Stripe kicked off 2025 with a reduction of 300 employees, about 3.5% of their workforce. The cuts hit product, engineering, and operations teams hardest. While the company has stated plans to grow to 10,000 employees by year-end, these layoffs have naturally sparked concerns about job security. If you're among those affected—or worried about future cuts—understanding what to expect from Stripe's severance package can help you plan your next steps. We've analyzed past severance trends at Stripe to give you a clear picture of what's likely coming. Plus, by sharing your severance details on fired.fyi, you can help others understand how their packages compare and negotiate more effectively.

Stripe's 2025 Layoffs: The Current Situation

The January 2025 reduction affects 300 employees, primarily in product, engineering, and operations roles. Here's what we know:

Chief People Officer Rob McIntosh's internal memo confirmed plans to expand total headcount to approximately 10,000 by year-end, despite these cuts.

During notifications, some employees received an accidental image of a cartoon duck, which the company later acknowledged as a technical error. This mishap made headlines and added an unfortunate wrinkle to an already difficult situation.

These cuts follow Stripe's previous reductions—14% in 2022 and additional layoffs in mid-2023.

While specific 2025 severance details remain under wraps, Stripe's track record suggests affected employees can expect substantial support.

Historical Look at Stripe's Severance Packages

Recent Severance Patterns

Stripe has built a reputation for providing comprehensive severance packages. Past severance packages included several key components. Here's what they've offered in recent years:

1. Base Severance
   • 14 weeks of base pay for all departing employees
   • Additional weeks based on tenure
2. Performance Bonuses
   • Full annual bonus for the layoff year
   • Pro-rated amounts for employees hired that same year
3. PTO and Benefits
   • Complete payout of unused PTO, regardless of local requirements
   • Six months of healthcare premium coverage (cash equivalent)
   • Option for extended healthcare continuation
4. Equity Considerations
   • Accelerated vesting for those past their one-year cliff
   • One-year cliff waiver for newer employees
   • Retained vested equity
5. Support Services
   • Career transition assistance
   • Resume review services
   • Job placement support
   • Special Stripe platform discounts for those starting new ventures
6. Immigration Support
   • Dedicated visa assistance
   • Legal consultation access
   • Help with visa transitions where possible

How Stripe Stacks Up Against Competitors

Understanding how different fintech companies structure their severance can help you evaluate offers and negotiate effectively. Here's how the major players compare:

PayPal's Approach

PayPal ties severance heavily to tenure: 12 weeks base plus one week per year, with bonus prorated to termination. Healthcare runs three months with COBRA subsidy, alongside basic outplacement services and limited employee discounts. Unlike Stripe, they skip accelerated vesting and offer shorter healthcare coverage. Their bonus calculation method also differs significantly.

Square (Block, Inc.)

Square takes a streamlined approach with 8 weeks base plus one week per year, healthcare only through termination month, and standard COBRA options. Equity vesting stops immediately. Support includes basic resume review and alumni network access, but packages are typically non-negotiable with limited healthcare flexibility. They provide minimal special provisions for visa holders.

Adyen

Adyen's European roots shape their 3-month minimum base package, with additions for role and tenure. Healthcare runs three months with position-specific outplacement. They emphasize internal redeployment where possible and offer enhanced international employee support, though their no-equity policy reflects their overall compensation philosophy.

What This Means For You

These differences can substantially impact your transition. For a mid-level engineer making $180,000 base salary, Stripe's package could mean ~$70,000 in base severance plus bonus, while Square might offer only ~$35,000. Healthcare continuation ranges from Stripe's comprehensive 6-month coverage (saving $12,000+ for family plans) to minimal COBRA support. Long-term value varies too—Stripe's accelerated vesting and premium career services could mean tens of thousands in additional value and faster job placement.

What to Expect from Stripe's 2025 Severance

Based on Stripe's consistent approach, here's what affected employees might see in 2025:

Financial Support

• 14 weeks base pay minimum
• Tenure-based additions
• Full 2025 bonus coverage
• Complete details in Stripe's announcement

Health Coverage

• Six months of premium coverage (cash equivalent or continuation)

Additional Benefits

• Full unused PTO payout
• Accelerated equity vesting where applicable
• Career transition resources
• Immigration assistance when needed

Looking Ahead

While layoffs are never easy, understanding your options helps you make informed decisions. By sharing your severance package on fired.fyi, you'll help build a clearer picture of current trends and give others the data they need to negotiate effectively. The more people share their packages, the more leverage everyone has in negotiations.

Remember: knowledge is power in severance negotiations. Your experience could help someone else get a better deal. While we wait for Stripe's official 2025 severance details, you can explore our severance comparison database to see how packages stack up across the industry. If you receive a severance offer, consider sharing it anonymously to help others in similar situations.

And if anything about your severance seems unclear, don't hesitate to consult an employment attorney. Your future is worth protecting.

Stay strong—your next opportunity might be just around the corner.