Nonprofits need to accept payments, especially credit card donations because donors demand it. People expect to give in seconds, whether they’re attending a fundraising gala or browsing your website on their phone.
That’s why you need to choose the right credit card processing for nonprofits. A streamlined payment processing system can dramatically increase donation volume, encourage recurring giving, and reduce administrative headaches.
But unlike regular businesses, nonprofits have unique needs with lower margins, a mission-first mindset, and a need for transparency with donor dollars.
This guide explores the best tools, features, and strategies for simplifying nonprofit payment processing, so you can spend less time managing transactions and more time making an impact.
What Is Credit Card Processing for Nonprofits?
Credit card processing for nonprofits refers to the systems and services that allow organizations to accept donations made via credit card, debit card, and mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. It typically includes:
- A payment gateway to securely handle donor info
- A payment processor to authorize and settle the transaction
- Integration with your website, CRM, or donation platform
How It Differs from Standard Business Processing
While the backbone of credit card payments is similar, nonprofits require:
- Lower payment processing fees to maximize fundraising
- Enhanced donation features (e.g., recurring gifts, one-time campaigns)
- Seamless donor experience and tax-deductible receipt automation
Popular Donation Channels Include…
- Online donations through a website form
- Mobile giving using SMS or payment apps
- In-person gifts at events or through tablet-based kiosks
Key Features to Look For
Choosing a provider is about looking for rates AND features that optimize the donation process while protecting donor trust.
Look for these 5 factors when choosing a payment processing option for nonprofits…
Low Transaction and Platform Fees
Nonprofits can’t afford high transaction fees. Providers with special nonprofit pricing or discounted payment processing fees are what you want to look for.
Donor-Friendly Experience
Features like one-click giving, Recurring donation options and mobile optimization and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are essential for a smooth donor experience.
Fundraising Integration
Have CRM compatibility (e.g., Salesforce, Kindful), website and email integration and Peer-to-peer or crowdfunding support.
Security & Compliance
Ensure the platform is PCI compliant and encrypts donor data end-to-end.
Receipt & Tax Management
Automate acknowledgment emails and send tax-deductible receipts immediately after the donation. This helps eliminate headaches for the donor during tax season.
Best Credit Card Processing Providers for Nonprofits
Let’s break down some of the top providers for nonprofit payment processing in 2025:
PayPal for Nonprofits
- Pros: Trusted brand, no monthly fee, fast setup
- Cons: Higher payment processing fees for smaller orgs
- Pricing: 1.99% + 49¢ per transaction for eligible nonprofits
- Best for: Smaller nonprofits needing simple online donation options
Stripe
- Pros: Advanced customization, recurring billing, donor portals
- Cons: Requires some tech setup
- Pricing: 2.2% + 30¢ for nonprofits
- Best for: Tech-savvy teams or high-volume digital giving
Square
- Pros: Great for in-person and event donations, easy setup
- Cons: Not purpose-built for nonprofits
- Pricing: 2.6% + 10¢ for swiped transactions
- Best for: Nonprofits that also sell products or host events
Bloomerang
- Pros: Built for nonprofits, CRM included, customizable forms
- Cons: Higher upfront pricing for full CRM
- Pricing: Custom quotes + standard Stripe/PayPal fees
- Best for: Organizations wanting an all-in-one fundraising tool
Donorbox
- Pros: Fast setup, recurring giving, embeddable forms
- Cons: 1.5% platform fee on top of Stripe or PayPal
- Pricing: Stripe + 1.5% (waived if monthly revenue exceeds $1,000)
- Best for: Growing nonprofits wanting plug-and-play tools
GiveWP
- Pros: WordPress integration, customizable donation forms
- Cons: Self-hosted setup requires maintenance
- Pricing: Annual license + Stripe/PayPal fees
- Best for: WordPress-based websites with dev support
Classy
- Pros: Peer-to-peer, crowdfunding, recurring giving
- Cons: Higher cost, geared toward mid/large orgs
- Pricing: Custom plans
- Best for: Nonprofits running major campaigns or capital fundraising
Kindful
- Pros: CRM + donation management, great reporting
- Cons: Requires annual contract
- Pricing: Custom
- Best for: Nonprofits wanting CRM integration and donor lifecycle tracking
Comparison Table of Top Providers
How to Choose the Right Payment Processor
Pricing is only one part of successfully choosing a processor. Focus on total value and donor experience.
