When it comes to selecting the right payment processing system for non-profits and churches, Stripe, Pushpay, and SecureGive are among the most popular choices. Each of these platforms offers a variety of tools and features tailored to meet the unique needs of charitable organizations, but which one is right for your organization? In this guide, we’ll compare transaction fees, functionalities, and overall ease of use to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Stripe
Pros
- Low, transparent transaction fees
- Broad range of customizable API tools
- International payment support and multi-currency options
- Seamless integration with websites and mobile apps
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for advanced customizations
- Lacks some specialized features for church-specific needs
- No built-in donor engagement tools or text-to-give options
Pros and Cons of Pushpay
Pros
- Specifically designed for churches and faith-based organizations
- Text-to-give functionality for easy donations
- Comprehensive donor management and engagement tools
- Recurring giving options to encourage sustained donations
Cons
- Higher transaction fees compared to Stripe
- Primarily focused on faith-based organizations, limiting broader use
- Some features are locked behind premium plans
Pros and Cons of SecureGive
Pros
- Built for churches, non-profits, and faith-based organizations
- Supports online giving, kiosks, and text-to-give
- Includes donor engagement and management tools
- User-friendly platform for both donors and administrators
Cons
- Limited global reach compared to Stripe
- Higher transaction fees than Stripe
- May require additional cost for certain advanced features
Stripe vs. Pushpay vs. SecureGive: Fee Comparisons
Stripe: Stripe is known for its simple, transparent pricing structure. For non-profits, Stripe charges a flat rate of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction. Additionally, Stripe offers discounted rates for qualifying non-profits, usually around 2.2% + 30 cents. While Stripe does not have subscription fees, certain advanced features (like fraud detection or premium support) may come at an additional cost.
Pushpay: Pushpay’s pricing structure is less straightforward, with fees starting around 2.3% + 30 cents per transaction. However, the actual costs can vary depending on the volume of transactions and the specific features your organization requires. Pushpay is more expensive than Stripe but includes specialized tools for donor management, which may justify the extra cost for churches and faith-based organizations.
SecureGive: SecureGive’s transaction fees are similar to Pushpay, hovering around 2.6% + 30 cents per transaction. While this is higher than Stripe, SecureGive’s focus on church-based giving solutions and added functionality like kiosk donations can make the platform worth the higher cost.
Comparing Functionality for Churches and Non-Profits
Stripe: Stripe is the most flexible payment processor, with support for a wide variety of websites, apps, and global currencies. However, it lacks the specialized church-focused features that Pushpay and SecureGive provide. If you have a tech-savvy team, Stripe’s API allows for significant customization, but for non-profits or churches without dedicated technical resources, the complexity of Stripe might be a drawback.
Pushpay: Pushpay is designed specifically with faith-based organizations in mind, offering features like text-to-give, recurring giving, and robust donor engagement tools. It simplifies the donation process for churchgoers and helps churches manage their congregation’s contributions more effectively. Pushpay also integrates with many church management software systems, making it easier to track donations and follow up with donors.
SecureGive: Like Pushpay, SecureGive is built to cater to the needs of churches and faith-based organizations, but it also includes features for broader non-profits. SecureGive supports various donation methods, including online, mobile, and kiosk giving, providing a wide range of options for donors. It also offers detailed reporting and donor management tools, helping organizations maintain relationships with their supporters.
Who Should Go for Stripe?
Stripe is the best option for organizations that need a flexible, customizable payment system and have the technical resources to manage its API. If your non-profit works globally or if you handle a wide range of payment types, Stripe’s low transaction fees and multi-currency support make it an attractive choice. However, if you are specifically looking for features designed for churches or need donor engagement tools out of the box, Stripe may fall short.
Who Should Go for Pushpay?
Pushpay is ideal for churches and faith-based organizations that want a payment system tailored to their specific needs. If text-to-give functionality, recurring donations, and donor engagement tools are important to your organization, Pushpay’s comprehensive suite of features will likely be worth the higher transaction fees. The platform’s integration with church management software and other tools is another significant advantage for faith-based communities.
Who Should Go for SecureGive?
SecureGive is a strong contender for churches and non-profits that need more than just online giving. With support for kiosks, mobile giving, and text-to-give, it offers a well-rounded set of tools for organizations that want to provide multiple donation options. While its fees are higher than Stripe’s, SecureGive’s focus on donor engagement and its ease of use make it a compelling choice for non-profits and faith-based organizations alike.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a payment system for your non-profit or church, it’s important to consider not just the transaction fees but also the features and functionalities that will best serve your organization. Stripe offers the lowest fees and the most flexibility but requires a higher level of technical expertise. Pushpay and SecureGive, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer a host of church-specific features that can streamline donation management and engagement.
If you’re looking for a payment processor that can be customized to your exact specifications, Stripe may be the way to go. However, if your primary concern is simplifying donations and engaging donors in a faith-based setting, Pushpay or SecureGive may be better suited to your needs.
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