Church accounting software helps get your bookkeeping done quickly and accurately. After reviewing the available options, PowerChurch tops our list thanks to its industry-specific features and decades of experience.
Karrin Sehmbi is an editor and content strategist on the small-business team. She has covered small-business software and lending since 2022 and has more than sixteen years of editorial experience in the fields of educational publishing, content marketing and medical news. She has also held roles as a teacher and a tutor.
Karrin Sehmbi is an editor and content strategist on the small-business team. She has covered small-business software and lending since 2022 and has more than sixteen years of editorial experience in the fields of educational publishing, content marketing and medical news. She has also held roles as a teacher and a tutor.
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
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Karrin Sehmbi is an editor and content strategist on the small-business team. She has covered small-business software and lending since 2022 and has more than sixteen years of editorial experience in the fields of educational publishing, content marketing and medical news. She has also held roles as a teacher and a tutor.
Karrin Sehmbi is an editor and content strategist on the small-business team. She has covered small-business software and lending since 2022 and has more than sixteen years of editorial experience in the fields of educational publishing, content marketing and medical news. She has also held roles as a teacher and a tutor.
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.
75+ categories of best business software selections.
NerdWallet's small-business software content, including ratings, recommendations and reviews, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in business software, including payroll, accounting and payment processing. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, Yahoo Finance and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity to ensure accuracy and fairness in our coverage.
Advertiser disclosure
You’re our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or
financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance
we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are
objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence
which products we review and write about (and where those products
appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or
advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our
partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products
or services. Here is a list of our partners .
for two users. Additional two users (per month): $25.
Promotion
N/A
Pros
Both online and desktop versions of the software are available.
Designed specifically for church accounting and membership management needs.
Long list of church-specific features.
Add-on features for attendance and mass mailings are available.
Cons
PowerChurch Plus only works on Windows PCs.
User interface is outdated.
Learning curve may be steep if you have no prior accounting knowledge.
Founded in 1984, PowerChurch is one of the most established church accounting software programs on the market. PowerChurch Plus is a desktop-based church accounting software, but the company also has an online option: PowerChurch Online. Unlike QuickBooks where the desktop and online versions of the software differ considerably, PowerChurch Online is an actual installation of PowerChurch Plus on PowerChurch’s servers and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
The PowerChurch user interface isn’t anything fancy, but the software includes many features specific to the accounting and membership management needs of a church. You can create various modules to store contact information, attendance and visitation records for thousands of families within your congregation; record and track pledges and contributions; manage the books with tools for payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable; organize and maintain records of sermons, equipment inventory and library items; and schedule and manage church events.
If you need more functionality than the core program offers, you can purchase add-ons to handle attendance and check-ins or mass mailings, for an additional cost. The software assumes a basic understanding of double-entry accounting, so the learning curve may be a bit steep for someone with no prior accounting knowledge.
PowerChurch
Best for Overall church accounting software
Best for Overall church accounting software
Starting at
$40/month
for two users. Additional two users (per month): $25.
Promotion
N/A
Pros
Both online and desktop versions of the software are available.
Designed specifically for church accounting and membership management needs.
Long list of church-specific features.
Add-on features for attendance and mass mailings are available.
Cons
PowerChurch Plus only works on Windows PCs.
User interface is outdated.
Learning curve may be steep if you have no prior accounting knowledge.
Founded in 1984, PowerChurch is one of the most established church accounting software programs on the market. PowerChurch Plus is a desktop-based church accounting software, but the company also has an online option: PowerChurch Online. Unlike QuickBooks where the desktop and online versions of the software differ considerably, PowerChurch Online is an actual installation of PowerChurch Plus on PowerChurch’s servers and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
The PowerChurch user interface isn’t anything fancy, but the software includes many features specific to the accounting and membership management needs of a church. You can create various modules to store contact information, attendance and visitation records for thousands of families within your congregation; record and track pledges and contributions; manage the books with tools for payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable; organize and maintain records of sermons, equipment inventory and library items; and schedule and manage church events.
If you need more functionality than the core program offers, you can purchase add-ons to handle attendance and check-ins or mass mailings, for an additional cost. The software assumes a basic understanding of double-entry accounting, so the learning curve may be a bit steep for someone with no prior accounting knowledge.
