I've served at churches of every size and one thing they all have in common: Finding cost-saving tools is always a priority.

Understandably, many churches turn to free tithe and offering software to manage their donations. However...

I've witnessed firsthand the hidden costs of free donation software. So let's talk about what you need to know about these seemingly budget-friendly solutions, and why they may cost you more than you bargained for...

Hidden Costs of Free Giving Platforms

Just because a church giving software platform advertises $0 as its sticker price doesn't mean it won't cost your church.

These companies have to earn income. So they add fees elsewhere.

In many cases, they lock important features behind a paywall. Interested in offering online giving or text giving to your members? That costs extra!

Others will charge you as your church grows. As you record more donations from more members, that free option suddenly comes with a fee. They essentially punish your church for growing!

Also, if the platform offers online giving, their transaction fees are MUCH higher than other platforms. I've seen "free" church tithe and offering software charge more than 3% per transaction. P.S. You should never pay more than 2.9%!

Free Church Software = Limited Features, Limited Growth

Free church giving software often comes with limited features.

While it might have a few basic functionalities, free software will lack the comprehensive tools necessary for effective financial management and reporting. This will leave your church hanging when you need to better understand the giving trends or other data of your church.

You will begin to feel these limitations more and more as you grow.

The Importance of Comprehensive Features

Your church needs donation tracking, easy contribution statements, and don't forget online giving with recurring giving.

You can find separate platforms for each of these things. But you're left to cobble together that information and manage it on your own. These platforms are supposed to lighten your load, not give you more work!

Your church needs more than the limited features and lackluster security of free church tithing software.

An all-in-one church management software is the best bang for your buck. You'll get all the features you need to record the tithes and offerings at your church along with management tools for the rest of your ministry.

The best approach is to choose a program that gives you these features and security at a price that isn't a burden. That's why you looked for free options in the first place!

The Hidden Costs of Free Church Software

One of the most significant hidden costs of free donation software is the frustration and wasted time it can cause.

These platforms may be riddled with outdated interfaces. And what does an outdated interface mean? The product isn't well supported. That's because if the owners and creators aren't updating the user design, they're probably not updating anything else, either.

I've talked to churches that have been using free giving software, and the common theme among all of them is frustration at the lack of support. Contacting a support agent either takes ages or is only an option if you are a paying customer.

Online Giving Security Concerns

Worst of all, if a platform isn't updating its interface or features, it's also probably not staying up-to-date on the latest security measures.

While free church giving software may seem like a cost-effective solution upfront, it often lacks robust security measures to safeguard sensitive financial data. Cyber threats are on the rise, so compromising on security is not an option. Investing in a reputable church offering software ensures that your congregation's financial info remains protected against breaches or unauthorized access.

Church Donation Software That's Right for Your Church

While free church giving software may seem appealing, the hidden costs of frustration, wasted time, limited features, and lack of support far outweigh any savings.

Invest in your church's financial future by choosing a comprehensive church management solution that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Matt Church Engagement