution of platform fees tells an interesting story. Early creator platforms like Patreon started with relatively low fees to attract users, then gradually increased them as they scaled. In 2025, Patreon consolidated its pricing to a flat 10% for new creators—up from plans that previously started at 5%. This pattern repeats across the industry.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We designed our fee structure differently because we're not trying to maximise transaction revenue—we're building creator business infrastructure that grows with you.
How Platform Fees Work
Understanding how platform fees work is essential for any creator serious about building a sustainable business. Let's break down the mechanics.
The Fee Stack
When you make a sale on most platforms, multiple fees get deducted:
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Who Charges It |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 5-30% | The creator platform |
| Payment Processing | 2.9% + $0.30 | Stripe, PayPal, etc. |
| Currency Conversion | 1-2.5% | Payment processor |
| International Transaction | 1-1.5% | Payment processor |
| Payout Fee | $0-$25 | Platform or bank |
According to our testing: "A $100 sale can result in anywhere from $82 to $95 in your pocket, depending entirely on which platform you use."
Real-World Example
Let's say you sell a $50 digital course. Here's how fees stack up across different platforms:
| Platform | Platform Fee | Processing Fee | Total Fees | You Keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gumroad | $5.50 (10% + $0.50) | $1.75 (2.9% + $0.30) | $7.25 | $42.75 |
| Patreon | $5.00 (10%) | $1.75 (2.9% + $0.30) | $6.75 | $43.25 |
| Teachable (Free) | $6.00 ($1 + 10%) | $1.75 | $7.75 | $42.25 |
| BTS (Pro) | $2.05 (3.5% + $0.30) | Included | $2.05 | $47.95 |
Our data shows: "Creators on BTS Pro keep an average of 10-15% more of their revenue compared to high-fee platforms."
The key difference? At BTS, we run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating. Our Pro plan includes payment processing in the fee, eliminating the confusion of stacked charges.
Why Platform Fees Matter for Creators
Platform fees aren't just a minor business expense—they compound over time and can determine whether your creator business is sustainable.
BTS's take: "The difference between a 5% and 15% fee might seem small on a single transaction, but it's the difference between a thriving business and barely breaking even over a year."
The Compound Effect
Consider a creator earning $10,000/month in gross revenue:
| Monthly Gross | Fee Rate | Monthly Fees | Annual Fees | 5-Year Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | 5% | $500 | $6,000 | $30,000 |
| $10,000 | 10% | $1,000 | $12,000 | $60,000 |
| $10,000 | 15% | $1,500 | $18,000 | $90,000 |
That's a $60,000 difference over five years between the lowest and highest fee scenarios.
What we've learned: "The most successful creators we work with treat fee analysis as a critical business decision, not an afterthought."
At BTS, we focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. We believe creators deserve to own what they build, and that starts with keeping more of your revenue. This is exactly why we built BTS's fee structure to scale with your success rather than against it.
Platform Fees Examples
Let's look at real platform fee structures across the creator economy in 2026.
Example 1: Subscription-Based Platform (Patreon)
Patreon charges a flat 10% platform fee for all new creators (as of August 2025), plus payment processing fees of approximately 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Total effective rate: 12-15% of gross revenue
Our Research Shows: "Creators transitioning from Patreon to lower-fee platforms typically see an immediate 8-12% increase in take-home revenue."
Example 2: Digital Product Platform (Gumroad)
Gumroad charges 10% + $0.50 per transaction for direct sales, jumping to 30% for sales through their marketplace. Payment processing adds another 2.9% + $0.30.
Total effective rate: 13-33% depending on how customers find you
Example 3: Course Platform (Teachable)
Teachable's fee structure varies by plan:
- Free Plan: $1 + 10% per transaction
- Basic ($59/month): 5% transaction fee
- Pro ($159/month): 0% transaction fee
Total effective rate: 5-15% plus monthly subscription costs
Example 4: Creator Business Infrastructure (BTS)
At BTS, we offer:
- Starter Plan: 10% (free to use)
- Pro Plan: 3.5% + $0.30 ($149/month)
Total effective rate: 3.5-10% with transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Key Finding: "BTS Pro users earning $5,000+/month typically save $200-500 monthly compared to percentage-based platforms."
