[gaeorn]

Originally Posted by Quellren

It doesn't have to. There are no fees when donating money, provided you:
1) use the 'personal' tab when sending money. Label the transaction as a 'gift', 'other', or 'cash advance'. The other two options 'living expenses' and 'payment owed' won't have the paypal fees deducted but somehow don't seem to fit. This is, after all, a DONATION, not a PURCHASE.
the only other thing is:
2) pay for it with a paypal balance, or a validated bank acct. if you use a credit card or debit card there is a fee, I believe it's smaller, but still a fee.

This isn't shady, underhanded, or 'secret-squirrel'. You are making a donation. Not a purchase. Read the paypal site and stop wasting money.

Unfortunately, most donate via credit card. But yes, for those who do not, they can use the option you state.