Church online giving has come a long way in recent years. When the pandemic hit and churches were forced to pivot to a virtual church experience, having an online giving provider became absolutely essential for receiving online donations.
Even when you’re attending church in person, most church members don’t have cash to put in the offering on Sunday morning or care to write out checks for their donations.
People are used to the convenience and security of online transactions.
An online giving tool makes it easy for church members to give. So, which one is the best for your church? We have a list of seven church online giving platforms that we think are the best of the best.
Why Online Giving is Important for Churches
Online giving is no longer just an option – it’s an expectation. In addition, a streamlined and easy user experience for online donations and mobile giving is essential.
But before you invest in a new church giving software program, let’s talk about what’s important.
Main benefits of online giving software
- Convenience - firstly, online giving platforms make it easy for donors to give anywhere and at any time without having to carry around cash or write checks. That includes mobile giving.
- Speed - online donation software has quick payment processing so there’s no delay in transferring funds.
- Efficiency - church online giving platforms help your finance team plan, process, and report online donations with greater efficiency.
- Security - online giving platforms use industry-leading security protocols to keep donor information safe and secure.
- Transparency - with online giving, donors can see where their money is going and how it’s being used. Most online giving software allows donors to log in and see their giving history.
Now that we’ve talked about the major benefits, let’s dive into our list of the seven best church online giving platforms.
The 7 Best Online Giving Platforms for Churches
1. Tithe.ly
★★★★★
REACHRIGHT’s 2022 Best Giving Option For Most Churches
Tithe.ly offers a convenient and secure solution for both churchgoers and church administrators. Online donations can be easily made via their mobile app or website, allowing members to give at any time and from anywhere.
In addition, Tithe.ly offers powerful donation and fundraising tools to help churches reach their financial goals.
Key Features
- Tithe.ly offers six ways to give from one platform
- Auto-recurring giving to set up consistent online giving
- Customized giving schedule available so givers can deposit their donations daily, weekly, or monthly
- “Cover the fees” option for donors to offset processing fees
- Text to give option
- In-depth reporting
Pricing Details
- $0/month and no set up cost
- 2.9% + 0.30 per transaction
- 1% + 0.30 ACH/Bank
- 3.5% +0.30 AMEX
Tithe.ly Pricing Plans
Capterra Rating
4.7 stars (186 reviews)
Check out our In-Depth Tithe.ly Review
2. Pushpay
★★★★
Pushpay makes online giving flexible and easy for church members. They offer a mobile app, text-to-give, giving online, and in-person giving options.
Plus, their church giving software is designed to work seamlessly with their other products and ChurchStaq (their all-in-one solution).
Pushpay also offers options for donor management and creating campaigns and pledges for specific donation causes.
Key Features
- Flexible online donation options (web, text message, church app, in-person)
- Seamless integration with other Pushpay software products
- Automated recurring giving options
- Future-dated gifts allow donors to create a donation to be processed at a later date
- Kiosk for in-person giving to receive donations from a simple tablet
- Multi-campus and multi-language options
Pricing Details
Pushpay offers three pricing packages, you can visit their site to request a quote and get more details. The three plans offered are:
- Core
- Advanced
- Complete
Pushpay Pricing Plans
Capterra Rating
4.4 stars (157 ratings)
Check out our In-Depth Pushpay Review
3. SecureGive
★★★★
was actually created by pastors who wanted to offer members an easier way to tithe. The platform is well-known for putting security first, which will put donors at ease, especially those who are hesitant to donate online.
According to SecureGive, the thing that sets them apart is making online giving easy. Their goal is to provide options for everyone.
Key Features
- Robust online giving analytics for churches and automatically generated giving statements for donors
- Integrations with church management software
- Cover the fee option for donors
- Enterprise security to keep donor information safe
- Custom branding and multisite branding option
- Spanish language giving option
- Cash gift entry to record cash transactions and consolidate financial reporting
Pricing Details
- Basic plan $99/month; for kiosk only or online only
- Enhanced plan $149/month; for online, mobile, text, and kiosk
- Premium plan for $199/month; all of the above plus campaigns and up to 5 campuses
- Rates 2% + $0.30
Enterprise custom plans offer features like unlimited transactions, unlimited campuses, and custom text to give short code.
