Why Your Current Platform Is Taking Too Much (And How to Fix It)

Platform fees eating into your earnings? You're not alone. After helping over 1,600 creators build their businesses on BTS, we've seen this pattern countless times: talented creators watching their hard-earned revenue disappear into fee structures they didn't fully understand when they signed up.

The creator economy is fragmented, and most platforms have figured out how to profit from that confusion. But here's what we've learned: the right platform fee isn't just about the lowest percentage—it's about what you get in return and how it sets you up to build something you actually own.

In this guide, we're breaking down exactly why platforms take so much, what those fees really cost you over time, and how to fix it—whether that means renegotiating, restructuring, or switching entirely.

Quick Diagnosis Box

Common Symptoms of Platform Fee Problems:

• Your take-home revenue keeps shrinking despite growing sales
• Multiple platforms mean multiple fee structures stacking up
• Hidden costs appearing in your payout statements
• Payment processing fees on top of platform fees
• App store fees (30%!) when members pay through iOS
• Currency conversion eating into international sales

Likely Causes:

1. Legacy pricing plans that no longer serve your growth stage
2. Platform hopping that fragments your revenue across multiple fee structures
3. Not understanding the total cost of ownership (subscription + transaction fees + processing + extras)

Why This Happens to So Many Creators

Let's be honest: most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. They're built to extract value from your audience relationship, not to help you build a real business.

Think about how most platforms make money. They take a cut of every transaction—often 5-15%—plus payment processing fees, plus potential app store fees. The more successful you become, the more they earn. But here's the thing: their incentives aren't aligned with yours.

From our experience: "We've watched creators pay $50,000+ in platform fees over a few years, with nothing to show for it except dependence on a platform they don't control."

The fragmentation problem makes this worse. Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business—one platform for courses, another for community, a third for payments, maybe a fourth for email. Each takes its cut. Each adds complexity. None of them care whether you're actually building something durable.

Here's what the fee landscape looks like in 2026:

These numbers add up fast. A creator earning $10,000/month on a platform charging 13% effective fees loses $1,300 every single month. That's $15,600 per year—enough to hire help, invest in better content, or actually build equity in their business.

The Hidden Costs of Platform Taking Too Much

The percentage you see advertised is rarely the percentage you actually pay. Here's where the hidden costs creep in:

Payment Processing Fees

Almost every platform charges payment processing on top of their platform fee. This is usually 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. On a $50 subscription, that's $1.75. Seems small until you multiply it across hundreds of members.

App Store Fees

This one catches creators off guard. If your members subscribe through the iOS app, Apple takes 30%. That's not instead of the platform fee—it's on top of it (though it usually replaces payment processing). A $100 membership? You might only see $56-60 after Apple and the platform take their cuts.

Currency Conversion Fees

Selling internationally? Most platforms charge 2-2.5% for currency conversion. If 30% of your revenue comes from outside your home country, that's another ~0.75% off your total earnings.

Payout Fees and Delays

Some platforms charge for payouts, especially for PayPal or international bank transfers. Others hold your money for 7-14 days, which affects your cash flow and ability to reinvest in your business.

Our data shows: "The gap between advertised fees and actual take-home can be 3-5 percentage points higher than creators expect."

The Compound Cost Over Time

Let's do the math on what excessive fees cost over a career:

Over five years, a creator earning $25,000/month on a high-fee platform versus a lower-fee alternative loses $75,000. That's not a rounding error—that's real money that could fund team members, better production, or retirement savings.

Diagnosing Your Situation

Before you can fix the problem, you need to understand exactly where your money is going. Here's how to diagnose your fee situation:

Step 1: Calculate Your True Effective Fee Rate

Pull your last three months of earnings reports and answer these questions:

1. Gross revenue: How much did your members/customers pay in total?
2. Net payout: How much actually hit your bank account?
3. Effective rate: (Gross - Net) / Gross × 100

If you're paying more than 6-8% all-in, you're likely overpaying for what you're getting.

Step 2: Identify Fee Stacking

Are you using multiple platforms? List them all:

• Where do people find your content?
• Where do they pay?
• Where do they access what they paid for?
• Where do you email them?

Each platform in this chain might be taking a cut. We've seen creators unknowingly paying fees to 3-4 different tools simultaneously.

Step 3: Audit Your Features vs. Your Fees

What we've learned: "Most creators pay for features they never use. They're on 'Pro' plans when 'Basic' would serve them fine, or they're paying transaction fees on platforms where they barely transact."

Ask yourself:

• Do you use the advanced features you're paying for?
• Is your current plan right for your revenue level?
• Are you paying monthly when annual would save 20%?

Step 4: Understand Your Growth Trajectory

Your fee structure should match your business stage:

If you're earning $20,000/month but still on a percentage-based plan, you're almost certainly overpaying.

The Fix: Step-by-Step Solution

Now for the part you came here for. Here's exactly how to reduce your platform fees and keep more of what you earn.

Fix #1: Consolidate Your Tech Stack

BTS's take: "Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. The fix isn't finding cheaper individual tools—it's finding one place to build something you own."