Feature set includes an excellent mobile app and suite of reports, capable invoicing features, plus automated bill and receipt capture through Hubdoc.
Simple layout and easy to use.
Cons
No inbound phone customer support (callbacks are available, though).
Entry-level plan limits bills and invoices to five and 20 per month, respectively.
Must subscribe to the highest-tier Established plan to claim expenses.
If you’re in search of simple, straightforward accounting software but find QuickBooks’ plans and pricing intimidating, Xero is a strong alternative to QuickBooks. Xero’s pricing plans max out at QuickBooks’ entry point, and all plans include the option to add a payroll integration with Gusto (starting at an additional $40 per month). As for accounting features, Xero’s least expensive plan will enable invoicing, daily bank reconciliation, and cash flow tracking. Upgrading to the highest tier plan will give you additional functionality such as expense management and advanced reporting.
Feature set includes an excellent mobile app and suite of reports, capable invoicing features, plus automated bill and receipt capture through Hubdoc.
Simple layout and easy to use.
Cons
No inbound phone customer support (callbacks are available, though).
Entry-level plan limits bills and invoices to five and 20 per month, respectively.
Must subscribe to the highest-tier Established plan to claim expenses.
If you’re in search of simple, straightforward accounting software but find QuickBooks’ plans and pricing intimidating, Xero is a strong alternative to QuickBooks. Xero’s pricing plans max out at QuickBooks’ entry point, and all plans include the option to add a payroll integration with Gusto (starting at an additional $40 per month). As for accounting features, Xero’s least expensive plan will enable invoicing, daily bank reconciliation, and cash flow tracking. Upgrading to the highest tier plan will give you additional functionality such as expense management and advanced reporting.
Easy to share information with your accountant and to find QuickBooks experts and online resources if needed.
More than 750 app integrations.
Robust feature set includes record-keeping, reporting, invoicing and inventory management, plus a capable mobile app.
Chat and phone support available Monday through Saturday in all plans.
Cons
Expensive compared with the competition.
Frequent price increases and a tendency toward upselling.
Limited account users with each plan.
With a library of more than 750 app integrations, you may be able to build the full church management system you need around QuickBooks’ reliable and ubiquitous accounting software. If you've already covered the extras — like church attendance tracking, congregation communications and mass mailing capabilities — and just need straightforward accounting software, you can count on QuickBooks to deliver.
Unlike some other options on this list, QuickBooks has not built a specific tool for church accounting and management. Rather, the Plus and Advanced QuickBooks Online plans offer features that would be most relevant to your church accounting needs, including automatic bank account syncing to monitor cash flow, fund tracking, customizable reports and tax compliance features.
Easy to share information with your accountant and to find QuickBooks experts and online resources if needed.
More than 750 app integrations.
Robust feature set includes record-keeping, reporting, invoicing and inventory management, plus a capable mobile app.
Chat and phone support available Monday through Saturday in all plans.
Cons
Expensive compared with the competition.
Frequent price increases and a tendency toward upselling.
Limited account users with each plan.
With a library of more than 750 app integrations, you may be able to build the full church management system you need around QuickBooks’ reliable and ubiquitous accounting software. If you've already covered the extras — like church attendance tracking, congregation communications and mass mailing capabilities — and just need straightforward accounting software, you can count on QuickBooks to deliver.
Unlike some other options on this list, QuickBooks has not built a specific tool for church accounting and management. Rather, the Plus and Advanced QuickBooks Online plans offer features that would be most relevant to your church accounting needs, including automatic bank account syncing to monitor cash flow, fund tracking, customizable reports and tax compliance features.
Less expensive than some competitors; free plan available for businesses with less than $50k in annual revenue.
Email support in free plan; phone and chat support in paid plans.
Rich feature set includes excellent invoicing, inventory management, workflow rules and a capable mobile app.
Add accounting widgets to your phone’s home screen; track time using your Apple Watch.
Cons
Fewer third-party integrations and reports than some competitors.
No plan includes more than 15 users (can add additional users for a fee).
Zoho Books is another recognizable and reliable brand of accounting software. Its benefits include multiple plan tiers that let you scale your software as your church and congregation grow, along with a suite of Zoho tools for CRM, people management and more that seamlessly integrate with its accounting tool.
