The world of church giving has changed. Offering only cash or checks is no longer enough—congregations expect flexible, secure, and easy ways to give online. But with so many options out there, how do you know which online giving platform is the right fit for your church?
Choosing the best platform isn’t just about features and pricing—it’s about finding a tool that aligns with your church’s needs, encourages generosity, and integrates smoothly with your existing systems.
In this post, we’ll compare some of the best church giving platforms, breaking down their pros, cons, pricing, and usability so you can make an informed decision.
🔗 If you haven’t already set up digital giving at your church, check out our previous post: What’s the Best Way to Set Up Digital Giving for a Church? to get started!
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Church Giving Platform
Before we dive into specific platforms, let’s talk about what makes an online giving tool truly effective for a church. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Security & Compliance – Is the platform PCI-compliant and does it offer fraud protection?
- Ease of Use – Will both church staff and members find it simple to use?
- Recurring Giving Options – Does it make setting up automated giving easy?
- Transaction Fees – How much does the platform take per donation?
- Integration – Can it sync with your church management system (ChMS) or website?
- Payment Flexibility – Does it accept credit cards, ACH transfers, text-to-give, and mobile donations?
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore some of the best online giving platforms for churches.
1. Tithe.ly – A Popular All-in-One Giving Solution
Tithe.ly is one of the most well-known church giving platforms, offering a variety of donation methods including online giving, text-to-give, mobile apps, and kiosk giving.
Pros:
✔️ Easy to use for both churches and donors
✔️ Supports recurring giving and text-to-give
✔️ No setup fee for basic plan
✔️ Integrates with major church management software
Cons:
❌ Transaction fees apply (2.9% + $0.30 per donation for credit/debit, 1% for ACH)
❌ Advanced features (like custom-branded apps) require paid plans
Pricing:
- Basic Giving Plan: No monthly fee, standard transaction fees apply
- Church Apps & Management Suite: Starts at $119/month
Best for: Churches looking for an all-in-one solution with multiple ways to give
2. Pushpay – Best for Larger Churches
Pushpay is designed for mid-to-large-sized churches that want a high-end digital giving experience. It focuses on ease of use, engagement, and automation.
Pros:
✔️ Extremely user-friendly mobile app
✔️ Encourages recurring giving with automation
✔️ Integrates well with church management systems
Cons:
❌ Higher monthly cost compared to other platforms
❌ Requires a sales call to get pricing (not fully transparent)
Pricing:
- Varies based on church size and needs (typically starts at $199/month)
Best for: Larger churches that want an advanced, full-featured platform
3. Givelify – The Mobile-First Giving App
Givelify is designed with a mobile-first experience, making it incredibly easy for donors to give through their smartphones.
Pros:
✔️ Simple mobile app that’s easy for all ages
✔️ No contracts or monthly fees
✔️ Supports text and app-based giving
Cons:
❌ Limited customization for branding
❌ Higher transaction fees than some competitors (2.9% + $0.30 per donation)
Pricing:
- No monthly fee – Only transaction fees apply
Best for: Churches that want a mobile-friendly giving solution with no monthly cost
4. SecureGive – Best for Kiosk Giving
SecureGive is ideal for churches that want a combination of online giving, mobile donations, and in-person kiosk giving.
Pros:
✔️ Great for churches that accept donations via physical kiosks
✔️ Supports recurring giving and text-to-give
✔️ Strong security features
Cons:
❌ Monthly fees can be expensive for small churches
❌ Kiosks require additional hardware investment
Pricing:
- Plans start at $149/month (varies based on features)
Best for: Churches that want to offer kiosk giving alongside digital donations
5. PayPal – A Basic Option for Smaller Churches
PayPal is not a dedicated church giving platform, but it’s a widely trusted and recognized name that allows churches to accept online donations easily.
Pros:
✔️ No setup or monthly fees
✔️ Trusted by donors worldwide
✔️ Simple integration with websites
Cons:
❌ Lacks church-specific features (recurring giving, text-to-give, etc.)
❌ PayPal branding may not feel church-friendly
❌ Transaction fees are high (2.89% + $0.49 per transaction)
Pricing:
- No monthly fee, standard PayPal transaction fees apply
Best for: Small churches looking for a no-frills, low-cost way to accept online donations
Which Online Giving Platform is Right for Your Church?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best giving platform for your church. Consider the size of your congregation, your budget, and the features you need before making a decision.
Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Tithe.ly → Great all-around option for churches of all sizes
- Pushpay → Best for larger churches that want a premium experience
- Givelify → Ideal for mobile-first giving with no monthly fees
- SecureGive → Best for churches that want kiosk giving in addition to online giving
- PayPal → A simple, no-frills option for small churches
🔗 Need help setting up your church’s digital giving? Check out our previous post: What’s the Best Way to Set Up Digital Giving for a Church?.
Coming Next: How to Increase Donations Through Your Church Website
Now that we’ve covered why churches should embrace digital giving and which platforms work best, the next step is making sure your church’s website is optimized to encourage giving.
Stay tuned for our next article:
👉 How Can We Increase Donations Through Our Church Website?
Need Help Implementing Digital Giving?
If you’re unsure which platform to choose or need help rolling out online giving at your church, we’re here to help!
📩 Download our free guide: “7 Church Marketing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them”)
Or Contact Us to get personalized guidance on setting up a digital giving strategy that works for your church.
