In today’s society, people don’t use cash and checks as often as they did back in the day. The age of online giving and donation apps has helped revolutionize how churches raise funds. These digital advancements are a convenient and secure way for church members to support their ministry financially.
With so many apps for churches on the market, how do you know which is the best investment? Well, stick around for a moment. In this post, we’ll provide valuable details to help you select an app that works best for you and your members.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What to Look For When Evaluating Church Donation Apps
- 5 Top Apps for Church Donations
- Steps for Choosing the Right App for Church Online Giving
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Online giving and donation apps have revolutionized church fundraising, providing convenience and security for financial contributions.
- Key criteria for evaluating church donation apps include user-friendliness, flexible payment options, robust security measures, transparent fee structures, seamless integration capabilities, and reliable customer support.
- Top church donation apps like Tithe.ly, Pushpay, Givelify, EasyTithe, and Subsplash offer varying features, pricing, and compatibility with church management systems.
- When choosing an app, consider your congregation’s size, specific needs (like mobile giving or event management), and budget to enhance the donation experience.
- Technology is crucial in enhancing church finances and fostering generous congregational engagement.
What to Look For When Evaluating Church Donation Apps
Online giving apps are all different. Each has its pros and cons. Still, key factors must be considered when choosing an app that fits your congregation. Here’s a closer look at the most important criteria to help you evaluate these platforms.
User-Friendliness
The easier the app is to use, the better. Think about everyone in your congregation. Your members likely range from tech-savvy teens to less tech-savvy seniors. So, look for intuitive, straightforward apps. Congregants should be able to donate with just a few taps. Anything too complicated will only frustrate users, causing them to give up (and not donate).
Payment Options
People need flexible giving options. A good donation app should support a variety of payment methods, including the following:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Bank transfers
- Mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Wallet)
This flexibility ensures everyone can give in a way that’s convenient for them. The benefit of having multiple payment methods is that your church can receive more donations.
Security
Security is a big deal. An online giver’s worst nightmare is having their personal and financial information hijacked by hackers. For congregant’s peace of mind (and your reputation), make sure the apps for the church have robust security measures in place. Look for these five top features:
- Encryption: Encryption ensures that all data transmitted between the donor and the app is unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This protects sensitive information such as credit card numbers and personal details. The app should use HTTPS for secure communication and ensure all data storage is encrypted.
- Secure Payment Gateways: Secure payment gateways process transactions safely to reduce the risk of fraud. Ensure the app uses reputable payment processors that comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to safeguard card information.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through a second method, such as a text message or authentication app and their password. The option for 2FA should be available to all users, especially those with administrative access.
- Fraud Detection and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring can detect suspicious activity and prevent fraudulent transactions before they cause damage. The app should have built-in fraud detection systems that analyze patterns and flag unusual transactions for review.
- Data Privacy Policies: Clear data privacy policies ensure donors’ personal and financial information is handled responsibly and only used for its intended purpose. The app should comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and provide transparent privacy policies.
Donors who know their information is safe are more likely to trust the app. A high level of trust can make your members feel more comfortable giving to the ministry.
Fees
Every app comes with a fee. Find one with transparent and reasonable transaction fees. High fees can eat into your donations, which means less money for your church’s activities. Make sure you understand the fee structure before committing to an app.
Integration
Seamless integration with your church’s existing management systems can save you a lot of headaches. Whether it’s your accounting software, church management system, or even your website, the donation app should work well with what you already have. A streamlined process makes it easier to track and manage donations.
Customer Support
Every platform has its flaws. Users will encounter issues with giving at some point. Reliable customer service is a lifesaver when these situations arise. Look for an app with multiple ways to get in touch, such as phone, email, or live chat.
If something goes wrong, you want the problem resolved quickly. Good support can make a huge difference in keeping the donation process smooth and trouble-free.
These factors better equip you to choose a donation app that meets your church’s needs and helps foster a generous and engaged congregation.
5 Top Apps for Church Donations
Church donation apps have become essential for modern congregations in today’s digital world. They simplify the giving process and help churches manage their donations more effectively. Let’s dive into the top five church donation apps.
Tithe.ly
Tithe.ly is a comprehensive digital giving platform launched in 2015. It’s designed to help churches and religious organizations streamline the donation process. The app is popular among churches for its comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface. Tithe.ly has been adopted by over 37,000 churches globally. Since its inception, users have raised over $3 billion in donations.
- Monthly Price: Free for basic features, advanced features start at $19/month
- Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Compatibility with ChMS: Integrates with major ChMS platforms
- Availability: iOS and Android
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent customer support
- Integrates with major church management systems
Cons:
- The setup process can be complex for some users
- Some users experience delays in getting responses to their queries
- An inability for members to reply directly to email messages sent from Tithe.ly
Key Features:
- Recurring giving
- Text-to-give
- In-app giving
- Event registration
Pushpay
Pushpay is a leading mobile app and software platform designed to streamline donations and engagement for churches and non-profits. Launched in 2011, Pushpay has become a trusted solution for over 14,000 churches worldwide. The platform has facilitated a 12% boost in total gifts and 24% in repeat donors. As of 2022, the company processed $7.6 billion in total transactions.
- Monthly Price: Custom pricing based on church size and needs
- Transaction Fees: Custom rates, typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Compatibility with ChMS: Integrates with various ChMS platforms
- Availability: iOS and Android
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Great user experience
- Comprehensive analytics
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees compared to some competitors
- Complaints about being locked into long-term contracts that are difficult to cancel
- Integration problems, particularly with other software like QuickBooks.
