Item: Ko-fi Terms of Service
Rating: 52
Author: Terms.Law Editorial Team

✅ Category Leader

Ko-fi scores highest in our crowdfunding category with its 0% platform fee model on donations, simpler terms, and more lenient content policies. While payment processing fees still apply (PayPal/Stripe), creators keep significantly more of their earnings compared to competitors.

Score Breakdown by Category

How Ko-fi's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

💰 Payment & Fee Transparency (30%) 55/100

Why this score: Ko-fi charges 0% platform fee on donations - genuinely free. Payment processing (PayPal/Stripe) fees of 2.9% + $0.30 still apply. Ko-fi Gold ($6/month) adds premium features. Clear, simple pricing documented in their Features Page.

Industry comparison: Kickstarter: 48/100 (5% + processing) | Patreon: 45/100 (5-12% tiers) | GoFundMe: 45/100 (processing + tips) | Category avg: 47/100

⚖ Dispute Resolution (20%) 45/100

Why this score: Ko-fi has a simpler dispute model given its "coffee tip" framing. Supporters can dispute through their payment provider (PayPal/Stripe). Ko-fi provides basic mediation support. Arbitration clause exists but terms are generally more straightforward.

Industry comparison: Patreon: 40/100 (chargeback liability) | GoFundMe: 38/100 (limited guarantee) | Kickstarter: 35/100 (no mediation) | Category avg: 40/100

🔒 Creator & Supporter Rights (20%) 55/100

Why this score: Creators retain full ownership of all content. Ko-fi's license is minimal - just what's needed to display your page. The "tip" model sets clearer expectations - supporters aren't buying anything, just saying thanks.

Industry comparison: Patreon: 52/100 (creator ownership) | Kickstarter: 50/100 (IP retained) | GoFundMe: 42/100 (donation model) | Category avg: 50/100

👁 Account & Termination Rights (15%) 52/100

Why this score: Ko-fi has more lenient content policies than Patreon or Kickstarter. Account terminations are less common, though Ko-fi can still remove accounts for violations. Adult content creators report better experiences than on competing platforms.

Industry comparison: Kickstarter: 45/100 (project removal) | Patreon: 42/100 (strict guidelines) | GoFundMe: 40/100 (campaign removal) | Category avg: 45/100

📦 Platform Simplicity & Transparency (15%) 55/100

Why this score: Ko-fi's terms are shorter and easier to understand than competitors. The business model is straightforward: free basic tier, paid Gold tier. No confusing fee tiers or hidden costs.

Industry comparison: Patreon: 48/100 (complex tiers) | GoFundMe: 42/100 (tip confusion) | Kickstarter: 38/100 (reward complexity) | Category avg: 43/100

Compare With Other Platforms

🔎 Key Terms Analysis

What makes Ko-fi different - and where risks still exist.

0% Platform Fee on Donations

Positive

Ko-fi genuinely charges nothing for basic donations. Unlike competitors, there's no platform cut on tips. Only PayPal/Stripe processing fees apply.

"Ko-fi is free to use. We don't take a fee from donations. 100% of your support goes to creators (minus payment processor fees)." Ko-fi Website

Simpler, Shorter Terms

Positive

Ko-fi's terms of service are significantly shorter and easier to understand than competitors like Patreon or Kickstarter. Less legalese, clearer expectations.

"We try to keep our terms simple and understandable. If you have questions, contact us." Ko-fi Terms of Service

Ko-fi Gold Required for Full Features

Medium Risk

Advanced features like memberships, commissions, and shop require Ko-fi Gold ($6/month). The free tier is limited to basic donations.

"Ko-fi Gold unlocks memberships, commissions, shop features, and more for a flat $6/month - no percentage fees." Ko-fi Gold Features

Payment Processing Fees Still Apply

Medium Risk

While Ko-fi charges nothing, PayPal (2.9% + $0.30) or Stripe (2.9% + $0.30) processing fees still apply to every transaction.

"Ko-fi doesn't charge fees, but payment providers like PayPal and Stripe have their own transaction fees." Ko-fi FAQ

Payout Depends on Payment Provider

Medium Risk

Ko-fi doesn't hold your funds - they go directly to PayPal/Stripe. Payout timing depends on your payment provider's policies, not Ko-fi.

"Funds are sent directly to your connected PayPal or Stripe account. Payout timing depends on your payment provider." Ko-fi Payments FAQ

Account Termination Rights

High Risk

Like all platforms, Ko-fi can terminate accounts for violations. While more lenient than competitors, this risk exists for all creator platforms.

"We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate our terms... We aim to be fair but reserve the right to remove content or accounts." Ko-fi Terms of Service

Analysis

"Ko-fi represents the most creator-friendly terms I've reviewed in the crowdfunding space. The 0% platform fee isn't a gimmick - it's a genuine business model differentiation. They make money from Gold subscriptions, not by taking a cut of your donations.

The simpler terms are refreshing. Where Patreon's terms run thousands of words with complex fee structures, Ko-fi keeps things straightforward. The 'tip' framing also sets clearer expectations - supporters know they're saying thanks, not buying a product.

My recommendation: If you're a creator comparing platforms, Ko-fi deserves serious consideration. The trade-off is a smaller user base than Patreon, but you keep more money and face fewer content restrictions. For many creators, that's a worthwhile trade. Just remember - payment processing fees still apply, and you're still subject to account termination for policy violations."

Ko-fi Terms of Service Review

✅ Category Leader

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Platform Questions?

🔎 Key Terms Analysis

0% Platform Fee on Donations

Simpler, Shorter Terms

Ko-fi Gold Required for Full Features

Payment Processing Fees Still Apply

Payout Depends on Payment Provider

Account Termination Rights

Analysis

Questions About Creator Platforms?

Schedule a Consultation

Ko-fi Terms of Service Review

✅ Category Leader

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Platform Questions?

Related Resources

🔎 Key Terms Analysis

0% Platform Fee on Donations

Simpler, Shorter Terms

Ko-fi Gold Required for Full Features

Payment Processing Fees Still Apply

Payout Depends on Payment Provider

Account Termination Rights

Analysis

Questions About Creator Platforms?

Schedule a Consultation