How do small churches set up online giving?

To set up online giving for a small church: choose a platform (Tithe.ly or Square work well for most small churches), create an account with your church's EIN and bank information, add a giving button to your website, communicate the new option to your congregation, and make it easy to find on your homepage.

What is the best online giving platform for a small church?

For most small churches, Tithe.ly or Square are the best starting points. Tithe.ly is designed specifically for churches with a good mobile experience. Square is simpler to set up and works well for churches that also sell products or resources.

Does online giving increase church giving?

Yes. Churches that add online giving typically see total giving increase 10-20% within the first year. Members can give consistently even when they miss a Sunday, and online givers tend to give more consistently than cash or check givers.

Online Giving for Small Churches

How to set up online giving for your small church. Affordable options, practical guidance, and what to expect.

Why Online Giving Matters for Small Churches

Churches that add online giving typically see total giving increase 10-20% within the first year. The reason is simple: members can give consistently even when they miss a Sunday. Online giving removes the friction of remembering to bring a check or cash.

For small churches, this is not a luxury — it is a practical tool for financial stability.

Affordable Online Giving Options for Small Churches

Tithe.ly

One of the most popular church giving platforms. Simple to set up, mobile-friendly, and integrates with most church management software. Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit/debit cards; 1% for ACH bank transfers.

Pushpay

Designed specifically for churches. Excellent mobile app and donor experience. Pricing varies — contact for a quote. Better for larger churches; may be more than a small church needs.

Square

A general payment processor that works well for churches. Simple to set up, no monthly fee, 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. Good for churches that also sell products or resources.

PayPal

The simplest option to set up. Most people already have a PayPal account. Pricing: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for nonprofits (requires nonprofit verification). Not ideal for recurring giving.

How to Set Up Online Giving

Choose a platform. For most small churches, Tithe.ly or Square is the right starting point.
Create an account. You will need your church’s EIN (tax ID number) and bank account information.
Add a giving button to your website. Most platforms provide a simple embed code or link.
Communicate with your congregation. Announce the new option from the pulpit, in the bulletin, and by email. Explain how it works and why you added it.
Make it easy to find. The giving button should be visible on your homepage, not buried in a menu.

What to Expect

Most churches see 20-30% of their giving move online within the first year. This does not replace in-person giving — it supplements it. Members who give online tend to give more consistently, especially during vacations and illness.

Want to increase giving before setting up online giving?

The Church Stewardship Campaign Guide walks you through a simple 4-week process that typically increases giving 10-20%. Free guide.

Related MinistryPlace Resources

Church Stewardship Campaign Guide — increase giving 10-20%
Free Church Budget Template — plan where the giving goes
Digital Ministry for Small Churches — website, social media, AI tools, and online giving
Rescue Gospel Framework — free evangelism tool for your congregation