RevenueCat vs. Stripe: which one handles your app's payments?
The short answer
- Pick RevenueCat if you sell subscriptions or digital content inside an iOS or Android app, where the store's in-app purchase system handles the payment.
- Pick Stripe if you sell on the web, or sell physical goods and services used outside the app, which Apple says must not go through in-app purchase.
- Pick both if you sell the same subscription in your app and on your website: RevenueCat can use Stripe as its billing engine on the web.
These two are often compared, but they do different jobs. Stripe is a payment processor. RevenueCat is not: it sits on top of the app stores (and optionally Stripe) and keeps track of who has paid for what.
Side by side
| Topic | RevenueCat | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Subscription backend and SDKs for in-app purchases | Payment processor for online payments |
| Processes the payment | No, the store or web billing does | Yes |
| Where it works | App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Stripe | Web, and apps selling outside in-app purchase |
| Pricing | Free up to $2,500 monthly tracked revenue, then 1% | Per transaction, no monthly fee; rates differ by country |
| Subscriptions | One subscription status across stores | Stripe Billing, 0.7% of Billing volume |
What each one is good for
RevenueCat
- One place to see subscription status across iOS and Android
- Open-source SDKs for all platforms
- Selling on the web too, with Stripe, Stripe Billing or Paddle as billing engine
- Paywalls and web-to-app funnels as optional growth tools
Stripe
- Checkout and subscriptions on your website
- Physical goods and services used outside the app
- No setup or monthly fees
- Country-specific pricing on request
Limits to know
RevenueCat: It adds one more service to your setup, and the app stores still take their own commission on in-app purchases. Above $2,500 in monthly tracked revenue you pay 1% of what it tracks.
Stripe: Inside iOS apps, unlocking features, subscriptions or premium content requires Apple's in-app purchase (guideline 3.1.1). Only on the United States storefront may apps link to other ways of paying (3.1.1(a)). Card fees differ by country and card type.
Cost model
RevenueCat: Free up to $2,500 in monthly tracked revenue, then 1% of tracked revenue. Growth tools (Paywalls, web-to-app Funnels) cost 1% of tracked revenue on the conversions they bring. Enterprise is custom.
Stripe: No setup or monthly fees. Standard card payments in the US: 2.9% + 0.30 USD. In the EEA: 1.5% + €0.25 for standard EEA cards, 2.8% + €0.25 for premium EEA cards, 2.5% + €0.25 for UK cards and 3.15% + €0.25 for international cards, plus 2% if currency conversion is needed. Stripe Billing, pay as you go: 0.7% of Billing volume.
Facts from the official pages, checked on 30 October 2026. Prices change, so check the source before you decide.
What this means if you have it built
Most mobile apps with subscriptions use RevenueCat in the app and, if they also sell on the web, Stripe for the website. That's why this site recommends RevenueCat for native apps and Stripe for web apps.
Ask your developer to set up the store accounts, RevenueCat and Stripe in your company's name. Store rules change, so your developer should check Apple's and Google's current guidelines before launch.
Frequently asked questions
Is RevenueCat a payment processor?
No. RevenueCat says it is not the payment processor when customers buy in your app: the app stores process the payment and pay you. RevenueCat tracks subscriptions and what each customer has access to, across stores.
Can I use Stripe instead of in-app purchase in my iPhone app?
For unlocking features, subscriptions or premium content inside the app, Apple's guideline 3.1.1 requires in-app purchase. On the United States storefront, apps may link to other ways of paying. Physical goods and services used outside the app must use other methods, such as Apple Pay or card payments.
What does RevenueCat cost?
Nothing up to $2,500 in monthly tracked revenue. Above that, 1% of the revenue it tracks.
Do I need both?
Only if you sell in the app stores and on the web. Then RevenueCat can use Stripe as the billing engine on the web, so subscription status stays in one place.
Related
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