Starts atFree, 10% fee
- Free plan
Head-to-head
Whop vs Patreon: which is cheaper for paid memberships?
At a glance
Starts atFree to start; 2.7% + $0.30 card processing, no platform fee listed
- Free plan
Patreon is the classic membership platform; ShortStack's data lists a 10% fee. Whop sells communities, courses and software, with card processing at 2.7% + $0.30 per US sale. Whop is usually cheaper per sale. Patreon is better known to fans.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Patreon | Whop |
|---|---|---|
| Join cost | Free | Free |
| Platform fee | 10% (ShortStack data) | Not listed on Whop's fees page (Oct 2026) |
| Card processing | Not reached (Oct 2026) | 2.7% + $0.30 domestic. +1.5% international |
| Payout fees | Not reached (Oct 2026) | Next-day ACH $2.50. Instant 4% + $2.50 |
| What you sell | Memberships and exclusive posts | Communities, courses, software, digital products |
| Best for | Fan memberships | Paid communities |
For TikTok and Shorts creators
On $1,000 a month from 100 members at $10, Patreon's 10% is $100 before processing. Whop's processing is about $57, plus payout fees. Whop also has optional tax and billing add-ons that raise its cost.
How to choose
- Simple memberships: Patreon.
- Discord or course access: Whop.
- Compare total fees on your expected sales.
Questions people search
Whop vs Patreon: which has lower fees?
Patreon 10% in our data. Whop card processing is 2.7% + $0.30 per US sale.
Is Whop free?
Free to join. You pay fees on sales and payouts.
What fee does Patreon take?
10% in ShortStack's data.
Related: Ko-fi vs Patreon, fan support tools.
Sources: patreon.com/pricing, docs.whop.com/fees. patreon.com did not load when we checked, so Patreon's fee comes from ShortStack's tool data. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.