Patreon monthly
$0.00
Patreon Plan Comparison
Should you bill members monthly, annually, or skip Patreon and charge directly? Compare net earnings across all three with fees included.
Patreon annual
$0.00
Direct (Stripe)
$0.00
Assumes a 5% platform fee, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, and annual members paying 10 months for 12 (the common 2-months-free offer). Direct selling skips the platform fee but you handle payments, billing and retention yourself.
What the comparison shows
Annual billing improves cash flow and retention but the 2-months-free discount usually lowers total net unless you raise prices. Selling direct with Stripe removes the platform fee entirely — worth it once your audience is big enough that you can manage memberships yourself.
How Patreon fees work
Patreon takes a platform fee (5-12% depending on your plan) plus payment processing fees (typically 2.9% plus 0.30 per transaction). Fees are charged on each pledge, not just what Patreon keeps. You receive the pledge minus all fees.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage does Patreon take?
Patreon charges a platform fee (commonly 5%) plus payment processing on top of each transaction. The exact processing rate depends on the member's card and country.
Is Patreon annual billing better for creators?
It helps cash flow and retention, but the 2-months-free offer lowers annual gross — the net effect depends on your member count and average pledge. Compare both columns above.
Last updated — rates and figures change over time, so always confirm with the current source.
Figures are estimates for general information, not financial advice — see our disclaimer.