How Ko-fi pays creators in 2026
⚡ Quick answerKo-fi is free to join. On the Free option, one-time tips have a 0% fee and shop sales, memberships, monthly tips and commissions have a 5% fee. Standard mode charges 5% on everything, and Ko-fi Gold ($12/month for new users) makes it 0%. PayPal or Stripe fees apply on top.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Followers | None | ✓ Official source |
| Payments | Connect PayPal or Stripe | ✓ Official source |
Revenue streams
One-time tips
0% (Free) or 5% (Standard)
✓ Official source
Memberships, shop, commissions, monthly tips
5% service fee
✓ Official source
Ko-fi Gold
$12/month for 0% service fees
✓ Official source
Payouts & fees
Payments go straight to your PayPal or Stripe account. Processor fees are "typically around 3% + $0.30" per Ko-fi.
Note: Memberships that started before you joined Gold keep the 5% fee.
Official sources
Last checked Oct 14, 2026. Platforms change rules often; always confirm on the official page. Badge key: ✓ Official source = confirmed on the platform's own page; Secondary = only third-party reports found; Unverified = not confirmed.
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