Understanding church giving fees
Every online giving platform involves processor terms, and some platforms add a platform fee. Rates, fixed charges, and donor coverage options vary by provider and can change, so review the current processor and platform terms together.
Even a small difference in fees can matter at a church's annual giving volume. Estimate the effect using your own transaction mix and current provider terms before choosing a platform.
No platform fees vs no processing fees
It is important to distinguish between platform fees (what the software company charges) and processing fees (what credit card networks charge). No legitimate giving platform can eliminate processing fees entirely — Visa and Mastercard set those rates. But many platforms add unnecessary platform fees on top.
When a giving platform advertises 'no fees,' look carefully at what they mean. Some separate platform fees from standard processing rates; others offer donor fee coverage as an optional add-on. Compare the current platform fee, processor terms, and donor coverage options together.
How Relius keeps giving costs low
Giving costs depend on your Relius plan and configured payment processor. Review the current 1.3% Relius platform fee, processor charges, donor fee-coverage options, and included plan workflows before estimating total cost.
Review the current Relius plan details for giving receipts, statements, recurring-donation workflows, and analytics. Do not assume those workflows or comparable competitor inclusions without checking the current product and plan documentation.
Helping donors cover processing fees
Some configurations let donors choose to cover processing fees when they give. Confirm whether that option is available, how it is presented, and how covered fees appear in reports before relying on it.
Donor adoption varies by congregation and message. Measure your own results and confirm the current Relius workflow and reporting behavior.
