ChristianAppReviews.com
+ Submit app
Sign in
Online, mobile, and text giving plus payment processing purpose-built for churches, serving 25,000+ congregations for over 20 years.
Our verdict
Vanco is one of the longest-running names in faith-based payments, and its appeal is dependability rather than flash. It processes online, mobile, and text giving for churches (and also serves schools and nonprofits), integrates with a wide range of church management systems, and does so without long-term contracts or cancellation fees. For a congregation that values a stable, established processor over the newest interface, that track record counts.
Pricing is straightforward and honest. The entry GROW plan is $0/month with card processing at 2.90% + $0.45 and ACH at 1.00% + $0.45, while the $54/month THRIVE plan lowers rates to 2.65% + $0.39 on cards and 0.90% + $0.39 on ACH and folds in text giving. The per-transaction flat fee is a touch higher than some rivals, and useful extras like Giving Insights ($75/mo) or email outreach are billed on top, so a full setup adds up.
The main knock is experience: Vanco's tools can feel more utilitarian and dated than newer donor-first apps, and it does not inspire the same donor delight as a Givelify or Givebutter. But for churches that already use a compatible ChMS and want a proven, contract-free processor with solid support, Vanco remains a reasonable, no-drama choice.
How we scored it
Standout features
Online & mobile giving
Card and ACH gifts through web and mobile channels.
Text-to-give
Donors give by text, included on the THRIVE plan.
Recurring donations
Scheduled repeat gifts for steady congregational giving.
ChMS integrations
Connects with many popular church management systems.
Card reader
Optional hardware for in-person and kiosk giving.
No contracts
Month-to-month with no cancellation fees on any plan.
Pros & cons
✓ Pros
- Established, reliable processor with a long faith-sector track record
- No contracts and no cancellation fees on either plan
- Broad integrations with many church management systems
- THRIVE plan lowers rates and includes text-to-give
- Responsive support geared to churches, schools, and nonprofits
– Cons
- Interface and donor experience feel dated next to newer apps
- Per-transaction flat fees ($0.39-$0.45) run higher than some rivals
- Useful extras like Giving Insights and email outreach cost extra
Best for
Established churches (and schools or nonprofits) that already run a compatible ChMS and want a proven, contract-free payment processor with dependable support.
Look elsewhere if
You want the most modern, donor-delighting mobile experience or the lowest possible flat per-transaction fee for small gifts.
Pricing
How it compares
| Vanco | Tithe.ly | Pushpay | Givelify | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 7.6 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 8.4 |
| Ease for donors | 7.8 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| Fees & pricing | 7.6 | 8.4 | 5.5 | 8.2 |
| Integrations | 7.8 | 8.3 | 9.0 | 6.8 |
| Value | 7.7 | 8.9 | 6.5 | 8.3 |
FAQ
How much does Vanco cost?
The GROW plan is free monthly, and the THRIVE plan is $54/month with lower per-transaction rates and included text giving; neither requires a contract.
What are Vanco's transaction fees?
GROW charges 2.90% + $0.45 on cards and 1.00% + $0.45 on ACH, while THRIVE lowers this to 2.65% + $0.39 and 0.90% + $0.39; American Express runs 3.99%.
Does Vanco lock me into a contract?
No. Vanco operates without long-term contracts and does not charge cancellation fees on either plan.
Does Vanco integrate with church management software?
Yes. Vanco integrates with a broad range of popular church management systems, which is a core strength for existing ChMS users.
Can donors give by text with Vanco?
Yes. Text-to-give is available as a $10/month add-on on the GROW plan and is included with the THRIVE plan.
