As a pastor, church administrator, or treasurer, finding the best credit card processing for churches is key to managing tithes, donations, and event payments smoothly. You want a solution that’s secure, affordable, and easy for your congregation to use, whether they’re giving in person or online. With so many options, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you steward your church’s resources wisely. This guide explores top church payment processing solutions, compares their features, and offers practical tips to empower your ministry’s financial growth while keeping donors happy and engaged.
Why Churches Need Credit Card Processing Solutions
Churches today need reliable, low-cost ways to accept donations as giving habits shift from cash to digital. The best credit card processing for churches simplifies financial management, ensures security, and supports your mission to spread hope.
Evolving Giving Trends – From Cash to Digital
Gone are the days when offering plates filled with cash or checks were the norm. A 2022 study found that nearly half of church donations (49%) now come via cards or digital wallets. Congregants, especially younger ones, prefer quick, secure ways to give—like tapping a phone or clicking a “Donate” button. Online giving platforms for churches make it easy for members to contribute anytime, anywhere, boosting participation and consistency.
How Credit Card Processing Helps Ministries Grow
Credit card processing does more than collect funds. It supports recurring donations, which can increase giving by up to 32%. It also reduces administrative work by automating records and receipts, freeing your team to focus on ministry. Plus, secure church payment processing solutions build trust, encouraging donors to give confidently, whether for tithes, mission trips, or building funds.
Best Credit Card Processing for Churches in 2025
Here are six top platforms offering low-fee church merchant services and features tailored for ministries.
Tithe.ly Giving Platform
Why It’s Ideal for Churches: Tithe.ly is built for churches, offering seamless integration with church management software (ChMS) like Planning Center. It supports online, mobile, and in-person giving, making it versatile for congregations of all sizes.
Processing Fees & Transaction Rates: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (3.5% + $0.30 for American Express). No monthly fees or contracts.
Features: Recurring giving, text-to-give, custom donation forms, mobile app, and kiosk mode. It also offers event registration and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
Donor Experience & Reporting: Donors enjoy a simple, secure interface. Admins get detailed dashboards for tracking giving trends and generating tax receipts.
Square for Nonprofits
Why It’s Ideal for Churches: Square is perfect for small churches needing affordable, user-friendly tools. Its free card reader and low setup costs suit rural or startup ministries.
Processing Fees & Transaction Rates: 2.75% per in-person transaction, 2.9% + $0.30 for online. Nonprofits may qualify for discounts.
Features: Mobile card reader, online donation pages, and basic CRM tools for donor tracking. Supports in-person and online giving but lacks advanced text-to-give.
Donor Experience & Reporting: Donors appreciate the familiar interface. Square’s dashboard offers simple reports but limited ChMS integration.
PayPal for Charities
Why It’s Ideal for Churches: PayPal’s trusted name and nonprofit discounts make it a go-to for churches wanting variety, including Venmo and PayPal payments.
Processing Fees & Transaction Rates: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction for nonprofits. No setup or cancellation fees.
Features: Online donation buttons, mobile payments via PayPal Here, and recurring giving (monthly only). Integrates with some ChMS platforms.
Donor Experience & Reporting: Donors love the ease of PayPal and Venmo. Reporting is robust but less tailored to church-specific needs compared to Tithe.ly.
Pushpay
Why It’s Ideal for Churches: Pushpay focuses on faith-based organizations, offering a mobile-first platform to boost recurring donations and engagement.
Processing Fees & Transaction Rates: Around 2.6%–3% + $0.42 per transaction (exact rates not public). Monthly fees vary by church size.
Features: Mobile app, text-to-give, recurring donations, and deep ChMS integration. Custom branding enhances donor trust.
Donor Experience & Reporting: Donors enjoy a polished app experience. Admins get advanced analytics to track giving patterns and campaign success.
Clover (with Faith-based Customization)
Why It’s Ideal for Churches: Clover offers customizable POS systems for in-person and online giving, ideal for churches with stores or event ticketing.
Processing Fees & Transaction Rates: Starts at 0.15% + monthly fees (~$9). Nonprofit rates available for MCC 8398 churches.
Features: POS hardware, online donation pages, recurring billing, and integration with accounting software. Supports contactless payments.
Donor Experience & Reporting: Donors find Clover intuitive for in-person giving. Reporting is detailed but may require staff training.
Stripe (with Donation Plugins)
Why It’s Ideal for Churches: Stripe’s flexibility suits tech-savvy churches using plugins like Donorbox for custom donation forms.