SecureGive Pricing Plans
Capterra Rating
4.4 stars (9 ratings)
Check out our In-Depth SecureGive Review
4. RebelGive
★★★★
RebelGive has a unique selling point compared to many of the other platforms in this list: they offer fee-free online giving for churches. Instead of a transaction fee, they offer a low fixed-price rate that is based on the size of your church.
Key Features
- Keep 100% of online donations
- GivingFlows donation forms that are intuitive, fast, and lead intelligently from any page on your website.
- Sleek, minimalist, and intuitive design with custom branding and logo
- Donors can designate their donations to specific funds
- Automated recurring giving
- Automatic email receipts
- Control center for administrators with customized reporting
Pricing Details
RebelGive offers monthly and annual pricing plans for more savings. Pricing depends on your church size. You can visit their website to estimate the cost of your plan.
RebelGive Pricing Plans
Check out our In-Depth RebelGive Review
5. Kindrid
★★★★
The Kindrid team exists to serve the local church and help empower communities in generosity. Their online giving platform helps donors give instantly and easily.
Kindrid offers Church Sucess Coaches to help churches get the most out of their online giving platform and maximize their donations with digital tools and support.
Key Features
- One-time, recurring, and text-to-give options
- Full featured online giving mobile app
- Unlimited giving designations
- Bank level security
- Integrations with Church Community Builder (CCB), Planning Center, FellowshipOne, Rock RMS, and other church management software programs
Pricing Details
- For 0-100 givers: $19/month + transaction fees
- For 101-500 givers: $49/month + transaction fees
- For $25k/month in gift volume, reach out for a custom quote
Kindrid Pricing Plans
Capterra Rating
4.7 stars (128 ratings)
Check out our In-Depth Kindrid Review
6. Mogiv
★★★★
Mogiv makes online giving easy for both members and churches. There are no fees except for transaction fees. Also, Mogiv supports online, text-based, and mobile giving.
Mogiv also offers a 30-day free trial, so it’s a great option if you’re new to online giving and want to try it out before committing to a giving service.
Key Features
- Included additional features are the MinistryOne Church App and text giving
- Create and manage unlimited campaigns
- Mogiv form builder allows you to create unlimited embeddable forms for website giving and registrations
- Online giving, text, in-app, and in-person kiosk giving
- Real-time, exportable reports
- High security and rated PCI Level 1 Compliant
Pricing Details
Plans have a $10 monthly minimum, security fee included, and 1% +$0.42 ACH fee. Additional plan options are:
- $19/month with 3% + $0.42 credit card fee
- $49/month with 2.6% + $0.42 credit card fee
Mogiv Pricing Plan
Capterra Rating
4.6 stars (19 review)
Check out our In-Depth Mogiv Review
7. easyTithe
★★★★
easyTithe is another popular online giving option for churches. Currently, over 15,000 churches are using easyTithe.
This platform provides flexible options for fundraising, reporting, and helping your church grow a culture of generosity. You also have the option of combining easyTithe giving with their mobile app and church management software.
Key Features
- Online giving is available through the easyTithe app, online, mobile texting, and onsite kiosk donations.