Key Features:
- Customizable app
- Multi-campus support
- In-app messaging
- Detailed analytics
Givelify
Givelify has a quick setup and a user-friendly dashboard. It’s a straightforward and affordable option for churches looking to streamline their giving process.
This platform started in 2013 and rapidly became a leading mobile and online giving platform. Currently, over 70,000 churches and places of worship use Givelify. The platform has facilitated nearly $5 billion in donations from more than 1.5 million donors worldwide.
- Monthly Price: No monthly fee
- Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Compatibility with ChMS: Limited integration options
- Availability: iOS and Android
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable transaction fees
- Robust reporting tools
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Difficulty trying to link multiple accounts as payment options
- Givelify does not offer donors the option to cover the transaction fees
Key Features:
- Quick setup
- User-friendly dashboard
- Detailed reporting
EasyTithe
EasyTithe offers a wide range of features at an affordable price. The accessible design works for churches of all sizes. This comprehensive online giving platform launched in 2004. With over 15,000 churches using its services, it has become a trusted name in church management and donation solutions.
- Monthly Price: Starting at $10/month
- Transaction Fees: 2.6% + $0.39 per transaction
- Compatibility with ChMS: Integrates with several ChMS platforms
- Availability: iOS and Android
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Comprehensive feature set
- Good customer support
Cons:
- The interface can be confusing for some users
- Reports of long wait times for customer support
- Users have experienced inconsistencies with batch deposit reports
Key Features:
- Text giving
- Mobile app
- Online giving forms
- Customizable donation pages
Subsplash
Subsplash is a versatile app that handles donations and offers features like media hosting and mobile app development. This all-in-one solution Launched in 2009. Subsplash has grown to serve over 17,000 churches and ministries worldwide. The platform has helped users raise millions in donations.
- Monthly Price: Custom pricing based on features and church size
- Transaction Fees: 2.3% + $0.30 per transaction
- Compatibility with ChMS: Integrates with popular ChMS platforms
- Availability: iOS and Android
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set beyond donations
- Lower transaction fees
- Customizable mobile app
Cons:
- Pricing can be higher for smaller churches
- Users have experienced inconsistencies with batch deposit reports
- Long customer service wait times and difficulties with the cancellation process
Key Features:
- Media hosting
- Custom mobile app development
- Event registration
- In-app messaging
Each of these apps offers unique features and benefits. Consider what matters most to your church. Are they affordable, customizable, or integration-capable? Explore these options. Choosing the right donation app for your church can impact your congregation’s giving experience.
Steps for Choosing the Right App for Church Online Giving
Now you have an overview of what’s available. The apps for church are plentiful. It’s easy to get bogged down when settling on the right one. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are some tips and guidelines to help you find the perfect fit for your church’s needs.
1. Assess Your Needs
figure out what features are most important for your church. Do you need recurring giving options, text-to-give functionality, or maybe integration with your current church management system?
Make a list of must-have features. For example, if your congregation prefers using their phones, an app with a strong mobile interface might be best.
Example:
If you have a lot of tech-savvy members, look for an app that supports mobile giving and has an intuitive interface. On the other hand, if your church hosts many events, an app with robust event registration features might be more beneficial.
2. Consider the Size of Your Congregation
The size of your congregation can impact which app will be the best fit. Larger congregations might benefit from apps with more advanced features and robust support, while smaller churches might prefer ease of use and lower costs.
Example:
If you have a large congregation, you might need an app that can handle high transaction volumes and offers detailed reporting. A simpler app with lower fees might be more appropriate for smaller churches.
3. Compare Costs
Costs can vary widely between apps. Some might have low setup fees but higher transaction fees, while others charge a bit more upfront but offer lower transaction fees. Make sure you understand all the costs involved, including any hidden fees.
Example:
Compare both setup and transaction fees. For instance, if an app charges a 3% transaction fee, that could add up quickly if you receive a lot of donations. Balance the cost with the features and benefits the app provides.
4. Read Reviews
Reading reviews from other churches can give you valuable insights into how the app performs in real-world scenarios. Look for reviews that mention the ease of use, customer support, and any issues the users faced.
Example:
Check out testimonials and reviews on G2, Capterra, or church forums. This feedback can give you a real sense of how the app works day-to-day and any potential pitfalls.
5. Request Demos
Many providers offer demos of their apps. This hands-on experience is a great way to see the app in action and determine if it fits your church’s needs. During the demo, pay attention to the user interface and ease of navigation.
Example:
Take advantage of free demos. Seeing the app in action can help you understand its capabilities and whether it meets your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the demo to get a thorough understanding.
6. Consult Your Team
Finally, get input from your church staff and tech team. They might have specific insights or needs that you still need to consider. Their feedback can be invaluable in making the right choice.
Example:
Your tech team might have a different perspective on what makes an app good or bad. Consulting your team ensures that the app you choose will work well for everyone involved, from the finance team to the congregation.
Choosing the right donation app can enhance your church’s giving experience. These steps will help you make an informed decision that benefits your entire congregation.
Conclusion
Technology will continue to play a vital role in church finances. Tithe.ly, Pushpay, Givelify, EasyTithe, and Subsplash top the list of the most popular faith-based online giving apps. Which is best? It all depends on what suits the needs of your church and its members. Once you explore factors such as your budget, security features, and ease of use, you’ll be certain to select an app that enhances your church’s donation process.
