Many churches today want to collect donations online. But high platform fees can eat into the money meant for good causes. Choosing the right platform with low fees is important for churches that depend on tithes and offerings. There are many online giving options, but not all are equal.
Some have hidden costs, while others offer better value. Below, you’ll find the top 10 online giving platforms for churches with the lowest fees, plus practical comparisons to help you decide.
Top 10 Online Giving Platforms With Lowest Fees
1. Tithe.ly
Tithe.ly is popular for churches of all sizes. Their basic giving fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, with no monthly fee. Tithe.ly offers tools for recurring giving, text giving, and church management. Many churches appreciate its easy setup and mobile app.
2. Givelify
Givelify charges 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, with no monthly fee. It stands out for its simple mobile app, which lets donors give in just a few taps. Givelify also provides good reporting features, so churches can track giving patterns.
3. Easytithe
EasyTithe offers a basic plan with a 2.6% + $0.39 fee per transaction and a $19/month base fee. While there’s a small monthly cost, the lower processing fee can save money for churches with larger donations. The platform supports event registration and text giving.
4. Pushpay
Pushpay is known for a user-friendly mobile app and integration with church management software. Their fees start at 2.3% + $0.30 but often require a custom quote. While not the lowest, Pushpay’s extra tools and support can be valuable for growing churches.
5. Donorbox
Donorbox is used by many nonprofits, including churches. They charge 1.5% platform fee plus Stripe or PayPal processing fees (typically 2.2% + $0.30). Donorbox is open to churches worldwide and supports recurring giving and donation forms that are easy to embed.
6. Continue To Give
This platform offers a 2.85% + $0.25 processing fee with a $0-$15/month fee depending on plan. Continue to Give is known for its flexibility—churches can accept donations via kiosk, mobile, or web.
7. Paypal
Many churches use PayPal for its simplicity and trust. PayPal’s charity rate is 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction, which is lower than most competitors. However, it lacks some features designed specifically for church giving.
8. Faithlife Giving
Faithlife Giving charges 2.49% + $0.30 per donation and has no monthly fee for basic use. It’s built to work smoothly with other Faithlife church tools, making it a strong choice for churches already using that ecosystem.
9. Kindrid
Kindrid offers a simple giving experience with a 2.6% + $0.30 processing fee and a $45/month fee for their Start plan. Kindrid’s standout feature is its text-to-give option, which makes giving easy during services.
10. Zeffy
Zeffy is unique because it charges no platform fees at all—the only cost is standard Stripe processing fees (2.2% + $0.30). This makes Zeffy the best choice for churches focused only on minimizing costs, though it offers fewer advanced features.
Fee Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how the main fees compare across these platforms:
| Platform | Platform Fee | Processing Fee | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tithe.ly | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 | $0 |
| Givelify | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 | $0 |
| EasyTithe | 0% | 2.6% + $0.39 | $19 |
| Pushpay | 0% | 2.3% + $0.30 | Custom |
| Donorbox | 1.5% | 2.2% + $0.30 | $0 |
| Continue to Give | 0% | 2.85% + $0.25 | $0-$15 |
| PayPal | 0% | 1.99% + $0.49 | $0 |
| Faithlife Giving | 0% | 2.49% + $0.30 | $0 |
| Kindrid | 0% | 2.6% + $0.30 | $45 |
| Zeffy | 0% | 2.2% + $0.30 | $0 |
How To Choose The Right Platform
Think about these points when picking a platform:
- Monthly giving volume: If your church receives many small gifts, lower transaction fees matter more.
- Features needed: Some platforms offer only basic giving, while others include event registration, church management, or text-to-give.
- Ease of use: A simple donor experience increases giving.
Here’s a quick feature snapshot:
| Platform | Mobile App | Text-to-Give | Recurring Gifts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tithe.ly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Givelify | Yes | No | Yes |
| EasyTithe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pushpay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Donorbox | No | No | Yes |
| Continue to Give | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | No | Yes |
| Faithlife Giving | Yes | No | Yes |
| Kindrid | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zeffy | No | No | Yes |
Two Insights Beginners Miss
Many churches don’t realize that processing fees are often more important than platform fees. Also, some platforms pass on the fees to donors, which means your church receives the full gift. Before choosing, always ask if this option is available.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right online giving platform with low fees can help your church keep more donations and grow outreach. Don’t just look at fees—think about features, support, and ease of use. Test a few platforms before making your final decision, and make sure the experience is simple for your donors.
For more details about online giving, see the guide on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Lowest-fee Giving Platform For Churches?
Zeffy stands out because it has no platform fee. You only pay standard Stripe processing fees.
Can Churches Pass Transaction Fees To Donors?
Yes, many platforms like Tithe.ly and Donorbox allow donors to cover fees, so your church receives the full amount.
Do All Giving Platforms Offer Text-to-give?
No. Only some, like Tithe.ly, Kindrid, and Pushpay, provide text-to-give options.
Is Paypal A Good Choice For Church Donations?
PayPal is simple and trusted, with a low charity fee. But it lacks features specifically designed for churches.
How Can Churches Switch From One Platform To Another?
Usually, you need to set up the new platform, update giving links, and inform members about the change. Most platforms offer guides to help with the transition.
