Choosing NFC tap-to-give hardware without hidden fees is critical for church budgets. Tap.Giving provides custom NFC plates that open your existing giving page for a one-time cost, with zero monthly or transaction fees. This guide covers hardware costs, fee structures, processor charges, and platform compatibility to help you select the right solution.
NFC Hardware Costs
NFC hardware cost is the upfront price you pay for the physical tap plates or tags. For churches, this is often the only expense associated with the technology. Tap.Giving offers custom-branded plates starting at $3.50 per unit for bulk orders of 400 or more. Smaller orders of 100 to 199 plates cost $5.00 each, while mid-range orders of 200 to 399 cost $4.00 each. These prices include free shipping and custom artwork design.
One-Time Investment vs. Recurring Costs
Unlike software subscriptions, hardware is a one-time investment. A 200-seat church ordering 200 plates pays $800 total. This cost covers the durable PVC plates, NFC chips, and mounting hardware. There are no setup fees or annual renewal charges for the hardware itself. The plates are built to last, with waterproof and dustproof construction that withstands daily use in sanctuary environments.
Comparing Hardware Vendors
When evaluating vendors, look for transparent pricing. Some competitors require sales calls to provide quotes, while Tap.Giving publishes all tiers on its pricing page. This transparency allows finance committees to calculate exact totals in under 30 seconds. The hardware itself is a commodity part, but the business model behind it determines the long-term value.
No Monthly Fees
Monthly fees are recurring charges for software access or platform maintenance. Tap.Giving charges no monthly fees for its NFC plates. The cost stops the day the plates ship. This is a significant difference from software-based giving platforms that charge ongoing subscription fees. For a church, avoiding monthly fees means the budget remains predictable and free from annual price increases.
The Hidden Cost of Subscriptions
Optional Redirect Services
Payment Processor Fees
Payment processor fees are the charges applied by the financial institution that handles the transaction. Tap.Giving does not take a cut of donations. The plates are hardware only and do not process payments. Donations flow through the giving platform your church already uses, such as Tithely, Pushpay, or Givelify. You pay the standard processing fees to your existing provider, but Tap.Giving adds no additional transaction fee.
Understanding Processing Costs
Most giving platforms charge a percentage of each gift plus a fixed fee. For example, a common rate is 2.9% plus $0.30 per card transaction. These fees are necessary to cover credit card network charges and fraud prevention. Tap.Giving does not alter these rates. By using your existing platform, you maintain your current processing agreements. This ensures that no double-dipping on fees occurs.
Why Hardware Does Not Charge Transaction Fees
Hardware vendors do not handle money, so they cannot charge transaction fees. The NFC plate acts as a shortcut to a web page. The actual payment is processed by the bank or payment gateway. This separation of duties ensures that the hardware provider has no incentive to increase fees. It also means that if you switch giving platforms in the future, your plates continue to work without any penalty or new fee structure.
Platform Compatibility
Platform compatibility refers to the ability of the NFC hardware to work with various giving software providers. Tap.Giving plates are compatible with any giving platform that has a web URL. This includes major providers like Tithely, Pushpay, Givelify, Donorbox, Subsplash, and Planning Center. The plate is programmed with your specific giving link, so it opens exactly where you want it to.
Works With Any Giving Page
There is no API integration or SDK required. The connection is simple: you provide the URL, and we encode it onto the chip. This means you do not need to switch providers to use Tap.Giving. If you are happy with your current platform, keep it. If you decide to change later, you can update the redirect link without buying new plates. This flexibility is a key advantage over platform-specific hardware.
Comparison of Compatibility
| Feature | Tap.Giving | Platform-Specific Hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Works with Tithely | Yes | Yes (Tithely only) |
| Works with Pushpay | Yes | Yes (Pushpay only) |
| Works with Givelify | Yes | Yes (Givelify only) |
| Switching Platforms | Update URL, no new hardware | Buy new hardware |
| Monthly Fee | No | Often Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Tap.Giving 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.
- The hardware works with any giving platform that has a web URL.
- Payment processing fees are paid to your existing provider, not Tap.Giving.
- Custom artwork and design proofs are included free with every order.
- The optional redirect dashboard is free for orders of 400+ plates.
- Plates are durable, waterproof, and built to last for years.
- Free shipping is included on all orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tap.Giving plates require a monthly subscription?
No. Tap.Giving charges a one-time cost for the hardware. There are no monthly fees, annual renewals, or hidden charges. You pay once, and the plates work indefinitely.
Can I use Tap.Giving plates with my existing giving platform?
Yes. The plates are programmed with your existing giving URL. They work with Tithely, Pushpay, Givelify, Donorbox, Subsplash, and any other platform that provides a web link.
Does Tap.Giving take a percentage of donations?
No. Tap.Giving does not process payments and does not take a cut of donations. All payment processing fees are paid directly to your existing giving provider.
What happens if I switch giving platforms in the future?
You can update the URL on your plates without buying new hardware. With the optional redirect dashboard, you can change the destination link instantly. This ensures your investment remains valuable even if your software changes.
How much do the plates cost?
Pricing is volume-based. Orders of 100 to 199 plates cost $5.00 each. Orders of 200 to 399 cost $4.00 each. Orders of 400 or more cost $3.50 each. All prices include free shipping and custom design.
Do donors need to download an app to use the plates?
No. Donors simply tap their phone on the plate. This opens your giving page in their browser. No app download or account creation is required for the tap action itself.