Ko-fi fee calculator

"0% on tips" isn't automatic anymore

Every new Ko-fi account is now auto-enrolled in Contributor status, which takes 5% of tip income in exchange for perks like custom themes and supporter-only posts. It doesn't turn off by itself — you have to switch it off in Settings → Payment to get genuinely free tips.

Every new Ko-fi account is now auto-enrolled in Contributor status by default, which takes 5% of tip income in exchange for perks (custom theme color, supporter-only posts, scheduled posts, more shop storage, a shorter page name). It does not turn off automatically — it must be switched off manually in Settings → Payment.

With Contributor status off, tips are genuinely 0% — the claim most fee guides make without the caveat. Shop sales, memberships, and commissions cost 5% on the free plan regardless of Contributor status.

Ko-fi Gold costs $12/month and removes the 5% platform cut on shop sales, memberships, and commissions entirely — some other calculators still quote an outdated $6/month.

Card and PayPal processing (roughly 2.9% + $0.30) is charged separately by the processor on every tier, including Gold. No Ko-fi plan can waive it, because it isn't Ko-fi's fee to waive.

Does Ko-fi really take 0% on tips?

Only if Contributor status is switched off. Every new Ko-fi account now starts enrolled in Contributor status by default, which takes 5% of tip income in exchange for perks. It's easy to toggle off in Settings → Payment, but most fee guides don't mention it exists at all, so many creators are paying it without realizing there's a free alternative.

What is Ko-fi Contributor status?

A default-on program that takes 5% of your tip income in exchange for perks like a custom theme color, supporter-only posts, scheduled posts, extra shop storage, and a shorter page URL. You can switch it off anytime without losing your account, at the cost of losing those perks.

How much does Ko-fi Gold cost?

$12/month. It removes the 5% platform fee on shop sales, memberships, and commissions entirely, bringing them to 0% (tips were already 0% once Contributor status is off). Card processing still applies on every tier.

When does Ko-fi Gold pay for itself?

At $240/month in shop, membership, or commission sales — 5% of $240 equals the $12 Gold subscription. Above that threshold, Gold saves money; below it, the free plan (with Contributor status off) costs less.

Does Ko-fi charge a different rate for shop sales versus tips?

Yes. On the free plan, tips are 0% (once Contributor status is off) but shop sales, memberships, and commissions cost 5%. Many tools apply one blended rate to everything Ko-fi reports, which gets both numbers wrong.