Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with donation tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Versatile accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church finances, payroll, and customizable fund tracking.
- 3#3: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church management system featuring integrated accounting, contributions, and payroll for small to mid-sized churches.
- 4#4: Servant Keeper - Church database software with fund accounting, online giving integration, and detailed financial reports.
- 5#5: CDM+ - Modular church administration software with advanced general ledger, accounts payable, and fund accounting capabilities.
- 6#6: Church Windows - Windows-based accounting software designed for churches handling contributions, expenses, and multi-fund management.
- 7#7: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church management with accounting module for tracking giving, budgets, and expenses.
- 8#8: The Master's Plan - Church-specific accounting software offering fund accounting, payroll, and ministry-focused financial tools.
- 9#9: Blackbaud - Enterprise-level fundraising and financial management software for larger churches and nonprofits with robust reporting.
- 10#10: Xero - Cloud accounting software suitable for small churches with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking.
We ranked these tools based on specialized features (e.g., fund accounting, payroll integration), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to churches of all sizes, from small congregations to larger organizations with complex financial needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top church finance software options, including Aplos, QuickBooks Online, PowerChurch Plus, Servant Keeper, CDM+, and more, to assist church leaders in informed decision-making. It outlines key features, pricing models, and unique capabilities, helping readers understand how each tool aligns with their organization’s budgeting, tithe tracking, or reporting needs. Whether seeking simplicity, robust accounting, or specialized church functions, this guide simplifies the process by comparing how each software performs in real-world church financial workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with donation tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Versatile accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church finances, payroll, and customizable fund tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 3 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive church management system featuring integrated accounting, contributions, and payroll for small to mid-sized churches. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Servant Keeper Church database software with fund accounting, online giving integration, and detailed financial reports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | CDM+ Modular church administration software with advanced general ledger, accounts payable, and fund accounting capabilities. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Church Windows Windows-based accounting software designed for churches handling contributions, expenses, and multi-fund management. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church management with accounting module for tracking giving, budgets, and expenses. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | The Master's Plan Church-specific accounting software offering fund accounting, payroll, and ministry-focused financial tools. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Blackbaud Enterprise-level fundraising and financial management software for larger churches and nonprofits with robust reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Xero Cloud accounting software suitable for small churches with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with donation tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Versatile accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church finances, payroll, and customizable fund tracking.
Comprehensive church management system featuring integrated accounting, contributions, and payroll for small to mid-sized churches.
Church database software with fund accounting, online giving integration, and detailed financial reports.
Modular church administration software with advanced general ledger, accounts payable, and fund accounting capabilities.
Windows-based accounting software designed for churches handling contributions, expenses, and multi-fund management.
Affordable all-in-one church management with accounting module for tracking giving, budgets, and expenses.
Church-specific accounting software offering fund accounting, payroll, and ministry-focused financial tools.
Enterprise-level fundraising and financial management software for larger churches and nonprofits with robust reporting.
Cloud accounting software suitable for small churches with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with donation tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Intelligent fund accounting that automatically balances and reports on multiple funds per nonprofit GAAP standards
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, online giving, budgeting, payroll, and comprehensive reporting. It simplifies financial management by automating tasks like donation tracking and expense categorization while ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards. Accessible from any device, it empowers church administrators to handle finances efficiently without needing accounting expertise.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for restricted/unrestricted funds
- Integrated online giving and donor database
- Intuitive dashboards and customizable reporting
- Strong customer support with nonprofit expertise
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for larger organizations
- Some advanced features require add-ons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to general accounting software
Best For
Churches and small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking an all-in-one, compliant financial solution without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $59/month (billed annually), Professional at $99/month, Enterprise custom; payroll and additional users extra.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseVersatile accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church finances, payroll, and customizable fund tracking.
Class and location tracking for simulating multi-fund church accounting
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software widely used by churches for general financial management, including income/expense tracking, invoicing, payroll, and bank reconciliations. It supports fund accounting through customizable classes and locations, allowing churches to segment tithes, offerings, and ministry funds. While not purpose-built for religious organizations, its robust tools and integrations make it a reliable choice for non-profits with moderate complexity.
