PayIt2 vs Zeffy
Zeffy's "100% free" is funded by donor tips at checkout (Zeffy reports 2 out of 3 donors tip). PayIt2 has a transparent flat fee, no tip prompt, and is open to individuals as well as nonprofits.
The 30-second verdict
Side-by-side comparison
Zeffy's pitch is elegant: nonprofits pay nothing, donors fund the platform through optional tips. The reality is that tip prompts are persistent and donors often pay materially more than they would on transparent-fee platforms.
| Zeffy | PayIt2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fee on organizer | 0% — Zeffy bills no platform fee to nonprofits | 3.85% per donation |
| Donor tip prompt | Tip prompt on every donation. Zeffy reports 2 out of 3 donors leave a tip; the platform does not publish a default tip percentage. | No tip prompt |
| Payment processing | 2.2% + $0.30 (US) processing absorbed by Zeffy | 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe) |
| Real cost to donor | $100 if donor declines the tip prompt; more if the donor accepts (Zeffy does not publish a default tip percentage) | $100 standard ($106.95 if donor opts to cover all fees) |
| Net to organizer on a $100 donation | $100 if donor declines tip; less Stripe processing if donor tips less than processing cost | $93.05 standard, $100 if donor covers fees |
| Eligibility | Nonprofits exclusively. Zeffy operates across North America (US and Canada) | Individuals, families, attorneys, small organizations, and registered nonprofits all welcome |
| Legal defense fundraising | Restricted; Zeffy's policy excludes political and controversial campaigns | Welcomed for any lawful cause |
| Payout speed | Not specified on Zeffy's pricing page; verify directly | 2 to 3 business days via Stripe |
| Event ticketing | Available with separate flow | Tickets and donations on the same campaign |
| AI tools for organizers | None as a feature | PayIt2 Campaign Assistant Claude plugin |
Should you pick PayIt2 or Zeffy?
A direct answer that respects your time.
Pick Zeffy when
- You are a nonprofit and Zeffy accepts your specific cause type per their current AUP
- Your donor base is comfortable with prominent tip prompts and you believe most donors will skip them
- Your cause is mainstream nonprofit work that fits Zeffy's acceptable use policy
- You want the appearance of "100% free" on your fundraising page for marketing reasons
Pick PayIt2 when
- You are not a registered nonprofit (Zeffy serves nonprofits exclusively)
- You want transparent fees rather than hidden cost via donor tip prompts
- Your cause is legal defense, controversial, or outside Zeffy's mainstream lane
- You need ticketed events and donations on one campaign
- You want funds in your bank in days, not weeks
- You want AI campaign help via Claude plugin
Frequently asked questions
Zeffy charges no fees to nonprofits. It funds itself by prompting every donor for a tip on top of their donation. Zeffy reports 2 out of 3 donors leave a tip; the platform does not publish a default tip percentage. If donors decline the tip, the organizer keeps 100% (Zeffy absorbs processing cost). Whether the math works for your organization depends on your donor base's tip behavior.
No. Zeffy serves nonprofits exclusively across North America (US and Canada). Individuals, families, attorneys, and for-profit organizations cannot use the platform. PayIt2 has no such eligibility requirement.
Zeffy's acceptable use policy excludes politically sensitive and controversial campaigns. Legal defense for criminal cases generally does not fit. PayIt2 is the open-platform alternative for legal defense fundraising. See the legal defense page.
On Zeffy, a $100 donation costs the donor exactly $100 if they decline the tip prompt. If they accept the tip prompt, they pay $100 plus whatever tip amount they choose (Zeffy does not publish a default tip percentage; the platform reports 2 of 3 donors leave a tip of some amount). The organizer receives $100 in either case. On PayIt2, a $100 donation costs the donor $100 standard or $106.95 if they opt to cover fees. The organizer receives $93.05 (donor declined to cover fees) or $100 (donor covered fees). The choice depends on your donor base's behavior with each platform's prompt.
PayIt2 transfers funds within 2 to 3 business days via Stripe's standard payout schedule. Zeffy does not publish a specific payout window on their pricing page; verify directly with Zeffy for your account.
Yes, but note that PayIt2 does not require nonprofit status, so the migration removes the eligibility-limited audience expectation. Transfer your story and donor contact list, and email donors with the new link. PayIt2 charges a transparent fee and does not prompt donors for tips.
Comparison information verified June 9, 2026 from Zeffy's public website. Competitors may change pricing or features. Verify current details directly before relying on this comparison for a decision.
Start your campaign without the tip prompt
Transparent flat fee. Optional donor fee-pass keeps you at 100% net. Open to any lawful cause. Funds in your bank in 2 to 3 business days.