Do I have to pay fees if I sign up for a Paypal account?

My brother finally talked me into joining ebay and once I registered I discovered that you can't do much without a Paypal account. I was Always under the impression that Paypal comes with a monthly fee. I only make occasional online purchases and would rather not add the expense of a monthly fee to my list. My brother told me that you just sign up with out giving them your credit card info. I don't see how this gives you the rights to a paypal account though. Could someone please explain to me how I can sign up for Paypal without the fees and yet be able to purchase something on ebay. Thanks.

(Also, I have no idea if I'm putting this in the right category on Y!A. So please let me know if there is a more proper category for me to post this...Again, Thanks for your help)