Processing Fees & Transaction Rates: 2.2% + $0.30 for nonprofits (online), 2.7% + $0.05 in-person. Undisclosed nonprofit discounts.
Features: Customizable donation pages, recurring giving, and mobile payments. Integrates with WordPress and fundraising tools.
Donor Experience & Reporting: Donors get a seamless checkout. Stripe’s analytics are powerful but may need developer support for setup.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card Processor for Your Church
Selecting the best credit card processing for churches depends on your ministry’s needs. Ask these questions:
- Do you need mobile, online, or in-person giving? Small churches may prioritize in-person (Square), while larger ones need online tools (Tithe.ly, Pushpay).
- Want tools for recurring donations or text-to-give? Pushpay and Tithe.ly excel here.
- Looking for low processing fees for nonprofits? My Well Ministry offers 1.75% average rates.
- Need integration with your church website or app? Stripe and Tithe.ly integrate well with WordPress and ChMS.
- Prefer user-friendly dashboards and donor receipts? Pushpay and Clover offer intuitive reporting.
Pros and Cons of Church-Friendly Payment Platforms
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tithe.ly | Deep ChMS integration, text-to-give, no monthly fees | Higher AmEx fees (3.5% + $0.30) |
| Square | Free card reader, low setup costs | Limited recurring giving, basic reporting |
| PayPal | Trusted brand, nonprofit discounts, Venmo support | Monthly-only recurring giving, less church-specific |
| Pushpay | Mobile-first, robust analytics, faith-based focus | Pricing not transparent, higher fees |
| Clover | Customizable POS, contactless payments | Monthly fees, setup may need training |
| Stripe | Highly customizable, integrates with Donorbox | Requires coding for advanced features |
- Transaction Fees and Monthly Costs: Square and PayPal have low or no monthly fees, while Pushpay and Clover may charge more.
- Ease of Setup and Training: Square and PayPal are beginner-friendly; Stripe needs tech know-how.
- Donor Experience and Convenience: Pushpay and Tithe.ly offer polished apps; Square is simple for in-person.
- Integration with ChMS: Tithe.ly and Pushpay lead; Square lags.
- Faith-based Customization: Pushpay and Clover allow branding; Stripe is less tailored.
Real-Life Church Examples
- Small Rural Church: Grace Community Church uses Square with a tablet during Sunday services. The free card reader and 2.75% in-person fee fit their tight budget, letting them accept tithes without complex setup.
- Growing Urban Ministry: City Hope Church adopted Pushpay’s mobile app, increasing recurring donations by 40%. The app’s text-to-give and branded interface make giving easy, especially for young members.
- Nonprofit Mission Team: A mission group uses Stripe with Donorbox for online fundraising. Custom donation forms and recurring giving options helped them raise $10,000 for a community outreach project.
Smart Tips for Churches Using Credit Card Processors
To maximize your church payment processing solutions, follow these tips:
- Choose processors offering nonprofit discounts to reduce fees.
- Enable recurring giving to encourage consistent tithes and offerings.
- Clearly label donation options (e.g., general fund, missions, youth ministry) for transparency.
- Provide multiple giving options: mobile apps, text-to-give, online forms, and in-person kiosks.
- Ensure donation records integrate with church accounting software like QuickBooks for easy tax reporting.
FAQs
Can churches qualify for reduced credit card processing fees?
Yes, many processors like PayPal, Stripe, and My Well Ministry offer nonprofit rates (e.g., 2.2% + $0.30 or lower) for registered 501(c)(3) churches. Always verify your nonprofit status to unlock these savings.
Is online giving secure for churches and donors?
Reputable platforms like Tithe.ly and Stripe use PCI-compliant encryption to protect donor data. Look for processors with fraud protection and secure gateways to ensure safe transactions.
Should a church use a business or nonprofit merchant account?
A nonprofit merchant account is better for churches, as it often comes with lower fees and tailored features like recurring donations. Business accounts may work but lack faith-based customization.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card processing for churches empowers your ministry to accept tithes, donations, and event payments securely and efficiently. Platforms like Tithe.ly, Pushpay, and Stripe offer flexible online giving platforms for churches, while Square and Clover excel for in-person contributions. By evaluating fees, features, and integration needs, you can find a solution that supports both spiritual and financial growth. Consider consulting a nonprofit financial advisor or CPA to ensure compliance and optimize your giving strategy. With the right low-fee church merchant services, your church can focus on what matters most—building community and sharing your mission.