How Amazon seller fees work in 2026
Selling on Amazon means two main per-sale fees — and, for most sellers, a monthly plan on top:
- • Referral fee — a category commission, usually 15%, but 8% for electronics, computers and cameras, up to 20% for jewelry. There's a $0.30 minimum per item.
- • FBA fulfillment fee — if Amazon ships for you, roughly $3.50 to $10+ per unit by size and weight. Skip it with FBM (you ship).
- • Selling plan — $39.99/month (Professional) or $0.99/item (Individual), separate from the above.
Worked example: a $25 item, most categories, FBA small standard
- • Sale price: $25.00
- • Referral fee (15% of $25): $3.75
- • FBA fulfillment (small standard): $3.50
- • Total Amazon fees: $7.25 → you keep $17.75 (about a 29% effective rate, before the monthly plan)
FBA punishes small, cheap, heavy items. On a low-priced product the flat fulfillment fee can dwarf the referral percentage — which is why right-sizing packaging to drop a size tier is one of the biggest levers on Amazon margin.
The cross-border payout most sellers underestimate
Amazon disburses your sales in the marketplace's currency. If you sell on Amazon US but bank elsewhere — or sell internationally — converting those disbursements can add a 2–4% exchange-rate markup, on top of every fee above. Many sellers route Amazon payouts through Payoneer or Wise to hold the currency and convert at the real rate. See the difference with the Payoneer and Wise calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Amazon take per sale?
It depends on category and fulfillment. The referral fee is 8–15% for most categories (most are 15%, electronics and computers 8%, jewelry up to 20%), with a $0.30 minimum per item. If you use FBA, add a fulfillment fee of roughly $3.50–$10+ depending on size and weight. An FBA seller in a 15% category often pays 25–35% all-in on smaller, lower-priced items.
What is the Amazon referral fee?
It is Amazon's commission on each sale — a percentage of the total price (item plus shipping), varying by category from about 6% to 45%. Most categories are 15%; electronics and computers are 8%. A $0.30 minimum referral fee applies per item.
What's the difference between referral fees and FBA fees?
The referral fee is Amazon's commission for selling on the marketplace, charged on every sale. FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) fees are separate and pay Amazon to store, pick, pack and ship your product. If you fulfill orders yourself (FBM) you avoid the FBA fee but handle shipping and storage.
Does this include the Amazon monthly seller fee?
No. The Professional selling plan costs $39.99/month, or the Individual plan charges $0.99 per item sold instead. This calculator shows the per-sale referral and FBA fees; add the plan fee separately based on your monthly volume.
How do I keep more of each Amazon sale?
Choose the right category and price tier (some, like jewelry, drop to a lower rate above a threshold), right-size and lighten your packaging to land in a cheaper FBA tier, and use a low-cost international payout. Amazon pays out in the marketplace's currency, and converting it to your home currency can add a 2–4% markup on top of the seller fees.