Discover the key differences between WeGive and Pushpay, two top church giving platforms. Compare features & pricing to find the best fit for your church's needs.
Pushpay and WeGive have changed how churches manage donations and engage members online. But there are key differences to consider when choosing the best fit for your church. This guide will help you decide which platform is best for your church's mission and needs.
Both platforms work best with your existing Church Management Software (ChMS). Popular ones are Church Community Builder (now owned by Pushpay) and Planning Center Online.
Giving platforms don’t replace your ChMS but improve giving and member engagement. If your church doesn’t have a ChMS, both tools can still boost donations and help members stay connected.
Pushpay is a known name in church technology. Its donations and payment processing tool is called Everygift. This tool's primary focus is to provide an excellent digital giving experience.
WeGive, though newer, focuses on making church giving engaging for supporters. They believe that a member's impact and connection to the church fuel ongoing giving. So, its products are built around that.
Let’s dive into the main differences and similarities between the two platforms.
Having multiple giving options is key for churches. Both Pushpay and WeGive offer online, mobile, and text-to-give methods. But some important differences set them apart.
Pushpay’s Approach:
Pushpay is known for its easy-to-use interface and quick donation process. This encourages members to give and makes the process quick and easy. But, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
WeGive’s Approach:
WeGive offers more control and flexibility.
Understanding processing fees can be complex and confusing. But, it's important to understand a bit about them if you want to steward your church's finances well. And it can be a factor in deciding between two different giving platforms.
Here's the gist:
Different payment methods cost different rates and fees based on many factors. Credit card companies charge a fee from 1.5%-3.5%, and banks charge a fixed fee for ACH transfers.
Church giving platforms make donation processing simpler and more cost-effective. They often combine credit card fees and platform fees into one predictable rate. This blended rate is easier for churches to understand and budget for.
This is why you'll see different processing rates for different giving tools. There are different ways to structure those fees into a streamlined way.
Pushpay doesn't offer transparent pricing on their website. But they do charge a percentage of each donation for both credit card and ACH transactions.
WeGive offers transparent pricing and lower, flat-rate ACH fees. Since many churches get about 40-45% of donations through ACH, these savings can add up fast.
Keep in mind that beyond processing fees, you will pay a monthly fee to support the other tools each platform offers. This includes dashboards, donation portals, and communication systems. Be sure to get a quote from each company before making a final decision
Both Pushpay and WeGive offer donor portals. Members can:
These features can save your staff time and improve the online giving experience. Most donor portals are built with transactional features like this. One thing to note is that upon login, Pushpay will show the supporter all the churches they have supported through Pushpay. It's primarily a Pushpay-branded experience.
This is where WeGive stands apart from Pushpay in a big way. They take the idea of a donor portal to the next level.
Their portal is designed to show your members the impact of their gifts on ministry. It uses their donations to build a true engagement hub for each person. It can strengthen both community and ministry. And, it lives on your website, only showing your church, connecting that supporter to their current church home.
Here are some examples:
This makes the portal more than just a tool for transactions; it helps deepen relationships with your members.
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Interacting with your members doesn’t stop when they give financially - it's just the beginning! Both platforms offer communication tools, but they differ in their approach.
Pushpay’s Communication Suite:
Pushpay offers basic tools like:
However, these may not fully meet your church’s needs, so additional tools may be required.
WeGive’s Engagement Tools:
WeGive prioritizes engagement with built-in pastoral tools like:
This approach makes engagement easier for your staff. Its intent is to help you connect with your congregation on a more personal, yet scalable level.
Accessing and using donor data is crucial for ministry planning. Pushpay and WeGive have different approaches to data.
Pushpay’s Data Approach:
Pushpay has improved data integration with its acquisition of Church Community Builder (CCB). But limitations remain:
WeGive’s Data Philosophy:
WeGive offers full data ownership and better integration:
This makes WeGive a better choice for churches that want deeper insights and control over their data.
Pricing transparency is a key difference between Pushpay and WeGive. If considering either of these platforms, you'll want to contact each to get a personalized quote according to your church's specific needs.
Pushpay’s Pricing:
Pushpay’s pricing can be complex, and exact fees aren’t disclosed until later in the sales process. According to their financial reports, the average church pays around $1,475 monthly, or almost $20,000 per year.
WeGive’s Pricing:
WeGive offers transparent pricing for churches (full details here):
Choosing between Pushpay and WeGive depends on your church’s specific needs.
Pushpay has a solid track record with a simple, user-friendly platform that boosts digital giving. WeGive presents a more comprehensive and flexible product. With its focus on personalized donor experiences and integrated engagement tools, WeGive offers an innovative approach that may appeal to churches looking to better engage with their members.
Consider what matters most to your church. The right platform should help your church build stronger relationships, increase giving, and further your mission.
Ultimately, choose the platform that aligns with your church’s values and meets your practical needs for long-term ministry success.
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