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Top 10 Best Simple Church Accounting Software of 2026

Discover the best simple church accounting software to streamline finances. Find top picks for ease of use and affordability here.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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For churches, streamlined financial management is essential to sustaining mission impact, and choosing the right software simplifies tracking donations, expenses, and budgets. The 10 tools below—spanning specialized church platforms to versatile accounting solutions—offer intuitive, tailored support to help leaders focus on their core work.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting.
  2. 2#2: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll.
  3. 3#3: CDM+ - Integrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations.
  4. 4#4: Church Windows - Desktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking.
  5. 5#5: Breeze ChMS - Simple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports.
  6. 6#6: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  7. 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Versatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches.
  8. 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting.
  9. 9#9: Wave - Free online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches.
  10. 10#10: FreshBooks - Easy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management.

We ranked these tools by prioritizing user-friendly design, robust features (including fund tracking and reporting), and strong value, ensuring a range of options for churches of varying sizes and operational needs.

Comparison Table

Explore a detailed comparison of popular simple church accounting software tools, featuring Aplos, PowerChurch Plus, CDM+, Church Windows, Breeze ChMS, and more. This table helps readers identify key features, pricing structures, and usability, guiding them to choose the best fit for their church’s specific administrative requirements.

1Aplos logo9.4/10

Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
9.3/10
Value
8.8/10

Comprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.9/10
3CDM+ logo8.4/10

Integrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.3/10
Value
8.0/10

Desktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10

Simple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports.

Features
7.6/10
Ease
9.4/10
Value
9.2/10
6ChurchTrac logo7.8/10

Affordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.

Features
7.5/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
9.0/10

Versatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
6.9/10
8Xero logo7.2/10

Cloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting.

Features
6.8/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
7.5/10
9Wave logo6.8/10

Free online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches.

Features
5.2/10
Ease
9.5/10
Value
9.2/10
10FreshBooks logo6.2/10

Easy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management.

Features
5.5/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
7.1/10
1
Aplos logo

Aplos

specialized

Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting.

Overall Rating9.4/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
9.3/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

Advanced fund accounting that automatically categorizes and reports on restricted vs. unrestricted funds, essential for church compliance.

Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, budgeting, and financial reporting tailored to simple church needs. It simplifies bookkeeping with automated bank reconciliation, online giving integration, and compliance-ready reports for restricted funds. Users appreciate its intuitive dashboard that eliminates the need for complex accounting expertise, making it ideal for church treasurers and administrators.

Pros

  • Church-specific fund accounting tracks restricted and unrestricted donations effortlessly
  • Seamless integration with online giving platforms like Tithe.ly and Pushpay
  • User-friendly interface with minimal training required for volunteers

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for very small churches with limited budgets
  • Limited customization options for advanced reporting needs
  • Occasional delays in customer support response times

Best For

Small to mid-sized churches looking for straightforward, nonprofit-focused accounting without hiring a full-time bookkeeper.

Pricing

Starts at $59/month (billed annually) for the Basic plan; Essentials at $99/month and Premium at $159/month with more users and features.

Visit Aplosaplos.com
2
PowerChurch Plus logo

PowerChurch Plus

specialized

Comprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.9/10
Standout Feature

Advanced multi-fund accounting that seamlessly tracks and reports on unrestricted, restricted, and designated funds

PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based desktop software suite tailored for churches, offering dedicated accounting modules for fund tracking, contributions, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and budgeting. It supports nonprofit-specific needs like multi-fund accounting and detailed financial reporting compliant with church standards. While comprehensive, it's positioned for simpler deployments without cloud complexity, making it suitable for basic to moderate church financial management.

Pros

  • Robust multi-fund accounting ideal for church designated giving
  • Comprehensive reporting and audit trail features
  • One-time purchase model with no recurring fees

Cons

  • Desktop-only (Windows), no web or mobile access
  • Dated interface requires learning curve
  • Limited integrations with modern tools like QuickBooks Online

Best For

Small to mid-sized churches needing reliable, on-premise fund accounting without subscriptions.

Pricing

One-time purchase from $289 (single-user basic) to $1,495 (full edition for 10+ users), plus optional 20% annual support.

Visit PowerChurch Pluspowerchurch.com
3
CDM+ logo

CDM+

specialized

Integrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.3/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Sophisticated multi-fund accounting system that tracks designated giving, missions, and building funds separately with nonprofit compliance.

