Ko-fi vs Patreon
type: Article
description: Ko-fi charges 0% platform fees on tips and payments (only processing fees apply), while Patreon takes a 8% cut from membership revenue plus payment processing fees. Ko-fi is better for creators seeking maximum earnings, while Patreon offers more sophisticated membership tier tools and audience analytics.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-09T14:33:57.649Z
date created: 2026-07-09T14:33:57.649Z
date modified: 2026-07-09T14:33:58.338Z
content reference time: 2026-07-09T14:33:58.338Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Ko-fi
about: Patreon
abstract: Ko-fi charges 0% platform fees on tips and payments (only processing fees apply), while Patreon takes a 8% cut from membership revenue plus payment processing fees. Ko-fi is better for creators seeking maximum earnings, while Patreon offers more sophisticated membership tier tools and audience analytics.
text: Platform Fee on Membership Revenue. Payment Processing Fee. Membership Tier Customization. Analytics & Audience Insights. Creator Community Size. Content Monetization Options. Minimum Payout Threshold
conclusion text: Choose Ko-fi if you want to maximize earnings with zero platform fees, prefer simplicity, and need quick payouts ($5 minimum). Choose Patreon if you're building a premium membership community with multiple tiers, need detailed audience analytics, and want a platform optimized specifically for recurring subscriptions rather than multi-purpose monetization.
additional property: Platform Fee on Digital Products
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 5% | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Platform Fee on Memberships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 0% | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Platform Fee on Tips/Donations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 0% | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fee (Stripe/PayPal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 2.2% + $0.30 | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Minimum Payout Amount
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: $1 | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Built-in Analytics Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Basic (sales, revenue, top products) | Patreon: N/A
additional property: API Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Limited endpoints | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Community Discovery Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Shop browsing, creator profiles, category feeds | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Platform Fee on $1,000 Monthly Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: $50 (5% of revenue) | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fees
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 2.2% + $0.20 per transaction | Patreon: 3-5% (varies by region)
additional property: Email Inbox Placement Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 90-95% | Patreon: ~80-85% (standard email system)
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Maximum Custom Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Unlimited | Patreon: Unlimited
additional property: Minimum Membership Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: $1/month | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Native Shop/Products Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Yes—digital & physical shop with inventory | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Estimated Active Creator Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: ~50,000+ creators | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Monthly Active Users (Audience)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: ~2-3 million monthly | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Minimum Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: $0 | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Commission on Sales
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 0% | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Email Subscriber Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Unlimited | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 5 minutes | Patreon: 48-72 hours
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Newsletter Automation Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Basic scheduling only | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Unlimited custom tiers | Patreon: N/A
additional property: API Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Limited third-party integrations only | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Annual Investment (Entry Level)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: $0 | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 2.9% + $0.30 | Patreon: 2-3%
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Free Tier Subscriber Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Unlimited | Patreon: Patreon Plus required ($8/month) for full features
additional property: Email Marketing Analytics Metrics
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 3 (opens, subscribers, sales) | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Monetization Methods Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 5 (tips, memberships, shop, commissions, donations) | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Total Active Creators
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 2.5 | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Email Automation Workflows
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Basic (welcome series, manual triggers) | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Monetization Methods
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 4 (memberships, tips, shop, commissions) | Patreon: 1 (memberships/subscriptions focused)
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Platform Fee Structure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 0% platform fee | Patreon: 8% platform fee
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Payment Processing Fee (Card)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 3.5% + $0.20 | Patreon: 2.9% + $0.30
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Minimum Payout Threshold
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: $5 | Patreon: $25
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Maximum Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 3-5 tiers recommended | Patreon: Unlimited custom tiers
additional property: Monthly Active Users/Creators
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: ~5 million monthly users | Patreon: ~1.5 million monthly creators
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Analytics Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Basic dashboard (revenue, member count) | Patreon: Advanced (retention, churn, demographics, goals)
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Platform Fee on Primary Monetization
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 5% on tips | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Creator Base Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 1M+ creators | Patreon: 2.8M creators
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Email Deliverability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Requires third-party integrations | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Monetization Options Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 5+ (tips, shop, memberships, commissions, downloads) | Patreon: 5 (tiers, tips, merchandise, goals, DMs)
additional property: Algorithmic Discovery Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: None—relies on direct traffic | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Content Type Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Visual art, music, digital products, text | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Payout Frequency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Weekly (automatic) or on-demand | Patreon: Monthly (1st of following month)
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Social Media Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Discord, limited social linking | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Free Tier Transaction Limits
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Unlimited | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Customization - Custom CSS
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: Available | Patreon: N/A
additional property: Platform Fee Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 0% | Patreon: 8% + payment processing (2.2% + $0.30)
  value reference: Ko-fi
additional property: Average Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Ko-fi: 10-15 minutes | Patreon: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/ko-fi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/ko-fi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/patreon
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/patreon
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/ko-fi-vs-patreon)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/ko-fi-vs-patreon)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ko-fi-vs-patreon
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ko-fi-vs-gumroad
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-ghost
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ko-fi-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/memberful-vs-patreon
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-convertkit
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-buy-me-a-coffee
teaches: How to choose between Ko-fi and Patreon
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Ko-fi
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: Ko Fi
language: en-US
description: All-in-one creator monetization platform with zero platform fees on all transactions.
subject of: Ko-fi vs Patreon

