PayPal vs Stripe: how your payouts work
| Detail | PayPal Schedule-based payouts | Stripe Completion-based payouts |
|---|---|---|
| How funds flow | The client sends the payment and it is released to you based on your withdrawal schedule. | The client sends the payment, it is held on Stripe and released to you based on work completion. |
| When you get paid | According to the schedule set on your Wallet page. You can receive payment even before the commission is finished. | After a milestone or the full commission is completed. You submit a milestone, the client approves it, then funds release on your payout schedule. |
| When you can access funds | On your chosen payout schedule, independent of commission progress. | After completion of the milestone or commission. |
| Protection window | 150 days, based on PayPal's Purchase Protection for Buyers. | 70 days, based on Stripe's policy on holding funds for connected accounts. |
| Best suited for | Creators who want predictable, scheduled income without waiting on approvals. | Creators who prefer milestone checkpoints and releasing funds as work is approved. |
Coming soon to PayPal: We are moving to a direct flow where payments go straight from your client to you with no holding period. This article will be updated when the change goes live.
Have a request? If there is a payment processor you hope to be added, submit a ticket or send an email to hello@commissions.gg