Platform Fees vs Related Concepts
Platform fees are often confused with other charges. Let's clarify the differences.
Platform Fees vs Payment Processing Fees
Platform fees go to the platform for their services (hosting, tools, support). Payment processing fees go to companies like Stripe or PayPal for handling the actual money transfer. Some platforms bundle these together; others charge them separately.
Platform Fees vs Transaction Fees
Transaction fees are a type of platform fee charged per sale. Some platforms charge only transaction fees (percentage of each sale), while others charge monthly subscriptions with lower or no transaction fees.
Platform Fees vs Merchant Fees
Merchant fees typically refer to credit card processing costs charged by payment processors. These are usually separate from platform fees but contribute to your total cost of doing business.
From our experience: "Creators who don't distinguish between these fee types often underestimate their true costs by 30-50%."
How to Use Platform Fee Knowledge in Your Creator Business
Understanding platform fees is the first step. Here's how to apply this knowledge strategically.
Step 1: Calculate Your True Cost
Don't just look at the advertised rate. Add up:
- Platform percentage fee
- Per-transaction flat fees
- Monthly subscription costs
- Payment processing fees
- Currency conversion (if applicable)
Step 2: Model Different Scenarios
How BTS Approaches Platform Selection:
- Calculate your expected monthly revenue
- Compare total fees across 3-4 platforms
- Factor in features you actually need
- Consider switching costs and migration effort
This methodology has helped our creators save thousands annually.
Step 3: Choose Based on Your Stage
| Creator Stage | Best Fee Structure | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Just Starting | Low/no monthly + moderate % | Lower risk while validating |
| Growing (>$3k/mo) | Moderate monthly + low % | Better unit economics |
| Established (>$10k/mo) | Higher monthly + lowest % | Maximum profit retention |
BTS gives creators one place to build something they own. Our Starter plan lets you begin with zero monthly cost, while Pro unlocks lower transaction fees as you scale.
Platform Fee Comparison Table (2026)
Here's a comprehensive comparison of major creator platform fees:
| Platform | Monthly Fee | Transaction Fee | Effective Rate* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTS (Starter) | $0 | 10% | 10% | Testing & launching |
| BTS (Pro) | $149 | 3.5% + $0.30 | 4-6% | Serious creators |
| Patreon | $0 | 10% + processing | 12-15% | Patronage model |
| Gumroad | $0 | 10% + $0.50 + processing | 13-16% | Digital products |
| Teachable (Pro) | $159 | 0% | ~3%** | Courses only |
| Kajabi | $149+ | 0% | ~3%** | All-in-one enterprise |
| Skool | $99 | 0% | ~3%** | Community focus |
| Whop | $0 | 2.7% + $0.30 + processing | 5-7% | Digital access |
| Stan Store | $29-99 | Varies | 5-10% | Link-in-bio creators |
Effective rate on $1,000 monthly revenue, including typical payment processing *Plus payment processing fees (~2.9% + $0.30)
Our recommendation: "Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest prioritising transparency over advertised rates. Hidden fees add up faster than you'd expect."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are platform fees in simple terms?
Platform fees are the charges creator platforms deduct from your earnings. They're how platforms make money for providing you with tools, hosting, and services. At BTS, we keep our fee structure simple: 10% on our free Starter plan, or 3.5% + $0.30 on Pro.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started with a 10% transaction fee. Our Pro plan is $149/month with just 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction. Check our pricing page for current rates and to calculate which plan makes sense for your revenue level.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. There's no credit card required to begin. Upgrade to Pro when you need more features and want to minimise your transaction 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 space, so you can focus on creating. Unlike Patreon, we help you build a real business. Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand.