CDM+ is a comprehensive, on-premise church management software with robust accounting modules designed specifically for religious organizations. It excels in fund accounting, handling contributions, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and budgeting tailored to church financial needs. The software integrates accounting with membership, attendance, and event management for streamlined operations.

Pros

  • Powerful multi-fund accounting ideal for churches
  • Deep integration with church management tools
  • Customizable reporting and audit trails

Cons

  • Desktop-only (Windows), no cloud option
  • Steep learning curve for non-tech users
  • Higher upfront costs compared to basic tools

Best For

Mid-sized churches requiring detailed fund accounting and integrated management without relying on cloud services.

Pricing

Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,000 for core accounting modules, plus ~$500-$1,000 annual maintenance/support fees.

Visit CDM+cdmplus.com
4
Church Windows logo

Church Windows

specialized

Desktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds, perfectly suited for complex church budgeting and restricted donations

Church Windows is a desktop-based accounting software designed specifically for churches, providing fund accounting, contribution tracking, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and detailed financial reporting. It supports multi-fund management essential for nonprofit church finances and integrates with companion modules for membership and attendance. While robust, its Windows-only installation and traditional interface cater to users comfortable with on-premise solutions rather than modern cloud platforms.

Pros

  • Specialized fund accounting tailored for churches with unlimited funds and segments
  • Comprehensive reporting and audit trails for compliance
  • Seamless integration with church management modules like contributions and payroll

Cons

  • Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud or mobile access
  • Outdated interface with a noticeable learning curve for new users
  • Higher cost for full feature set with add-on modules

Best For

Small to mid-sized churches preferring reliable on-premise accounting software with strong fund management over cloud-based simplicity.

Pricing

Annual subscriptions start at $395 for core accounting, with additional modules (e.g., payroll, contributions) at $200-500 each; one-time purchase options available but less common.

Visit Church Windowschurchwindows.com
5
Breeze ChMS logo

Breeze ChMS

specialized

Simple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
7.6/10
Ease of Use
9.4/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Flat-rate unlimited pricing that scales effortlessly with church growth

Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software with integrated accounting tools tailored for small to mid-sized churches seeking simplicity. It tracks donations, expenses, funds, and generates essential financial reports like profit/loss statements and balance sheets. While effective for basic church finances, it prioritizes ease over advanced accounting depth, integrating seamlessly with member giving and event management.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface with minimal training required
  • Unlimited users and giving records at a flat rate
  • Strong integration of giving data with church member database

Cons

  • Lacks advanced features like payroll processing or multi-entity accounting
  • Reporting customization is somewhat limited
  • No direct bank feed imports for reconciliation

Best For

Small churches with basic financial needs who want an all-in-one tool without steep learning curves.

Pricing

$72/month flat rate for unlimited users, churches, people, and transactions; free 30-day trial.

Visit Breeze ChMSbreezechms.com
6
ChurchTrac logo

ChurchTrac

specialized

Affordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
7.5/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Church-specific fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on designated giving, tithes, and expenses across multiple funds

ChurchTrac is a cloud-based church management software with built-in accounting tools tailored for small to mid-sized churches, offering fund accounting, budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reports. It integrates seamlessly with member databases, attendance tracking, event management, and online giving to streamline church operations. Ideal for simple accounting needs, it handles designated funds, contributions, and basic payroll without requiring advanced accounting expertise.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing with a free tier for very small churches
  • User-friendly interface designed for non-accountants
  • Strong integration of accounting with church management tools like giving and attendance

Cons

  • Limited advanced accounting features compared to dedicated software
  • Reporting customization is basic and not highly flexible
  • Customer support can be slow outside business hours

Best For

Small churches seeking an all-in-one, budget-friendly solution for basic fund accounting and operations without complex setups.

Pricing

Free for churches with under 75 attendees; paid plans start at $37/month (Essentials) up to $157/month (Enterprise), billed annually with unlimited users on higher tiers.

Visit ChurchTracchurchtrac.com
7
QuickBooks Online logo

QuickBooks Online

enterprise

Versatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
6.9/10
Standout Feature

Class tracking for segregating multiple church funds and departments without needing specialized software

QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software from Intuit, widely used for general small business bookkeeping but adaptable for simple church accounting through features like class tracking for funds. It supports expense tracking, invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliations, and customizable reporting, making it suitable for churches handling tithes, offerings, and basic budgets. While not church-specific, it integrates with add-ons for enhanced nonprofit functionality, providing scalability for growing congregations.

