Switching Online Giving Platforms: A Guide for Church Leaders

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve thought about switching online giving platforms for a while. Maybe the fees are too high. Maybe the system is clunky. Maybe it’s just not built for churches the way you need it to be.

But every time you start to look into switching, you hear those familiar worries:

“What if we lose our recurring donors?”
“What if people get confused?”
“What if this turns into a huge headache?”

I completely understand. My own church felt the same way when we switched to ChurchTrac Online Giving, and I’ve walked alongside hundreds of churches who had those exact same fears.

Here’s the good news: Switching is easier than you think... and you can do it in 90 days or less.

TL;DR: Switching online giving platforms doesn’t have to be stressful or disruptive. With clear communication, hands-on support, and a simple 90-day plan, churches can transition smoothly (without losing donors or momentum).

Switching Online Giving Platforms: A 90 Day Plan

Here’s the step-by-step approach churches use to make the transition smooth and stress-free.

Weeks 1–2: Communicate the Change Well

The first two weeks are all about clear and encouraging communication.

Start talking about the switch everywhere your church connects with people. From the stage, during announcements, in your bulletin, through email updates, text messages, and small group reminders. Let your people know this change is about stewardship and simplicity, not complication.

Note: ChurchTrac Online Giving is simple, it's already integrated into your church’s app, and ACH donations alone can save your church over $70 per donor each year. That adds up quickly.

And always lead with gratitude:

“Thank you for your generosity. We are switching to a new giving platform that will make giving easier and help our church save money, so your giving can go even further.”

If you want to better understand how giving fees affect churches (and how much switching can save), we break that down here: ? How Online Giving Fees Work (and How to Save Your Church Money)

End of Week 2: Update Your Giving Links

Before the third Sunday arrives, begin updating your giving links. Change them on your website, inside your app, on your giving page, and anywhere you’ve added QR codes.

This ensures that when someone goes to give, they are automatically guided to the new platform.

If you haven’t set up ChurchTrac Online Giving yet, this guide walks you through it step-by-step:
? Setting Up Online Giving

Weeks 3–5: Launch the New Platform (And Support Your People)

By week three, the new platform is live. Celebrate it!

But don’t just announce it and hope everyone figures it out.

This is where you support your donors through the transition. Not everyone feels confident using technology. So make it personal and approachable.

At my church, I simply told people,

“If you need help, I’ll be in the welcome area after service. Bring your phone. I’ll walk you through everything.”

I helped people download Church Connect, create their login, make their first gift, and even set up recurring giving when they wanted to.

This hands-on support was the key. Do this for three Sundays in a row. You’ll be amazed at how many people will appreciate the help,  and how smooth the transition becomes.

If you want to learn more about why we recommend ChurchTrac Online Giving specifically, here’s a helpful overview:
? Switching to ChurchTrac Online Giving

Week 6: Follow Up with Anyone Still Using the Old Platform

By week six, most donors will have already transitioned. Now it’s time to check in with the few who haven’t.

Log into your old giving platform and look for donors who recently gave there. Create a group for them in ChurchTrac and send a short, kind message thanking them for their generosity and providing the new giving link.

Weeks 7–8: Personal Outreach

These two weeks are for personal follow-up: texts, emails, or even phone calls.

Something like:

“Hey! Thank you again for your generosity. We’ve switched to a new giving platform and I’d love to help you get set up if you’d like.”

The personal touch matters. A church is a family, not a transaction.

Week 9: Finish Strong

At the 90-day mark, check your old platform one last time. If everyone has moved over, you can officially close it out.

And just like that, you now have lower fees, fewer logins to manage, and a more seamless giving experience for your church.

Ready to Try ChurchTrac Online Giving?

This isn’t just a software decision. It’s a ministry decision.

When your church saves money, you’re able to do more ministry, support more families, send more missionaries, and reach more people with the Gospel.

FAQs: Switching Online Giving Platforms

Will we lose our recurring donors if we switch giving platforms?

In most cases, no. When churches clearly communicate the change and offer hands-on help during the transition, recurring donors move over smoothly.

How long does it realistically take to switch online giving platforms?

Most churches can complete the transition in 90 days or less by following a phased approach that includes communication, support, and personal follow-up.

What’s the most important factor in a smooth transition?

Personal support. Being available to help people set up the new platform, especially during the first few Sundays, makes all the difference and builds trust throughout the process.

More Resources to Help You Decide

• The Best Online Giving Platforms for Churches
• Online Giving for Churches: What to Avoid
• Online Giving Is Important... But Your Church Needs More

General Information Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and helpful content for church leaders, the information on this blog is for general informational purposes only. Use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. For specific professional guidance, please consult with the appropriate experts in those fields.