Starts atFree; Gold $12/mo
- Free plan
Head-to-head
Ko-fi vs Patreon: which fan support platform fits a YouTube or TikTok creator?
At a glance
Starts atFree, 10% fee
- Free plan
Both are free to start. Ko-fi takes 0% on one-time tips and 5% on memberships, shop sales and commissions. Ko-fi Gold costs $12/month and drops the service fee to 0%. Patreon takes 10% of what you earn, plus payment processing, currency conversion and payout fees. Ko-fi keeps more of your money at every level we checked.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Ko-fi | Patreon |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | Free, no monthly charges | Free, you pay when you earn |
| Fee on tips | 0% on one-time tips (free plan) | 10% (one-time payments are supported) |
| Fee on memberships | 5% free plan; 0% on Gold | 10% |
| Paid upgrade | Gold: $12/month, 0% service fee | None; 10% fee on new creator plans, plus processing fees |
| Other fees | Standard payment processor fees. No buyer, payout or marketing fees | Payment processing, currency conversion, payout fees and taxes |
| Getting paid | Directly to your own payment method. Ko-fi never holds your money | Not covered in our check |
| Community tools | Supporter-only posts and scheduled posts on Gold | Chats, DMs, comments, newsletters, native video and livestreams |
What you keep on $300 of memberships
On Patreon, 10% is $30, before processing and payout fees. On Ko-fi's free plan, 5% is $15. On Ko-fi Gold, you pay $12 for the month and a 0% service fee. Processing fees apply on both sites.
Which one for a Shorts creator?
- Tip link in your TikTok or YouTube bio: Ko-fi free, 0% on one-time tips.
- Memberships earning over $240 a month: Ko-fi Gold, since 5% would pass $12.
- Want members to watch, chat and get newsletters in one app: Patreon.
Common questions
Does Ko-fi have a free plan?
Yes. Ko-fi pricing: Free; Gold $12/mo. Prices change, so check the official site.
Does Patreon have a free plan?
Yes. Patreon pricing: Free, 10% fee. Prices change, so check the official site.
Which is better, Ko-fi or Patreon?
Pick Ko-fi if you want the lowest fees, tips with 0% service fee, and payouts straight to your own payment method. Pick Patreon if you want a full membership home with video, livestreams, chats and newsletters, and accept a 10% fee.
Related: Buy Me a Coffee vs Ko-fi, tips and fan support tools, tools to sell digital products.
Sources: ko-fi.com/pricing, patreon.com/pricing. Checked on 15 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.