The cheapest Ko-fi fee formula is not automatically the best storefront. Compare catalog, tax, payouts, recurring sales, and automation before switching.
Compare Ko-fi vs PayhipKo-fi Pricing in 2026
Everything you need to know about Ko-fi plans, costs, and whether the free plan is enough for your needs.
Last updated: August 24, 2026 ยท 2 plans compared
Prices change. Confirm the current figures at Ko-fi.
Pricing intent match
Ko-fi Pricing: Free Fees, Gold, and the Sales Break-Even
Ko-fi is not seat-priced software. Compare the eligible Free-mode fee with the flat Gold price, then include processor charges and the creator's tax workload.
Decision checklist
- Ko-fi Free is $0/month; eligible shop sales use a 5% Ko-fi platform fee.
- Ko-fi Gold is $12/month for new users and carries a 0% Ko-fi platform fee.
- At $240 in eligible monthly shop sales, 5% equals the $12 Gold price.
- PayPal or Stripe processing fees, taxes, refunds, reserves, and currency conversion are separate.
Official source check
Official Ko-fi pricing sources checked Aug 24, 2026. One-time tips can use an eligible 0% Free opt-out mode; shop sales, memberships, monthly tips, and commissions can carry the 5% Ko-fi fee.
๐ Our Take on Ko-fi Pricing
Ko-fi is strongest when tips, memberships, commissions, and supporter participation lead, with a lightweight shop attached. It should not be evaluated as seat-priced team software.
๐ก Bottom Line:
Eligible Ko-fi Free shop sales use a 5% platform fee, while Gold is $12/month with a 0% Ko-fi platform fee. One-time tips can be 0% in the eligible Free opt-out mode; processor fees remain separate.
Starting PriceFree / $12/mo
Free PlanAvailable
Cost ModelSales-based, not seats
Decision BasisFees + operating fit
Compare sales fees before you choose
Turn Ko-fi pricing into a sales-volume decision
Model platform fees against monthly sales, then compare payout, tax, recurring-payment, and automation responsibilities in the maintained decision guide.
Open the Ko-fi vs Payhip fee calculatorCompare sales scenarios and the verified change record.๐ Free Plan Details
Limits: Free can use a 0% opt-out mode for one-time tips; eligible shop sales, memberships, monthly tips, and commissions carry a 5% Ko-fi fee. Payment-processor fees are extra.
All Ko-fi Plans
Free
$0
Forever free
Free can use a 0% opt-out mode for one-time tips; eligible shop sales, memberships, monthly tips, and commissions carry a 5% Ko-fi fee. Payment-processor fees are extra.
Gold
$12
monthly + 0% Ko fi platform fee
Real Cost Drivers
Do not multiply Ko-fi by team seats. Compare the earning type, eligible monthly sales, processor cost, and tax responsibility.
DriverWhy it mattersNext check
Earning typeEligible one-time tips and shop or recurring sales can follow different Ko-fi fee rules.Map tips, memberships, commissions, and shop sales separately.
$240 break-evenFive percent of $240 equals the $12 Gold monthly price.Use eligible shop sales, not total creator income.
Processor and taxKo-fi fees are not the total payment or compliance cost.Confirm PayPal or Stripe pricing and seller tax duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ko-fi cost in 2026?
Ko-fi Free is $0/month. Eligible shop sales, memberships, monthly tips, and commissions can carry a 5% Ko-fi fee. Ko-fi Gold is $12/month with a 0% Ko-fi platform fee. PayPal or Stripe processing fees are separate.
When does Ko-fi Gold cost less than the Free shop fee?
Five percent of $240 is $12, so the fee formulas meet at $240 in eligible monthly shop sales. Product fit, processor costs, and taxes still need a separate comparison.
Is Ko-fi priced by team seats?
No. Do not multiply Ko-fi pricing by team size. Compare earning type and eligible monthly sales instead.
Not sure about Ko-fi?
Compare alternatives or read our in-depth review.