Questions to Consider Before Choosing a Processor:
- How do most of your donors give?
Online, in-person, mobile? - Do you accept recurring gifts?
Prioritize platforms with subscription-style billing. - Do you use a CRM or marketing platform?
Look for integrations with tools like Mailchimp, Salesforce, or Kindful. - How many donations do you process monthly?
Some tools waive fees or offer discounts at volume. - What’s the donor experience like?
Mobile-friendly design and easy forms increase conversions.
Let’s break down some real life examples:
Small School Fundraising Program (Monthly Donors, Low Volume)
- How donors give: Online through the school website
- Recurring gifts? Yes – many parents give monthly
- CRM/Marketing integration: Uses Mailchimp for newsletters
- Monthly volume: ~75 donations
- Donor experience: Needs simple, mobile-friendly donation form
Chosen Processor: Donorbox
Why: Donorbox is built for recurring donations, integrates with Mailchimp, and provides donation forms that embed directly into the school’s website. It also offers low platform fees for small nonprofits.
Benefits:
- Easy setup for recurring giving
- Simple integration with email marketing
- Mobile-optimized forms increase parent donations
Medical Relief Charity (High Volume + CRM Needs)
- How donors give: Mostly online during campaigns, some via mobile
- Recurring gifts? Some, but most are one-time drives
- CRM/Marketing integration: Uses Salesforce
- Monthly volume: 1,000+ donations
- Donor experience: Fast, seamless giving is critical during disasters
Chosen Processor: Classy
Why: Classy integrates well with Salesforce, is scalable for high-volume campaigns, and is optimized for urgency-driven fundraising. The mobile experience is polished, and analytics help track campaign success.
Benefits:
- Integrates directly with Salesforce
- Powerful reporting tools
- Smooth mobile experience helps boost emergency response giving
Animal Rescue Shelter (In-Person and Mobile Donations)
- How donors give: QR codes, in-person events, some online
- Recurring gifts? Growing base of monthly sponsors
- CRM/Marketing integration: Uses Kindful
- Monthly volume: ~300 donations
- Donor experience: Quick and mobile-accessible preferred
Chosen Processor: Bloomerang with Stripe backend
Why: Bloomerang offers a Kindful-native integration (Kindful is now part of Bloomerang), and its donation pages are mobile-first. Stripe handles backend processing with low fees and recurring options.
Benefits:
- Easy for event-based giving (QR & mobile-ready)
- Recurring gifts supported
- Real-time CRM syncing for sponsor outreach
Environmental Nonprofit (Online Giving with International Donors)
- How donors give: 100% online, with a global base
- Recurring gifts? Yes, strong monthly donor program
- CRM/Marketing integration: Uses HubSpot
- Monthly volume: 500–600 donations
- Donor experience: Needs language/currency flexibility
Chosen Processor: [GiveWP + Stripe]
Why: GiveWP offers flexible donation forms, integrates with HubSpot, and supports international currencies. Stripe backs the payments, ensuring low transaction fees even across borders.
Benefits:
- Accepts donations globally with currency control
- Recurring donation setup is seamless
- Custom forms help tailor appeals by region/language
Tips to Reduce Processing Fees and Maximize Donations
Even with nonprofit pricing, fees can eat into your mission. Here’s how to stretch every dollar:
Encourage ACH or Bank Transfers
These often carry lower transaction fees than credit card payments.
Set a Minimum Donation Threshold
This avoids paying fees on micro-transactions that don’t justify costs.
Use Matching Gifts and Donor-Covered Fees
Enable donors to cover payment processing fees voluntarily at checkout.
Apply for Nonprofit Discounts
Most platforms require documentation (IRS letter, 501(c)(3) status) to access preferred rates.
Optimize Your Donation Process
Use embedded forms, one-click mobile options, and social sharing tools to increase volume.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nonprofit payment processing solution is about finding the best rate while providing the best donor experience.
Whether you’re accepting gifts through your website, in person at events, or on the go with mobile tools, there’s always a solution to fit your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a platform that supports recurring donations, CRM integration, and low fees
- Focus on donor experience to reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions
- Review your processor yearly to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your nonprofit
If you want more information on how tens of thousands of businesses with Cash Swipe are saving 80-100% on their processing fees…
You can book a call with my business partners here.
You can also check out our free resources below:
