Nonprofits lose thousands to processing fees every year. We compare the top payment processors for nonprofits in 2026 — ranked by nonprofit discounts, recurring giving tools, and ease of setup.
Nonprofits lose thousands each year to payment processing fees that quietly chip away at every donation. The right processor offers discounted nonprofit rates, recurring giving tools, and donor-friendly checkout — so more of each gift actually reaches the mission. This guide compares the top payment processors for nonprofits in 2026.
Before diving into the picks, here's what matters most:
Stripe is the strongest pick for nonprofits that want a customizable, developer-friendly online donation experience. Its API lets you build custom donation forms that match your brand, and built-in recurring billing handles monthly giving without third-party add-ons.1
The big draw is the nonprofit discount: eligible 501(c)(3) organizations get a reduced rate of approximately 2.2% + 30¢ per transaction, down from the standard 2.9% + 30¢.1 That difference adds up — on $100,000 in annual online donations, it's roughly $700 back in your pocket.
Stripe also supports payments in dozens of currencies and integrates with most major donation platforms, so if you're already using one of those, you're likely running on Stripe under the hood.6
Who it's for: Nonprofits with tech resources, or anyone using a donation platform built on Stripe's infrastructure.
Verdict: The best all-around choice for online giving — powerful, flexible, and competitively priced once the nonprofit discount kicks in.
PayPal's biggest advantage is recognition. Donors trust the PayPal brand, and that familiarity can boost conversion rates at checkout — especially for first-time or one-time donors who may hesitate to enter card details on an unfamiliar form.2
For eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, PayPal offers a discounted rate of approximately 1.99% per transaction.2 The PayPal Giving Fund goes further, enabling zero-fee donations through campaigns and partner platforms — meaning the full donation amount reaches the nonprofit.2
Setup is genuinely simple: embeddable donate buttons require no coding, making PayPal ideal for small teams without a developer on staff.2
Who it's for: Nonprofits that want a fast, no-code setup and benefit from donor trust at checkout.
Verdict: The easiest path to accepting donations online, with a real nonprofit discount and zero-fee Giving Fund option.
Square shines where online processors don't: galas, fundraisers, farmers' markets, and any event where you're swiping cards in person. There are no monthly fees, and the flat rate of 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction is straightforward — no tiered pricing to decode.3
Square includes a free magnetic-stripe card reader, and setup is nearly instant: download the app, plug in the reader, and start accepting payments.3 The online checkout option is also available for small nonprofits that need a basic web donation page.3
The trade-off is that Square lacks dedicated recurring donation features and deeper donor management integrations. If your strategy centers on monthly giving programs, you'll likely need to pair Square with a separate donation platform.6
Who it's for: Nonprofits that collect donations at events, in person, or through pop-up locations.
Verdict: The best no-fuss option for in-person giving. Pair it with an online processor if you also need recurring donations.
Wise Business isn't a traditional payment processor — it's a multi-currency account designed for managing money across borders. For nonprofits that receive donations from multiple countries or operate internationally, it's an essential complement to your payment processor.4
Wise offers low, transparent FX fees and lets you hold balances in multiple currencies, so you can receive donations in euros, pounds, or dollars without losing a chunk to bank exchange rate markups.4
Who it's for: International nonprofits or organizations receiving cross-border donations.
Verdict: Not a standalone payment processor, but indispensable for global fund management. Pair it with Stripe or PayPal for the full picture.
Clover is a full POS system with hardware options — card readers, registers, and countertop terminals. It's a reasonable choice for nonprofits that run a physical storefront, thrift shop, or regular in-person events and want a more robust system than Square's basic reader.5
The downside: Clover doesn't offer dedicated nonprofit pricing or donation-specific features. You'll pay standard processing rates, and the hardware costs add up. For most nonprofits focused on online giving, Square or Stripe are better fits.5
Who it's for: Nonprofits with a physical location or frequent large-scale events that need a full POS system.
Verdict: Capable hardware, but no nonprofit discount or donation-specific tools. Consider only if you need a full POS setup.
| Processor | Nonprofit rate | Recurring giving | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | ~2.2% + 30¢ | Built-in | Online donations |
| PayPal | ~1.99% + fixed fee | Yes (subscriptions) | Donor trust & simplicity |
| Square | 2.6% + 10¢ flat | Limited | In-person & events |
| Wise | N/A — low FX fees | No | International transfers |
| Clover | No discount | Limited | POS & retail events |
Start with how you collect donations. If most gifts come through your website, Stripe or PayPal are your best bets — both offer nonprofit discounts and recurring giving. If you run events, add Square for in-person payments. If you operate internationally, layer in Wise for cross-border fund management.
A note on how we make money: AskBuy earns affiliate commissions when you sign up through our links. That doesn't change our recommendations — we pick what we think is genuinely best for each use case.
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