Paddle
Merchant-of-record payments for software and SaaS — sell globally while Paddle handles checkout, subscriptions, and tax for 5% + 50¢.
About Paddle
Paddle is a payments and billing platform built for software and SaaS businesses, acting as a merchant of record so you can make money selling globally while Paddle handles checkout, subscriptions, billing and worldwide sales-tax/VAT compliance. Instead of stitching together a payment processor, tax tool and subscription billing, you get it all in one, with Paddle taking on the legal/tax burden of selling internationally. Pricing is roughly 5% + $0.50 per transaction with no monthly fee on the standard plan, plus a currency-conversion spread (~1.5–2%) on cross-border sales. It's aimed more at software companies and SaaS than casual digital sellers, with robust subscription and invoicing features. Common comparisons: Paddle vs Stripe (Stripe is cheaper but you handle tax) and Paddle vs Lemon Squeezy (very similar MoR model). Frequent searches: Paddle payments review, Paddle pricing and Paddle vs Stripe. Best for SaaS and software businesses that want billing plus global tax compliance handled for them.
What you can do with it
- Selling SaaS & software subscriptions
- global software sales with tax handled
- subscription billing & invoicing
- recurring revenue businesses.
Pros
- Merchant of record — global tax/VAT compliance handled
- All-in-one checkout, subscriptions and billing
- No monthly fee
- pay per transaction
- Strong for recurring SaaS revenue
Cons
- 5% + $0.50 plus conversion spread is pricier than Stripe
- Geared to software/SaaS, less so casual digital products
- Approval/onboarding stricter than Gumroad
- Currency spread adds hidden cross-border cost
Frequently asked questions
Quick info
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