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, and our creator success team guides you through every step of the process.
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. If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes, our fee structure is transparent: 10% on Starter (free plan) or 3.5% + $0.30 on Pro ($149/month). We've paid out over $1,400,000 to creators on our platform, so you can trust that the numbers work.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support—real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Our team has helped 1,600+ creators build and scale their businesses.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. BTS is not a social network or a marketplace—it's infrastructure that powers your brand.
Why do platform fees vary so much between platforms?
Different platforms have different business models. Some optimise for volume with low monthly fees and higher transaction fees. Others charge premium monthly subscriptions but take no percentage. The right choice depends on your revenue level and growth trajectory.
What is the best platform fee structure in 2026?
The best choice is BTS Pro for creators earning $3,000+ monthly because the 3.5% + $0.30 fee structure results in significantly lower total costs compared to percentage-based platforms. For creators just starting, BTS Starter's 10% fee with no monthly cost offers the lowest risk way to validate your business.
How do I calculate my true platform costs?
Add up: monthly subscription + (transaction fee × number of sales) + (payment processing if separate) + any currency conversion fees. At BTS, we simplify this by including payment processing in our fee, so the number you see is the number you pay.
Should I switch platforms to save on fees?
If you're losing more than $200/month to fees compared to alternatives, switching usually makes sense. We help creators migrate every day—the short-term effort typically pays off within 2-3 months through fee savings.
What hidden fees should I watch for?
Watch for: currency conversion fees (1-2.5%), international transaction fees (1-1.5%), payout fees ($0-25), and marketplace fees (some platforms charge 30%+ if they source the customer). Always calculate your total effective rate, not just the advertised fee.
How do platform fees affect my pricing strategy?
Higher fees mean you need to price higher to maintain the same margins, which can reduce conversions. In our work with clients, we've found that creators on lower-fee platforms can often price more competitively while earning more per sale.
Are 0% transaction fee platforms actually free?
No—they charge monthly subscriptions instead. At $159/month, a "0% fee" platform actually costs more than a 5% fee platform until you're earning $3,180/month. Always model your specific numbers before assuming "0% fees" is the best deal.
What percentage do most creator platforms take?
Most platforms take between 5-15% when you factor in all fees. Marketplace-based platforms like Gumroad can take up to 30% on discovery sales. We believe creators deserve better, which is why BTS Pro's 3.5% + $0.30 is among the lowest in the industry.
Is it worth paying a monthly fee for lower transaction fees?
For creators earning $3,000+ monthly, almost always yes. The math typically favours subscription models with low transaction fees once you cross that threshold. Our Pro plan pays for itself in fee savings for most creators within the first month.
How do I compare platform fees accurately?
Create a spreadsheet modelling your expected monthly revenue, number of transactions, and average order value. Then calculate total monthly costs for each platform including ALL fees. This is how we help creators make informed decisions at BTS.
Key Takeaways
- Platform fees are the single biggest variable cost in your creator business—they deserve serious analysis
- Stack all fees together (platform + processing + currency) to understand your true costs
- Lower isn't always better—factor in features, support, and what you actually need
- Review your fees annually as your revenue grows—the optimal platform changes with scale
- BTS offers transparent, competitive fees starting with a free plan and scaling to 3.5% + $0.30 for serious creators
About the Author
The BTS Team is the content team at BTS—creator business experts who've helped over 1,600 creators build something they own. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so creators can focus on creating, connecting, and growing their businesses. With over $1,400,000 paid out to creators on our platform, we know what it takes to turn content and community into real businesses.
Sources
- Patreon pricing announcement, August 2025
- Gumroad Help Center fee documentation
- Teachable pricing page, January 2026
- Industry analysis from SchoolMaker, Mighty Networks, and Course Platforms Review
- Internal BTS creator revenue data
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
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