Payments Setup Guide

The Payments section in WeGive allows your organization to manage how you accept donations and payments through your fundraising tools. Whether you're using WeGive's native processor or connecting your own Stripe account, this section centralizes your setup, fees, and integration options.

What Is the Payments Feature?

The Payments feature enables you to:

• Apply for payment processing through WeGive

• Connect your own Stripe account

• Enable third-party payment methods like PayPal or Venmo

• View your processing rates and platform fees

• Manage payout and underwriting details

Where to Find It

1. Go to the Settings tab.

2. Click on Payments.

This opens your organization's payment processing settings.

Option 1: Apply for WeGive Payment Processing

If you choose to use WeGive's native processor (underwritten through Payrix or Finix), you can apply directly within the dashboard.

Why Choose WeGive Payment Processing?

Interchange-Plus Pricing: Nonprofits qualify for special charity-category interchange rates (MCC 8398) that are significantly lower than standard rates. With WeGive Processing, you pay the actual interchange rate plus a small transparent markup—rather than a bundled rate like 2.9% + 30¢. This means more of every donation goes to your mission. For detailed rate information, see our Interchange Rates Guide.

Multiple Processor Waterfall: If a legitimate payment fails with one processor, WeGive can automatically retry through a backup processor. This reduces failed recurring donations and improves donor retention.

Token Vault & Recurring Migration: WeGive maintains a secure token vault for payment methods, making recurring donation management and payout reconciliation seamless. If you're migrating from another platform, WeGive handles the transfer of your recurring payment methods.

Full Feature Access: Processing with WeGive unlocks all platform features out of the box, including one-click checkout for recognized donors.

Flexibility: You're never locked in. You can switch processors at any time with a click of a button.

Step 1: Begin Application

• Under WeGive Underwriting Application, click Continue Application.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by the processor, and you'll be notified when you are approved.

WeGive Payment Processing Fees

Under WeGive Payment Processing Rates, you'll see the following:

• Standard card rate

• Amex rate

• International card rate

• ACH (bank transfer) rate

• Platform fee

• Any special "Big Login" or custom rates applicable to your account

If you have any questions about these rates, you can click the Contact Sales link for support.

Option 2: Connect Your Own Stripe Account

If you already use Stripe and would like to retain control of your own merchant account:

Step 1: Click "Connect Stripe Account"

• Enter your Stripe credentials to log in and authenticate.

Key Considerations

• With Stripe connected, you manage your own processing relationship and processing rates directly.

• WeGive will route transactions to your Stripe account but does not act as the intermediary.

• This option is helpful if you already have an existing direct Stripe merchant account or want to enable Google or Apple Pay (only available through Stripe).

Important: Sub-Merchant Stripe Accounts

If your current Stripe account is owned by another platform (such as Classy's "ClassyPay," Bloomerang, or similar white-labeled payment solutions), you cannot use that account with WeGive. These are sub-merchant relationships where the platform—not your organization—controls the merchant account.

In this case, you have two options:

1. Apply for WeGive Payment Processing (recommended) – Get access to charity interchange rates and all WeGive features

2. Create a new direct Stripe account – Establish your own merchant relationship with Stripe

Dedicated Stripe Account for WeGive

Even if you have an existing direct Stripe account, you may need to set up a dedicated Stripe account for WeGive. This ensures:

• WeGive's token vault has access to payment tokens for managing recurring donations

• Easier payout reconciliation from WeGive transactions

• Clean separation between WeGive transactions and other payment activity

Other Processing Options

You can also configure additional payment methods to offer donors more flexibility:

PayPal and Venmo

• Enter your PayPal ID in the field provided.

• Click Verify PayPal to complete setup.

Apple Pay and Google Pay

• These are supported only through Stripe.

• You can use Stripe exclusively for Apple/Google Pay, even if WeGive's processor is your default for cards and ACH.

Hybrid Setup Example

You can:

• Use WeGive's processor as your primary payment gateway (for cards and ACH)

• Use Stripe only to enable Apple Pay and Google Pay

This provides the best of both worlds—interchange-plus pricing and processor waterfall through WeGive, plus support for additional wallet-based payments through Stripe.

Please reach out to WeGive support to set this option up properly.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Best Practices

• Review your rates: Understand the difference between bundled rates and interchange-plus pricing to maximize dollars to your mission.

• Plan your migration: If switching from another platform, coordinate with WeGive support to ensure smooth payment method migration.

• Verify banking information: Always confirm your payout and banking details are accurate before launching campaigns.

• Consider hybrid setup: If you need Apple Pay/Google Pay but want WeGive's pricing benefits, ask about our hybrid configuration.