Every platform you add is another fee. Every integration point is another potential cost. The math is simple: fewer platforms = fewer fees = more profit.

Action steps:

1. List every tool that touches your revenue (payment, delivery, community, email)
2. Calculate the combined fees
3. Look for all-in-one solutions that replace multiple tools

At BTS, we built our platform specifically to solve this. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space—community, courses, payments, subscriptions—so creators aren't bleeding money across five different tools.

Fix #2: Negotiate Your Current Plan

If you have meaningful revenue, you have leverage. Platforms don't want to lose paying customers.

How to negotiate:

1. Calculate your annual revenue to the platform (your revenue × their fee %)
2. Email their support or success team
3. Ask about: volume discounts, legacy pricing, annual payment discounts, enterprise/creator tiers

From our experience: "We've seen creators save 20-40% just by asking. The worst they can say is no."

Fix #3: Switch Fee Models

Different fee models work for different revenue levels:

Transaction-based fees (percentage of sales):

• ✅ Good for: Testing, low volume, unpredictable revenue
• ❌ Bad for: High earners (you're subsidizing the platform's other users)

Subscription-based fees (flat monthly cost):

• ✅ Good for: Consistent earners above $5,000/month
• ❌ Bad for: Inconsistent income, just starting out

Hybrid models (subscription + small transaction fee):

• ✅ Good for: Mid-stage creators ($2,000-10,000/month)
• ❌ Bad for: Very high or very low earners

Our recommendation: "Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest moving to a subscription-based model once you're consistently earning $5,000+/month. The math always favors flat fees at scale."

Fix #4: Minimize Payment Processing Costs

You can't eliminate payment processing fees, but you can minimize them:

1. Encourage annual subscriptions: One transaction vs. twelve means ~$3.60 saved per member per year in processing fees
2. Use ACH/bank transfers when possible: Often 0.8% vs. 2.9% for cards
3. Avoid app store payments: Direct members to web checkout instead of iOS apps

Fix #5: Migrate Strategically

If your current platform is taking too much and won't negotiate, it's time to move. Here's how to do it without losing members:

Migration checklist:

• [ ] Export your member list and payment data
• [ ] Set up your new platform with identical (or better) offerings
• [ ] Email members explaining the move and its benefits to them
• [ ] Offer a migration incentive (discount, bonus content)
• [ ] Provide step-by-step instructions for the switch
• [ ] Keep both platforms running during a transition period
• [ ] Cancel old subscriptions only after successful migration

What we've learned: "The most successful migrations happen when creators frame it as an upgrade for members, not a cost-saving move for themselves."

How BTS Helps Prevent This

We built BTS because creators deserve to own what they build—and that includes keeping more of what they earn.

BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We designed our platform to be creator business infrastructure, not another tool taking its cut while offering fragmented solutions.

Here's how our fee structure works:

Why this matters:

At $5,000/month revenue:

• High-fee platform (13%): You lose $650/month
• BTS Pro: You pay $149 + ~$175 in transaction fees = $324/month
• Your savings: $326/month ($3,912/year)

At $15,000/month revenue:

• High-fee platform (13%): You lose $1,950/month
• BTS Pro: You pay $149 + ~$525 in transaction fees = $674/month
• Your savings: $1,276/month ($15,312/year)

The math speaks for itself. And unlike platforms that fragment your business across multiple tools, BTS gives creators one place to build something they own—community, courses, subscriptions, payments, all in one space.

Our payouts are fast too: 1-5 days globally, same-day in the US. Because waiting two weeks for your own money is ridiculous.

Prevention: Avoiding This in the Future

Once you've fixed your fee situation, here's how to make sure you never end up overpaying again:

Build Fee Reviews Into Your Routine

Quarterly fee audit:

1. Calculate your effective fee rate
2. Compare to alternatives
3. Check if your plan still matches your revenue level
4. Negotiate or switch if needed

Understand Before You Sign Up

Questions to ask any platform:

• What's the total effective fee at my revenue level?
• Are there transaction fees on top of subscription fees?
• What are the payment processing fees?
• Are there app store fees if members pay on mobile?
• How long until I get paid?
• What happens to my member data if I leave?

Focus on Ownership, Not Just Cost

BTS's take: "The cheapest platform isn't always the best platform. What matters is whether you're building equity in your own business or just renting space on someone else's."

Consider:

• Do you own your member relationships and data?
• Can you export everything if you need to leave?
• Does the platform help you build a real business, or just monetize content?
• Are you building brand equity or platform dependency?

We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. BTS is not a social network or a marketplace—it's infrastructure for creators who are ready to build something real.

When to Ask for Help

Sometimes fee optimization requires expertise you don't have. Here's when to get help:

Signs You Need Professional Input

• Your fee structure is so complex you can't calculate your true costs
• You're locked into contracts you don't understand
• Tax implications of switching platforms confuse you
• You have significant revenue and small percentage changes mean big money

Where to Get Help

1. Platform success teams: They want to keep you—use that leverage
2. Creator communities: Others have solved the same problems
3. Financial advisors: For high earners, professional advice pays for itself
4. Migration specialists: Some consultants specialize in platform switches

From our experience: "Creators earning $10,000+/month should spend an hour per quarter reviewing their tech stack costs. At that level, a 2% fee reduction is worth $2,400/year—definitely worth sixty minutes of attention."