- Recurring giving with options for frequency, gift amount, and payment method
- Detailed data reporting with insights on giving and forecasting
- Build custom payment forms for event registrations, payments, donations, and merchandise
- Manage multiple campuses
- Integrations with most major church management software programs
- Level 1 Certified PCI Compliant Service Provider
- Success Coaches to help with strategy, marketing, and resources
Pricing Details
easyTithe also offers a 30-day free trial. The three plans they offer are:
- Giving Small Church: $19/month and 3.00% + $0.42 per debit/credit gifts and 1.00% + $0.42 per ACH gift
- Giving Small to Mid-Size Church: $49/month and 2.6% + $0.42 per debit/credit gifts and 1.00% + $0.42 per ACH gift
- Giving + ChMS + App easyTithe Pro: $75/month
easyTithe Pricing Plans
Capterra Rating
4.1 stars (180 reviews)
Check out our In-Depth EasyTithe Review
Non-Ministry Specific Options - PayPal / Stripe
PayPal and Stripe are similar online giving options for churches and nonprofit organizations. While they’re mostly used for e-commerce, both tools allow you to incorporate a payment area on your church’s website to accept donations.
So, you could consider setting up a church PayPal account, but it can’t be customized. The only fees are 2.2% plus $0.30 per transaction.
Stripe can be customized, but it’s more difficult to use than the church specific giving options. Fees start at 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
What to Look for When Choosing an Online Giving Platform
There are a few key factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a software solution for online church donations. You need to look at platforms that work well for both church staff and donors.
So here are the questions you need to ask:
Is the giving solution safe?
When it comes to online giving for churches, safety is always a top concern. You want to make sure that any online giving platform you choose is PCI compliant and uses SSL encryption.
How easy is it to use?
Both donors and church staff should find the online giving solution easy to use. Platforms that are difficult to navigate can discourage people from using them.
Can givers set up recurring donations?
Recurring donations are an important way for churches to increase their revenue.
Many online giving platforms allow donors to set up recurring donations, so this is something you’ll want to look for. In addition, many online giving tools equip donors with the ability to customize their schedule and giving amount.
What are the platform processing fees?
Although there are exceptions, and some listed here, church online giving platforms typically charge a small processing fee for each donation.
When you’re comparing different online giving solutions, be sure to think about both monthly recurring fees as well as processing fees per transaction. Also, check for any additional fees in the fine print like a setup fee.
What are the mobile options for donations?
Most people, especially of the younger generation, would assume they can set up online tithing or make donations on their phone.
Some companies have church giving apps or integrate with the church’s app natively. You also want a mobile-friendly church website to make online giving simple and straightforward.
That way, mobile giving can happen anytime, anywhere.
Does the online giving tool integrate with my church management system?
Some of the online giving platforms mentioned in this list have additional software products, which you may choose to use. This includes options like event registration and church giving apps.
But if you have a church management system in place that you’re happy with, you’ll want to consider church online giving platforms that integrate well with your ChMS.
This will make it easier for your staff to manage both online and offline donations as well as the donor information.
Are there any donation limits?
Online giving platforms typically have donation limits in place. Be sure to find an online giving solution that meets the needs of your church in terms of both online and offline donations.
This also applies to the next question…
Does this online giving option support campaigns?
Some online giving platforms limit the number of campaigns you can run at one time. Others do not have any campaign limits.
If your church is planning on running multiple campaigns or fundraising pledge drives, be sure to find an online giving solution that supports this.
What kind of customer support does the online giving platform offer?
Customer support is important for any software solution, but it’s especially important for online giving platforms.
This is because online giving for churches can be complex, and you want to make sure you have a team of experts you can rely on to help with any issues that may come up.
Be sure to find an online giving platform that offers great customer support. In addition, some companies offer success coaches who can help you with marketing, best practices, to grow giving, and more.
Overcoming Challenges
While the transition to church giving platforms presents numerous benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Congregations, particularly older members, may harbor concerns about security, privacy, and the unfamiliarity of digital giving. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure a smooth integration of these platforms into the church community.
Security and Privacy
Firstly, building trust in the security of online transactions is paramount. Your church leaders should communicate the robust security measures implemented by giving platforms, emphasizing encryption, secure servers, and fraud prevention protocols.
Providing clear and accessible information on the platform’s commitment to protecting sensitive data can help to alleviate concerns and can foster confidence among church members.