Pros
- Seamless bank feeds and automated reconciliations save time on manual entry
- Custom classes and locations enable basic fund accounting for church budgets
- Strong reporting tools for financial statements and tax prep
Cons
- Lacks native donor management, pledge tracking, or church-specific reporting
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants setting up fund segregation
- Subscription pricing can be costly for small churches with limited budgets
Best For
Mid-sized churches with dedicated finance staff needing scalable, professional accounting beyond basic bookkeeping.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual discounts; add-ons like payroll extra.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive church management system featuring integrated accounting, contributions, and payroll for small to mid-sized churches.
Specialized multi-fund accounting system designed specifically for church financial structures
PowerChurch Plus is a comprehensive on-premise church management software tailored for small to medium-sized congregations, with strong emphasis on financial operations. It handles fund accounting, contribution tracking, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll, all integrated with membership and attendance modules. The Windows-based application offers customizable reporting and data import/export for seamless church administration.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no recurring fees
- Robust church-specific fund accounting and reporting
- Integrated financial and membership management
Cons
- On-premise only with no cloud or mobile access
- Windows-exclusive, limiting multi-platform use
- Dated interface with moderate learning curve
Best For
Small to medium churches needing affordable, feature-rich on-premise finance software without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $295 for Standard edition, up to $895 for Premium with payroll.
Servant Keeper
specializedChurch database software with fund accounting, online giving integration, and detailed financial reports.
Multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and seamless allocation tracking for church-specific donation management
Servant Keeper is a veteran church management software specializing in financial tools for tracking contributions, fund accounting, payroll, and budgeting tailored to nonprofit church needs. It provides robust general ledger capabilities, automated check writing, and detailed financial reporting to help church administrators manage finances efficiently. Available in both on-premise and cloud-based versions, it emphasizes reliability for long-term use in religious organizations.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting designed specifically for churches and ministries
- Powerful reporting and audit trail features for financial transparency
- Reliable customer support with extensive training resources
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less modern compared to competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Limited native integrations with popular third-party apps
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing proven, in-depth financial accounting with strong reporting for multiple funds and ministries.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$500/year for basic accounting (scales to $2,000+ with modules/users); perpetual licenses ~$1,500 one-time plus annual support ~$400.
CDM+
specializedModular church administration software with advanced general ledger, accounts payable, and fund accounting capabilities.
Unlimited multi-fund and multi-entity accounting for complex church financial structures
CDM+ is a comprehensive church management software suite from CDM Digital, with robust financial modules designed specifically for church accounting needs. It handles general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, contribution tracking, and budgeting, all integrated with membership and attendance tools. The on-premise deployment ensures data control, making it suitable for organizations prioritizing security and customization.
Pros
- Extensive financial toolkit including multi-fund accounting and detailed contribution reporting
- Highly customizable reports and forms tailored to church needs
- Strong data security with on-premise installation options
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dated interface
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native competitors
- Modular pricing can add up for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches requiring integrated on-premise financial management with advanced accounting features.
Pricing
Modular subscription starting at $150/month per module (e.g., Accounting+, Contributions+), with setup fees around $2,000-$5,000 and annual maintenance.
Church Windows
specializedWindows-based accounting software designed for churches handling contributions, expenses, and multi-fund management.
Sophisticated multi-fund accounting that seamlessly tracks restricted, unrestricted, and designated giving for church compliance
Church Windows is a longstanding on-premise church management software suite specializing in financial tools tailored for religious organizations. It provides comprehensive fund accounting, contribution tracking, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and budgeting, all integrated with membership and attendance modules. Designed for Windows desktops, it emphasizes detailed reporting and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards specific to churches.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting handles multiple designated funds and restrictions effectively
- Highly customizable reports and statements for donors and treasurers
- Perpetual licensing avoids recurring subscription fees
Cons
- Desktop-only installation lacks cloud accessibility and mobile support
- Outdated interface requires a learning curve for new users
- Limited integrations with modern online giving platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches preferring on-premise software with deep financial customization and one-time purchase options.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $995 for core accounting, additional modules $495+, with optional annual support at ~25% of license cost.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church management with accounting module for tracking giving, budgets, and expenses.
