Editorial comparison
Paddle vs Polar
Compare two Merchant of Record models using the same transaction profile.
Last verified: 2026-09-05 · Source-linked catalog
Run your own scenarioHeadline pricing is only one part of the decision. Compare each stored fee component, responsibility flag, source and verification date, then inspect the contract and destination-market coverage that applies to your business.
Catalog status
This page reads the same provider, pricing-input and tax catalog used by the calculator: 10 verified provider plan record(s), 48 production-enabled coverage row(s), 42 published tax rule record(s), 43 tax rate record(s), and 13 threshold record(s).
Current provider records
| Plan | Stored fee fields | MoR | Tax operations | Verification / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddle BillingPaddle | 5.00% + 0.50 USDMonthly fee: 0.00 USD | Yes | calculate · collect · file · remit · registrationPaddle describes the 5% + 50¢ Checkout price as all-inclusive for payments, billing, tax compliance, fraud, chargebacks and buyer support. Paddle's terms separately publish a 3.5% invoice bank-transfer discount and possible FX margins; the standard Checkout row does not silently add either. | verified · 2026-09-05Paddle Billing official source record ↗ |
| Polar StarterPolar | 5.00% + 0.50 USD · additional fields: international-cardMonthly fee: 0.00 USD | Yes | calculate · collect · file · remit · registrationPolar states that it is the Merchant of Record and takes on international sales-tax liability for sales through the platform. The seller remains responsible for income/revenue tax in its country of residence and for customer relationship/support work. | verified · 2026-09-05Polar Starter official source record ↗ |
Useful next step
Run a scenario with your real revenue, order value and customer mix. The output links to source records and labels gaps as Review Required.
This page is educational and uses the catalog methodology. It is not legal or tax advice; rules and provider terms change.