Generational Transition
Secondly, bridging the generation gap in technology adoption is essential. Many older members may be unfamiliar with digital payment methods.
Your church can organize workshops or training sessions to guide them through the process of setting up accounts, making online donations, and addressing any technical issues.
Patient and supportive guidance from church staff or volunteers can significantly ease the learning curve for those less comfortable with technology.
Financial Hurdles
Another challenge lies in the financial implications, especially for smaller congregations with limited resources. Your church should explore platforms with reasonable fees and transparent pricing structures. Additionally, understanding the financial capabilities of the congregation and selecting a platform that aligns with their budget is crucial.
Seeking out platforms that offer special packages or discounts for religious organizations can also help alleviate financial concerns.
Solutions
Communication plays a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges. Regularly updating the congregation on the benefits of digital giving and providing step-by-step guides can demystify the process.
Highlighting success stories from other churches using the same platform can serve as inspiration and motivation.
Addressing concerns about security, guiding older members through the digital landscape, and navigating financial considerations are key challenges in adopting church giving platforms.
A thoughtful and inclusive approach, coupled with effective communication, will not only overcome these challenges but also pave the way for a more connected and financially sustainable church community.
The Future of Church Giving Platforms
Looking ahead, the world of church giving platforms is buzzing with exciting possibilities. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which congregations engage in giving. Here’s a glimpse into the future of church fundraising:
Smart Giving
Imagine a giving experience tailored just for you. Future platforms may use artificial intelligence to analyze individual preferences and habits, providing personalized suggestions for donation amounts and causes.
This smart giving approach aims to make the giving experience more meaningful and relevant to each church member. This kind of thing may seem far off right now, but as we’ve seen in other areas of technology, the power of A.I. is growing rapidly.
Seamless Integration with Social Media
The future is social. Church giving platforms are likely to integrate seamlessly with popular social media channels.
This means you could contribute to your church directly through your favorite social platforms, making it easy to share your generosity with your online community. We’ve already seen this in platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.
Cryptocurrency Contributions
As digital currencies like Bitcoin and others gain mainstream acceptance, church giving platforms may start accepting cryptocurrency donations. This opens up new avenues for giving and appeals to tech-savvy donors who prefer to use alternative forms of currency.
I doubt we’ll see this for awhile, since cryptocurrency is still not in the mainstream, and most churches are unfamiliar with it. However, should it become common enough, its possible we may see church giving platforms adopt it.
Voice-Activated Donations
With the rise of smart speakers and voice-activated technology, making a donation could be as simple as saying, “Donate $20 to my church.” This hands-free approach to giving could make the process even more convenient for those on the go.
This is minor, and could probably already be achieved with the technology we have today. Things like Siri or speech-to-text messages have been around for years now. Its a minor addition, but it could make the giving process that much smoother.
Data-Driven Insights for Churches
Future platforms may provide churches with advanced analytics and insights into giving patterns. This data-driven approach can help churches understand their congregation’s preferences, tailor fundraising efforts, and optimize their financial strategies.
The future of church giving platforms is bright and brimming with innovation. From personalized giving experiences to cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality, the coming years promise to revolutionize the way we connect with our faith communities and support the causes we care about. Stay tuned for a future where giving is not just a transaction but a transformative experience.
A final word on giving platforms
Online giving is becoming increasingly popular for churches. There are many different giving platform options, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your church.
In this post, we’ve outlined major things you’ll want to consider when choosing an online giving platform. We’ve also included a list of seven of the best online giving platforms currently available.
If your church hasn’t tried online giving yet, now is definitely the time. After all, the majority of your members probably have a smartphone with them at all times. It’s easier for them to donate with a few taps than try to remember to carry cash around with them.
Choosing the right provider is important. While cost is important, additional features such as custom branding, easy of use, and integration are also vital. The right solution can and will grow giving to help you accomplish your mission.
Need help integrating online giving on your website? Contact our friendly team today to see how we can help.