Patreon
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Membership platform connecting creators with fans through recurring pledges and exclusive content.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Patreon
subject of: Ko-fi vs Patreon
image: ImageObject
  caption: Patreon

Ko-fi vs Patreon — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Ko-fi vs Patreon. Contains 96 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Platform Fee on Digital Products
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Platform Fee on Memberships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Platform Fee on Tips/Donations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Payment Processing Fee (Stripe/PayPal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Minimum Payout Amount
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Built-in Analytics Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: API Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Developer
variable measured: Community Discovery Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Platform Fee on $1,000 Monthly Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing & Fees
variable measured: Payment Processing Fees
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Costs & Pricing
variable measured: Email Inbox Placement Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Email Delivery
variable measured: Maximum Custom Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features & Customization
variable measured: Minimum Membership Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Monetization
variable measured: Native Shop/Products Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Estimated Active Creator Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Monthly Active Users (Audience)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Reach
variable measured: Minimum Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Commission on Sales
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Email Subscriber Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Implementation
variable measured: Newsletter Automation Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Monetization
variable measured: API Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Annual Investment (Entry Level)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: Payment Processing Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial
variable measured: Free Tier Subscriber Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Email Marketing Analytics Metrics
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Analytics
variable measured: Monetization Methods Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Total Active Creators
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Email Automation Workflows
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Email Features
variable measured: Monetization Methods
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Platform Fee Structure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Payment Processing Fee (Card)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Minimum Payout Threshold
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payouts
variable measured: Maximum Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Monthly Active Users/Creators
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Analytics Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Analytics
variable measured: Platform Fee on Primary Monetization
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Creator Base Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Email Deliverability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Monetization Options Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Algorithmic Discovery Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Discovery
variable measured: Content Type Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Payout Frequency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payouts
variable measured: Social Media Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Free Tier Transaction Limits
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Customization - Custom CSS
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customization
variable measured: Platform Fee Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Monetization Costs
variable measured: Average Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Membership Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Digital Product Sales
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Platform Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Data Ownership
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Control
variable measured: Built-in Community Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Payment Payout Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payments
variable measured: Monthly Subscriber Management Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scalability
variable measured: Native Mobile App
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Total Effective Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Community Post Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Setup Time Estimate
variable measured: Multi-Platform Compatibility
variable measured: Platform Commission on Paid Subscriptions
variable measured: Creator Retains of Revenue
variable measured: Monthly Active Users (Platform)
variable measured: Subscriber Data Ownership
variable measured: Organic Discovery Potential
variable measured: Setup Complexity
variable measured: Median Creator Monthly Revenue
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ko-fi-vs-patreon)

Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Ko-fi vs Patreon.
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Developer
has defined term: Pricing & Fees
has defined term: Costs & Pricing
has defined term: Email Delivery
has defined term: Features & Customization
has defined term: Monetization
has defined term: Community
has defined term: Reach
has defined term: Implementation
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Financial
has defined term: Analytics
has defined term: Email Features
has defined term: Payouts
has defined term: Scale
has defined term: Discovery
has defined term: Customization
has defined term: Monetization Costs
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Data Control
has defined term: Payments
has defined term: Scalability
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Ease of Use
has defined term: Flexibility
has defined term: Audience & Reach
has defined term: Creator Control
has defined term: Earnings
has defined term: Compatibility
has defined term: Audience Engagement
has defined term: Branding
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Community & Scale
has defined term: Revenue & Earnings
has defined term: Payment Options
has defined term: Content Flexibility
has defined term: Revenue Streams
has defined term: Growth Tools
has defined term: Audience Size
has defined term: Control
has defined term: Revenue
has defined term: Global Reach