Pros

  • Robust bank feeds and automated reconciliations save time on manual entry
  • Class and location tracking enable basic fund accounting for church ministries
  • Extensive reporting tools for financial transparency and audits

Cons

  • No native donor/tithe tracking or pledge management
  • Fund accounting requires custom setups rather than out-of-the-box church templates
  • Subscription pricing can be steep for very small churches with simple needs

Best For

Mid-sized churches with a bookkeeper or accountant who needs scalable, full-featured accounting beyond basic church tools.

Pricing

Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual discounts and potential nonprofit pricing.

Visit QuickBooks Onlinequickbooks.intuit.com
8
Xero logo

Xero

enterprise

Cloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting.

Overall Rating7.2/10
Features
6.8/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Direct bank feeds from over 20,000 institutions with AI-powered reconciliation for quick, accurate transaction matching.

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses, providing tools for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. For simple church accounting, it handles basic bookkeeping tasks like tracking offerings and expenses through customizable tracking categories, but lacks native support for church-specific needs such as fund accounting or donor management. Its intuitive dashboard and mobile app make it accessible for non-accountants in small congregations.

Pros

  • Unlimited users on all plans
  • Seamless bank feeds and auto-reconciliation
  • Extensive app marketplace for integrations
  • User-friendly interface with mobile access

Cons

  • No built-in fund accounting for multiple church ministries
  • Lacks donor tracking and pledge management
  • Reporting not tailored for nonprofits or churches
  • Ongoing subscription costs without free tier

Best For

Small churches with basic bookkeeping needs who want a general-purpose, easy-to-use accounting tool without complex fund tracking.

Pricing

Early ($15/mo: basic invoicing/reconciliation), Growing ($42/mo: adds payroll/projects), Established ($78/mo: advanced automation); billed annually with unlimited users.

Visit Xeroxero.com
9
Wave logo

Wave

other

Free online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches.

Overall Rating6.8/10
Features
5.2/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Unlimited free accounting and invoicing with no subscription fees for core features

Wave is a free, cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, basic financial reporting, and payroll add-ons. For simple church accounting, it can handle basic income from donations via invoices, expense categorization, and bank reconciliation without church-specific fund accounting or donor management. While versatile for very small operations, it lacks tailored features like pledge tracking or multi-fund reporting common in dedicated church software.

Pros

  • Completely free core accounting and invoicing with no user limits
  • Intuitive interface requiring no accounting expertise
  • Seamless bank integrations and mobile app for quick expense entry

Cons

  • No church-specific tools like donor tracking, fund accounting, or pledge management
  • Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction)
  • Limited advanced reporting and customization for nonprofit needs

Best For

Very small churches or ministries with minimal transactions needing free, basic bookkeeping without specialized features.

Pricing

Free for accounting, invoicing, and reports; payments at 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction; payroll from $20/month + $6/employee.

Visit Wavewaveapps.com
10
FreshBooks logo

FreshBooks

other

Easy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management.

Overall Rating6.2/10
Features
5.5/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
7.1/10
Standout Feature

Project profitability tracking, which can be repurposed to monitor budgets and expenses for individual church ministries or events

FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers, focusing on invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and basic financial reports like profit and loss statements. For simple church accounting, it can manage general expenses, reimbursements via invoices, and bank reconciliations but lacks specialized non-profit tools such as fund accounting, donor management, or pledge tracking. It's adaptable for very basic church bookkeeping through projects and categories as proxies for ministries or funds.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants like church volunteers
  • Strong invoicing and online payment collection for events or tuition
  • Automated bank feeds and expense categorization to simplify tracking

Cons

  • No dedicated fund accounting or multi-fund reporting for church ministries
  • Lacks donor management, tithing breakdowns, or pledge tracking
  • Reporting is basic and not tailored for non-profit compliance or budgets

Best For

Very small churches or ministries with minimal accounting needs focused on expenses and simple invoicing rather than complex fund tracking.

Pricing

Lite ($19/mo, 5 billable clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited), Select ($99/mo, custom); billed annually for 50% off first 6 months.

Visit FreshBooksfreshbooks.com

Conclusion

Navigating church accounting software doesn't have to be complex, and this guide has highlighted options that balance simplicity and functionality. At the top, Aplos stands out with donor tracking and budgeting tailored for church needs, followed by PowerChurch Plus with comprehensive all-in-one management and CDM+ with integrated fund accounting designed for church administrations. Each tool caters to distinct requirements, ensuring churches of all sizes can find a robust solution.

Aplos logo
Our Top Pick
Aplos

Take the first step toward efficient financial management—explore Aplos today, and discover how its purpose-built features can streamline tracking, budgeting, and reporting for your community.