Churches can eliminate recurring NFC hardware costs by purchasing one-time tap plates that work with existing giving platforms. Tap.Giving provides custom NFC plates starting at $3.50 per unit with zero monthly or transaction fees. This guide covers hardware costs, the reality of no-fee models, and how payment processor fees actually work.
NFC Hardware Costs
NFC hardware cost is the upfront price paid for the physical tap plates or tags used to trigger a giving page. For most churches, this is a one-time investment rather than a recurring subscription. Tap.Giving plates are priced between $3.50 and $5.00 per unit depending on the order quantity. A 100-plate order costs $500 total, while a 400-plate order costs $1,400. This pricing structure allows churches to equip their entire sanctuary without a significant capital outlay.
Volume Pricing Tiers
Tap.Giving uses a tiered pricing model that rewards larger orders. The starter package for 100 to 199 plates is $5.00 per plate. The full sanctuary package for 200 to 399 plates is $4.00 per plate. The best value tier for 400 or more plates is $3.50 per plate. Every tier includes free shipping and custom branding with the church's logo and colors.
Hardware Durability and Lifespan
NFC plates are made from durable laminated PVC with a thickness of 0.85mm. They are waterproof and dustproof, designed to withstand daily wear in a church environment. Unlike electronic kiosks or tablets, NFC plates have no batteries or moving parts. This means they do not require software updates or hardware replacements for years. The hardware cost is a true one-time expense that lasts for the life of the seating.
No Monthly Fees
No monthly fees means the church pays nothing to the NFC hardware provider after the initial purchase. Tap.Giving does not charge any recurring subscription, setup, or maintenance fees. The cost stops the day the plates ship. This is a critical distinction from many software-based giving platforms that require ongoing monthly payments to keep the hardware functional.
Hardware vs. Software Subscriptions
Platform Flexibility and Lock-in
Tap.Giving plates are not locked to a single giving platform. Each plate is simply an NFC chip storing a URL. If a church switches giving platforms in the future, the plates continue to work. The church can update the URL destination without reprinting the hardware. This flexibility ensures that the one-time hardware investment remains valuable regardless of future software decisions.
Payment Processor Fees
Payment processor fees are the transaction costs charged by the financial institution that handles the credit card or bank transfer. Tap.Giving does not charge any transaction fees. All payment processing stays with the church's existing giving platform. The church pays the standard processing fees to its current provider, such as 2.9% plus $0.30 per card gift. Tap.Giving adds no additional layer of fees on top of these standard costs.
How Tap.Giving Avoids Transaction Fees
Tap.Giving plates do not process payments. They simply open the church's giving page in the donor's phone browser. The donor then completes the gift using their existing payment method on the church's giving platform. Because Tap.Giving is not involved in the payment transaction, it does not take a cut of the donation. This keeps the total cost of giving as low as possible for the church.
Comparison of Cost Models
| Cost Component | Tap.Giving | Typical Software Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Cost | $3.50 to $5.00 per plate, one-time | Often bundled with subscription |
| Transaction Fee | $0 (uses existing platform) | Standard processing fees apply |
| Platform Lock-in | None (works with any URL) | Often locked to specific platform |
Key Takeaways
- Tap.Giving NFC plates cost $3.50 to $5.00 per unit as a one-time purchase.
- There are no monthly fees, setup fees, or transaction fees from Tap.Giving.
- Plates work with any existing giving platform, including Tithely, Pushpay, and Givelify.
- NFC hardware is durable, waterproof, and requires no batteries or software updates.
- Churches can update the plate destination URL without reprinting the hardware.
- Payment processing fees are paid only to the church's existing giving platform.
- Tap.Giving offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all orders.
- The one-time cost model is significantly cheaper than software subscriptions over five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tap.Giving plates require a monthly subscription?
No. Tap.Giving plates are a one-time purchase with no monthly fees. You pay for the hardware once and use it forever without any recurring charges from Tap.Giving.
Do Tap.Giving plates charge transaction fees?
No. Tap.Giving does not process payments and does not charge any transaction fees. All payment processing fees are paid to the church's existing giving platform.
Which giving platforms do Tap.Giving plates work with?
Tap.Giving plates work with any giving platform that has a web URL. This includes Tithely, Pushpay, Givelify, Donorbox, Subsplash, Planning Center, and many others.
What is the minimum order for Tap.Giving plates?
The minimum order is 100 plates. This allows churches to equip a reasonable number of seats while keeping the initial investment manageable.
Can I change the URL on my Tap.Giving plates later?
Yes. Tap.Giving offers a smart redirect dashboard that allows you to re-point every plate to a new URL instantly without reprinting the hardware. This is free for the first year on any order.
Are Tap.Giving plates durable enough for church use?
Yes. The plates are made from durable laminated PVC that is waterproof and dustproof. They are designed to withstand daily wear and tear in a church environment for many years.
Do donors need to download an app to use Tap.Giving plates?
No. Donors simply tap their phone on the plate, and their browser opens the church's giving page. No app download or account creation is required.