In the world of church giving platforms, Tithe.ly is one of the most widely used. Their pitch is simple: easy setup, low upfront costs, and lots of church-focused features. It’s especially attractive to small and mid-sized churches that don’t have a big tech budget.

But does Tithe.ly really deliver what it promises? Or do the hidden frustrations outweigh the savings? In this review, we’ll break down what Tithe.ly offers, what churches love, and the struggles that come up again and again. (Video review embedded below if you prefer to watch.)

What Tithe.ly Promises

Tithe.ly markets itself as an affordable, all-in-one giving solution for churches and ministries. Their core features include:

  • Online Giving – Debit/credit, ACH, text-to-give, and mobile app.

  • Church App – Custom-branded apps with giving, sermons, and notifications.

  • Church Management (ChMS) – Basic people, events, and group management tools.

  • Website Builder – Simple site templates designed for churches.

  • Messaging – Mass text and email options to keep members connected.

For churches on a budget, the idea of getting giving, a website, an app, and communication tools in one place is appealing.

What Churches Like About Tithe.ly

There’s a reason thousands of churches have signed up for Tithe.ly. Common positives include:

  • Low Upfront Cost – No big setup fee compared to some competitors.

  • Easy Sign-Up – Simple to get started, especially for small churches.

  • Multiple Features Under One Roof – Giving, app, and website bundled together.

  • User-Friendly Donor Experience – Donors can give quickly, even via text.

  • Appeals to Budget-Conscious Churches – Price point often wins over leadership.

For churches that just want to collect digital offerings without major bells and whistles, Tithe.ly can be a quick win.

The Common Complaints

But not all churches walk away happy. Here are the most frequent struggles pastors and admins report with Tithe.ly:

  • Hidden Fees – Transaction rates and optional add-ons add up fast.

  • Customer Support – Reports of slow response times and limited resolution.

  • Customization Limits – Apps and websites often look “cookie-cutter.”

  • Deposit Delays – Some churches say funds take longer than expected to reach the bank.

  • Outgrowing the System – Larger or fast-growing churches often find the tools too basic.

What looked cheap up front can start to feel expensive if the platform doesn’t scale with your ministry.

Is Tithe.ly Worth It?

Tithe.ly works best for small to mid-sized churches that want digital giving without spending a fortune. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s an easy way to launch online donations quickly.

But if you’re looking for deep donor reporting, custom branding, or long-term scalability, Tithe.ly may disappoint. The low monthly price tag can mask higher transaction fees and service limitations down the road.

Final Thoughts

Tithe.ly is a solid entry-level giving platform, but it’s not perfect. Churches should weigh the trade-off between affordability and long-term flexibility.

If you’re small and need digital giving fast, Tithe.ly might be enough. If you’re larger or more complex, you may outgrow it quickly — and moving your donors later can be painful.

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by Tithe.ly for this review. Pricing, features, and contract terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of Tithe.ly for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.