Free forever plan for small churches under 100 members, including core financial tracking
ChurchTrac is an affordable all-in-one church management software with dedicated financial tools for tracking donations, expenses, budgeting, payroll, and fund accounting. It offers online giving integration, customizable reports, and general ledger functionality tailored for small to mid-sized churches. The platform combines finance with membership, attendance, and event management for streamlined church operations.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a free plan for small churches
- Intuitive interface suitable for non-accountants
- Integrated church management reduces need for multiple tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Occasional performance issues with larger datasets
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-use solution for basic financial management and overall administration.
Pricing
Free for churches under 100 members; paid plans start at $37/month for up to 200 members, with higher tiers up to $297/month for larger congregations.
The Master's Plan
specializedChurch-specific accounting software offering fund accounting, payroll, and ministry-focused financial tools.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that automatically tracks restricted and unrestricted donations across unlimited funds
The Master's Plan is a specialized church accounting software solution designed for nonprofit religious organizations, offering robust fund-based accounting, budgeting, payroll processing, and financial reporting. It supports donor management, online giving integration, and compliance with GAAP for nonprofits. With both cloud-hosted and on-premise options, it caters to churches seeking detailed financial oversight without general-purpose tools.
Pros
- Excellent fund accounting tailored for churches with multiple designated funds
- Strong reporting and audit trail features for compliance
- Reliable payroll and AP/AR modules with church-specific customizations
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited third-party integrations beyond basic online giving platforms
- Pricing requires custom quotes, which can be opaque for small churches
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing specialized fund accounting and detailed financial reporting without advanced CRM features.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $150-$300/month based on fund count, users, and modules; annual contracts with setup fees.
Blackbaud
enterpriseEnterprise-level fundraising and financial management software for larger churches and nonprofits with robust reporting.
Advanced fund accounting with unlimited segmentation for restricted/unrestricted funds and grants
Blackbaud provides enterprise-grade church management software with robust financial tools, including contribution tracking, pledge management, general ledger accounting, budgeting, and automated reporting for faith-based organizations. It integrates seamlessly with donor CRM, online giving platforms, and fundraising modules to streamline church finances from small tithes to large capital campaigns. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-campus churches and complex fund accounting needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting and multi-entity support
- Powerful customizable reporting and analytics
- Seamless integrations with online giving and CRM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost unsuitable for small churches
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Medium to large churches or multi-campus ministries requiring scalable, enterprise-level financial management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000+ annually for basic financial modules, scaling with users and features.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting software suitable for small churches with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking.
Real-time bank feeds with AI-powered reconciliation for effortless transaction import and categorization
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and customizable reporting. For church finance, it provides strong general bookkeeping tools and tracking categories that can approximate fund accounting for tithes, offerings, and ministries. However, it lacks native support for donation tracking, pledge management, or member giving histories, often requiring third-party integrations. It's adaptable but not purpose-built for nonprofit or church-specific needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app access
- Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation for quick transaction matching
- Unlimited users and scalable plans for growing churches
Cons
- No built-in donation or pledge tracking
- Fund accounting requires manual tracking category setups
- Limited native reporting for church-specific compliance like 990 forms
Best For
Small to medium churches needing professional general accounting tools and willing to use integrations for specialized features.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan, billed annually) up to $78/month (Established plan); nonprofit discounts available via partnerships.
Conclusion
The reviewed church finance tools diverse in features and scale, yet collectively excel at supporting church financial management. Leading the pack is Aplos, a cloud-based solution tailored for church and nonprofit needs, while QuickBooks Online and PowerChurch Plus stand out as strong alternatives—QuickBooks for its versatility, and PowerChurch Plus for integrated system capabilities.
Begin optimizing your church's financial operations by trying Aplos, the top-ranked tool that streamlines donation tracking, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring resources are managed effectively and with purpose.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