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing & Fees
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-&-fees
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Costs & Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: costs-&-pricing
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Email Delivery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: email-delivery
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features & Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features-&-customization
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Monetization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: monetization
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reach
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Implementation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: implementation
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Analytics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: analytics
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Email Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: email-features
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Payouts
type: DefinedTerm
term code: payouts
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Discovery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: discovery
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customization
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Monetization Costs
type: DefinedTerm
term code: monetization-costs
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-control
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Payments
type: DefinedTerm
term code: payments
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scalability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scalability
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ease of Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ease-of-use
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: flexibility
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience & Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience-&-reach
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Creator Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creator-control
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Earnings
type: DefinedTerm
term code: earnings
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compatibility
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience-engagement
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Branding
type: DefinedTerm
term code: branding
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community & Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community-&-scale
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue & Earnings
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-&-earnings
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Payment Options
type: DefinedTerm
term code: payment-options
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-flexibility
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Streams
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-streams
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth-tools
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience Size
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience-size
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: control
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-reach
in defined term set: Ko-fi vs Patreon — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-09T14:33:58.338Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: ko-fi-vs-patreon)
main entity: How much money will I actually keep on Ko-fi vs Patreon?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: On a $100 membership: Ko-fi takes 3.5% + $0.20 processing fee = you keep $96.30. Patreon takes 8% platform fee + 2.9% + $0.30 processing = you keep $88.41. Ko-fi puts ~$8 more in your pocket per $100 earned. Over a year with $12,000 in memberships, Ko-fi creators earn ~$960 more than Patreon creators.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I use both Ko-fi and Patreon at the same time?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, many creators use both platforms simultaneously. Ko-fi typically serves as the primary tip/shop platform with optional membership, while Patreon handles serious membership communities. This diversifies income and lets supporters choose their preferred platform. However, managing two platforms requires double the admin work.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform has better discovery for new creators?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Patreon has a more developed creator discovery algorithm and recommendation system, making it easier for new subscribers to find you. Ko-fi has 3x more monthly users but less sophisticated recommendation features. Ko-fi relies more on you driving traffic externally (social media, community).
    language: en-US
main entity: What happens if I have irregular income—which is better?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Ko-fi's $5 minimum payout threshold and weekly payouts make it ideal for irregular income—you can withdraw money frequently as you earn it. Patreon's $25 minimum and monthly payout schedule means you may wait weeks to reach threshold. Ko-fi is significantly better for creators with unpredictable earnings patterns.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform is easier to set up for beginners?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Ko-fi is simpler—you can set up a basic membership in 15 minutes with minimal configuration. Patreon requires more upfront setup (building tier descriptions, perks, rewards structure) but provides guided onboarding. Ko-fi is better for creators who want to start immediately; Patreon is better for those planning a sophisticated membership strategy.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Ko-fi and Patreon
type: HowTo
description: Ko-fi charges 0% platform fees on tips and payments (only processing fees apply), while Patreon takes a 8% cut from membership revenue plus payment processing fees. Ko-fi is better for creators seeking maximum earnings, while Patreon offers more sophisticated membership tier tools and audience analytics.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Platform Fee on Membership Revenue
step: Consider: Payment Processing Fee
step: Consider: Membership Tier Customization
step: Consider: Analytics & Audience Insights
step: Consider: Creator Community Size
step: Consider: Content Monetization Options
step: Consider: Minimum Payout Threshold
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Ko-fi if you want to maximize earnings with zero platform fees, prefer simplicity, and need quick payouts ($5 minimum). Choose Patreon if you're building a premium membership community with multiple tiers, need detailed audience analytics, and want a platform optimized specifically for recurring subscriptions rather than multi-purpose monetization.

Consider: Platform Fee on Membership Revenue
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Platform Fee on Membership Revenue: Ko-fi has 0%, while Patreon has 8%.

Consider: Payment Processing Fee
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Payment Processing Fee: Ko-fi has 3.5% + $0.20 (Stripe default), while Patreon has 2.9% + $0.30 (card) / 5% (PayPal).

Consider: Membership Tier Customization
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Membership Tier Customization: Ko-fi has Basic tier support, while Patreon has Unlimited custom tiers with perks.

Consider: Analytics & Audience Insights
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Analytics & Audience Insights: Ko-fi has Limited basic dashboard, while Patreon has Detailed revenue, retention, demographics.

Consider: Creator Community Size
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Creator Community Size: Ko-fi has ~5 million monthly users, while Patreon has ~1.5 million monthly creators.

Consider: Content Monetization Options
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Content Monetization Options: Ko-fi has Tips, shop, memberships, commissions, while Patreon has Memberships, posts, audio, video focus.

