Fees
Donation platform fees, explained
Two costs can come out of an online gift: card processing and the platform’s fee. On some platforms, including Givelayer, a donor can add an optional tip that covers them. Here is what each one is, and what a $50.00 gift leaves the charity.
Card processing
Charged by the payment processor for moving money from a card to a bank account, on every platform. Registered US charities can apply for the nonprofit rate of 2.2% + $0.30 a gift, which is the rate this page uses. Until the rate is granted, or for an organisation that does not qualify, the standard rate of 2.9% + $0.30 applies. (Stripe sets this rate for eligible nonprofits. Contact us and we’ll walk you through how to apply.)
The platform fee
What the donation platform charges for its service, as a share of each gift. On Givelayer the platform fee is 2% when the donor does not add a tip, and 0% when they do. Other platforms’ published fees are below.
The donor’s tip
Some platforms let donors add an optional tip. On Givelayer, when the donor adds a tip, it covers the platform fee and card processing, and the charity receives the full gift. The donor chooses the amount and can choose not to tip. Without a tip, the platform fee is 2% and card processing applies at cost.
One $50.00 gift, three ways
A typical platform
$47.10
reaches the charity
3% platform fee ($1.50), in line with Givebutter's 3% with tips off and Donorbox's 2.95% to 3.95% Standard, and $1.40 card processing at the nonprofit rate.
Givelayer, no tip
$47.60
reaches the charity
2% platform fee ($1.00) and $1.40 card processing at the nonprofit rate, passed through at cost ($47.25 at the standard rate).
Givelayer, donor adds a tip
$50.00
reaches the charity
The donor's optional tip covers the platform fee and card processing.
Platform fees compared: Givelayer, Givebutter and Donorbox
Givelayer
Platform fee: 0% when the donor adds a tip, 2% without.
Card processing: Covered by the tip; without a tip, at cost: 2.2% + $0.30 at the nonprofit rate once granted, otherwise 2.9% + $0.30*.
Plans and pricingGivebutter
Platform fee: 0% with its tips on, 3% with tips off.
Card processing: Covered with its tips on, otherwise 2.9% + $0.30.
Givelayer and Givebutter comparedDonorbox
Platform fee: 2.95% to 3.95% on Standard, Pro 1.75% to 2%, Premium 1.6% to 2%.
Card processing: 2.2% + $0.30 at the processor's nonprofit rate, otherwise 2.9% + $0.30; rates differ by processor.
Givelayer and Donorbox compared* Card processing is shown at the nonprofit rate of 2.2% + $0.30, which registered US charities whose payments are mostly donations can apply for. Until the rate is granted, or for an organisation that does not qualify, the standard rate of 2.9% + $0.30 applies. (Stripe sets this rate for eligible nonprofits. Contact us and we’ll walk you through how to apply.) Other platforms’ rates as published on each company’s own pricing page (Givebutter, Donorbox), checked 3 November 2026. Fees change; check the source before you decide. Givebutter and Donorbox are trademarks of their owners. Givelayer is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Donation fees: common questions
What does card processing cost a charity?
Card processing is charged by the payment processor on every platform. Registered US charities whose payments are mostly donations can apply for the nonprofit rate of 2.2% + $0.30 per gift; until the rate is granted, or for an organisation that does not qualify, the standard rate of 2.9% + $0.30 applies. (Stripe sets this rate for eligible nonprofits. Contact us and we'll walk you through how to apply.)
What is a donation platform fee?
It is what the platform charges for its service, as a share of each gift, on top of card processing. Published platform fees without a tip are 2% on Givelayer, 3% on Givebutter and 2.95% to 3.95% on Donorbox's Standard plan, as published on each company's pricing page, checked 3 November 2026.
Can a charity receive the whole gift?
Yes, when the donor adds an optional tip. On Givelayer the tip covers the platform fee and card processing, so the charity receives the full gift amount. The donor chooses the tip and can choose not to add one. Without a tip, the platform fee is 2% and card processing applies at cost.
Are there setup or monthly fees?
Givelayer has no setup fee and no subscription is required; Pro is an optional $49 a month. Givebutter and Donorbox have no setup fee either and can be used without a subscription; Givebutter Plus starts at $29 a month and is priced by contact count, and Donorbox Pro is $150 a month.
Rates checked 3 November 2026. Work out what your charity would pay.