I use Paypal for most of my online shopping because then I don't have to give out my credit card # to a bunch of merchants.
Isn't it free to send someone money in the US from Paypal as long as the money comes from your Paypal balance or from your bank account? I thought the 2.9% (in the US) and $ .30 transaction fee applied to when the person uses their credit card. I'm guessing part of that credit card fee goes to the credit card companies.
I never ask anyone to gift me money to pay for mantids, but occasionally some do this on their own. When someone gifts money in Paypal, if they pay with a credit card, they have the option to pay the credit card fee. If they uncheck the box to pay the fee, then the fee is deducted from the amount the recipient will get. If you gift money and have it come from your Paypal balance or bank account, then there is no fee.