Consider: Minimum Payout Threshold
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Minimum Payout Threshold: Ko-fi has $5 USD, while Patreon has $25 USD.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Ko-fi vs Patreon
review body: Ko-fi charges 0% platform fees on tips and payments (only processing fees apply), while Patreon takes a 8% cut from membership revenue plus payment processing fees. Ko-fi is better for creators seeking maximum earnings, while Patreon offers more sophisticated membership tier tools and audience analytics.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Ko-fi vs Patreon

Membership Feature
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: Advanced with recurring billing | Patreon: N/A

Digital Product Sales
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: Full-featured shop included | Patreon: N/A

Platform Fee
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 5% + payment fees (7.55% total average)

Data Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Platform-owned; limited export capability

Built-in Community Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Posts, messaging, polls, Discord sync

Customization Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Limited; template-based

Payment Payout Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Monthly cycle + 14-day hold

Monthly Subscriber Management Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Unlimited (all tiers)

Native Mobile App
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: iOS & Android apps available

Total Effective Fee
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 7-8%

Community Post Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Posts, comments, media galleries, polls

Setup Time Estimate
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 40

Multi-Platform Compatibility
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Yes, but exclusivity encouraged

Platform Commission on Paid Subscriptions
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 5-12% (5% Stripe, 12% PayPal)

Creator Retains of Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 88-95%

Monthly Active Users (Platform)
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 3+ million monthly visitors

Subscriber Data Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Patreon owns data; limited direct contact

Organic Discovery Potential
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: High (creator feed, categories, trending)

Setup Complexity
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Moderate—tier customization, perk management, integration setup required

Median Creator Monthly Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: $500-$2,000

Active Creators on Platform
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 250K+

Payment Processor Options
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 2 (Stripe + PayPal)

WordPress Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Embed option; limited native sync

Community Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Patron chat, Discord integration, polls, exclusive channels, member-only posts

White-Label Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Limited; Patreon branding mandatory

API Access Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Basic API with limitations on customization

Active Monthly Patrons/Supporters
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 250M+ monthly patrons

Maximum Monthly Tier Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: $9,999/month per tier (unlimited tiers)

Setup Time to Go Live
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 30-60 minutes

Content Management Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Posts, DMs, polls, exclusive content, video uploads, scheduling

Member Communication Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Direct messages, community feed, Discord integration

Mobile App Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: iOS and Android native apps

Active Creator Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 250,000+

Median Monthly Creator Earnings
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: $1,200

Initial Setup Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 30-45 minutes

Native Content Posting Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Posts, exclusive feeds, DMs, polls, live streams

Payment Methods Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Stripe, PayPal, regional options

Supported Content Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Video, audio, podcasts, art, music, writing, gaming, photography

Monetization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Memberships, tips, paid posts, merchandise, sponsorships

Platform Discovery Algorithm
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Limited—minimal algorithmic discovery, relies on external promotion

Creator Earnings Threshold for Payment
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: $1 minimum payout

Setup Time to Launch
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: ~5 minutes

Monthly Active Platform Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 6+ million monthly patrons

Data Portability & Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Limited; patron data siloed on platform

Supported Monetization Methods
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 4 methods (memberships, tips, shop, early access)

Countries Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: 190+ countries with local payment methods

Email Newsletter Automation Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Ko-fi: N/A | Patreon: Basic email to patrons only

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

Ko-fi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Patreon — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Ko-fi vs Patreon
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ko-fi-vs-patreon)
object: Ko-fi
object: Patreon

Setup Time Estimate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Multi-Platform Compatibility
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Flexibility

Platform Commission on Paid Subscriptions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Fees

Creator Retains of Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Fees

Monthly Active Users (Platform)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audience & Reach

Subscriber Data Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Creator Control

Organic Discovery Potential
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audience & Reach

Setup Complexity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Median Creator Monthly Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Earnings

Active Creators on Platform
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Payment Processor Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Payments

WordPress Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

Community Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audience Engagement

White-Label Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Branding

API Access Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

Active Monthly Patrons/Supporters
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale

Maximum Monthly Tier Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Setup Time to Go Live
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Content Management Tools
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Member Communication Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Mobile App Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

Active Creator Base
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community & Scale

Median Monthly Creator Earnings
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Revenue & Earnings

Initial Setup Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Implementation

Native Content Posting Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features & Customization

Payment Methods Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Payment Options

Supported Content Types
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content Flexibility

Monetization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Revenue Streams

Platform Discovery Algorithm
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Growth Tools

Creator Earnings Threshold for Payment
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Setup Time to Launch
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Monthly Active Platform Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audience Size

Data Portability & Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Control

Supported Monetization Methods
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Revenue

Countries Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Reach

Email Newsletter Automation Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features