Key Takeaways

• Calculate your true effective fee rate—it's probably higher than the advertised percentage
• Consolidate platforms to stop bleeding money across multiple tools
• Match your fee model to your revenue level—percentage-based fees hurt high earners
• Negotiate before you switch—you have more leverage than you think
• Focus on ownership, not just cost—building equity matters more than saving 1%
• Review quarterly to prevent fee creep as you grow

If a creator has an existing audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We give creators one place to build something they own, with transparent fees and fast payouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a "high" platform fee for creators?

Anything above 8-10% total effective fees (including all transaction fees, payment processing, and platform fees combined) is on the high end for 2026. Top-performing creator platforms typically range from 3-7% all-in for established creators on appropriate plans.

How much does BTS cost?

BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started—you only pay when you earn. Our Pro plan is $149/month plus 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction, which becomes significantly more cost-effective than percentage-only platforms once you're earning $5,000+/month. 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 immediately. The Starter plan charges 10% per transaction with no monthly fee, making it perfect for creators validating their offering. Upgrade to Pro when your revenue justifies the subscription for lower per-transaction fees.

What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?

We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place—community, courses, subscriptions, payments—so you're not stitching together five different tools and paying five different fees. BTS is not a social network or a marketplace; it's where creators build real businesses they own.

Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?

Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Circle, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly with their payment information, and we provide support throughout the process. Most migrations complete within 1-2 weeks.

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. The platform is intentionally simple to start but flexible to scale as your business grows.

Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?

Yes, our fee structure includes transaction fees: 10% on Starter (free plan) or 3.5% + $0.30 on Pro ($149/month). This is transparent and competitive—we've designed it so creators keep more as they grow. 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. Pro members get priority support, and we're genuinely invested in helping creators succeed—we've paid out over $1.4 million to creators and counting.

Can I use my own domain with BTS?

Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your business looks like your business, not like you're renting space on someone else's platform.

How do BTS fees compare to Patreon?

Patreon charges 10% platform fee plus payment processing (roughly 3-6% depending on payment method), for a total of 13-16%. BTS Pro charges $149/month plus 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction. For creators earning $5,000+/month, BTS typically saves $200-$500/month compared to Patreon.

What payment methods does BTS support?

We support all major credit cards, debit cards, and various local payment methods globally. Payouts are available to most countries (excluding a few restricted regions) via bank transfer, with 1-5 day processing globally and same-day in the US.

Is it worth switching platforms to save on fees?

It depends on the savings and the effort involved. Generally, if you'll save more than $200/month, it's worth considering. We've seen creators recover their migration effort in savings within 2-3 months. The key is planning the migration well so you don't lose members in the process.

How can I calculate my current platform's true fee rate?

Divide your total fees paid by your gross revenue, then multiply by 100. Pull this from your earnings reports: (Gross Revenue - Net Payout) / Gross Revenue × 100 = Your true fee percentage. Do this for 3 months to get an accurate average.

What happens to my content if BTS shuts down?

You own your content and member data. You can export everything at any time—member lists, content, payment history. We believe creators should never be locked in, which is why we make it easy to leave (though we'd rather you stay because you love the platform).

Should I prioritize low fees or better features?

Both matter, but features only matter if you use them. The best approach: find a platform with the features you'll actually use at a fee structure that matches your revenue level. Paying for unused enterprise features is just as wasteful as overpaying on transaction fees.

How often should I review my platform fees?

Quarterly at minimum. As your revenue grows, your optimal fee structure changes. A plan that made sense at $2,000/month might be costing you thousands in unnecessary fees at $10,000/month.

Can I pass platform fees on to my members?

Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. It creates friction and makes your pricing confusing. Better to price your offerings to account for fees, then find the most efficient platform to maximize what you keep.

What's the difference between platform fees and payment processing fees?

Platform fees go to the platform for their software and services. Payment processing fees go to payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) for handling the actual transaction. Most platforms charge both, though some include processing in their platform fee.

Does BTS offer transaction fee-free plans?

Not currently. We believe transparent, competitive transaction fees aligned with creator success are more sustainable than inflated subscription costs. Our Pro plan at 3.5% is among the lowest in the industry for what's included.

How does BTS handle international payments and currency conversion?

We support global payments in multiple currencies. There's a small currency conversion fee when payments are made in a different currency than your payout currency (standard across all platforms). Payouts are available to most countries globally.

About the Author

The BTS Team is the Creator Success team at BTS, helping creators turn content and community into real businesses every day. We've supported 1,600+ creators in building sustainable businesses and have paid out over $1.4 million to creators on our platform. Our expertise comes from working directly with creators across education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship niches—solving the real problems they face in building something they own.

Sources

• Patreon Creator Fees Overview (2025)
• Platform pricing pages: Teachable, Kajabi, Skool, Circle, Gumroad, Whop
• BTS internal creator success data

This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.

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