The free plan includes accounting basics such as bank reconciliation, a chart of accounts and expense tracking, plus helpful invoicing features. In particular, church staff may appreciate the ability to schedule recurring invoices for donors who give regularly and the ability to send donation receipts and thank yous.
One of the most noteworthy features of Zoho Books, however, is that you can access the software in 10 different languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. Churches with multilingual staff and congregations may find this particularly appealing.
Less expensive than some competitors; free plan available for businesses with less than $50k in annual revenue.
Email support in free plan; phone and chat support in paid plans.
Rich feature set includes excellent invoicing, inventory management, workflow rules and a capable mobile app.
Add accounting widgets to your phone’s home screen; track time using your Apple Watch.
Cons
Fewer third-party integrations and reports than some competitors.
No plan includes more than 15 users (can add additional users for a fee).
Zoho Books is another recognizable and reliable brand of accounting software. Its benefits include multiple plan tiers that let you scale your software as your church and congregation grow, along with a suite of Zoho tools for CRM, people management and more that seamlessly integrate with its accounting tool.
The free plan includes accounting basics such as bank reconciliation, a chart of accounts and expense tracking, plus helpful invoicing features. In particular, church staff may appreciate the ability to schedule recurring invoices for donors who give regularly and the ability to send donation receipts and thank yous.
One of the most noteworthy features of Zoho Books, however, is that you can access the software in 10 different languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. Churches with multilingual staff and congregations may find this particularly appealing.
Tools to build and host your website, plus the ability to accept online donations and tithes.
Donor database collects information like giving history and lets you create groups.
Fund accounting features for tracking how gifts, grants and donations are used.
Cons
Accounting features like budgeting and recurring transactions require a plan upgrade.
Aplos is another product built specifically for churches and nonprofits (it was built by a CPA who is also a pastor), and its software contains features that extend far beyond simple accounting. In addition to helping you manage your church finances with tools for fund tracking, bill paying, check printing, invoicing and online payments and more, Aplos also offers features to enhance the giving process, keep your congregation safe and connected, simplify mass communications, streamline event registration and even build a custom website for your church.
Aplos’ software pricing scales as your church grows, meaning you won’t overpay in your church’s infancy or outgrow the platform as your church matures. An Advanced accounting option for larger churches is available starting at $189 per month, but the team will also work with you to create a custom church accounting software solution, which is quote-based. If you’re looking for church accounting software with payroll, Aplos does not include payroll services in its software, but it does integrate with Gusto for seamless and stress-free payroll management.
Aplos is the only all-in-one software on this list that offers a free trial period, so consider taking advantage of that.
Aplos
Best for Relationship management features
Best for Relationship management features
Starting at
$79/month
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $99, $189.
Promotion
15-day free trial
Pros
Designed for nonprofits and churches.
Tools to build and host your website, plus the ability to accept online donations and tithes.
Donor database collects information like giving history and lets you create groups.
Fund accounting features for tracking how gifts, grants and donations are used.
Cons
Accounting features like budgeting and recurring transactions require a plan upgrade.
Aplos is another product built specifically for churches and nonprofits (it was built by a CPA who is also a pastor), and its software contains features that extend far beyond simple accounting. In addition to helping you manage your church finances with tools for fund tracking, bill paying, check printing, invoicing and online payments and more, Aplos also offers features to enhance the giving process, keep your congregation safe and connected, simplify mass communications, streamline event registration and even build a custom website for your church.
Aplos’ software pricing scales as your church grows, meaning you won’t overpay in your church’s infancy or outgrow the platform as your church matures. An Advanced accounting option for larger churches is available starting at $189 per month, but the team will also work with you to create a custom church accounting software solution, which is quote-based. If you’re looking for church accounting software with payroll, Aplos does not include payroll services in its software, but it does integrate with Gusto for seamless and stress-free payroll management.
Aplos is the only all-in-one software on this list that offers a free trial period, so consider taking advantage of that.
Realm
Best for Customer service
Promotion
30-day free trial
of Inform plan.
Pros
Software is designed specifically for churches.
Customer support is available by phone, email and chat.
24/7 support available (with additional cost).
Includes a free mobile app (iOS and Android) for church staff and full congregation.
Cons
Accounting features are considered an add-on to any plan and come at an additional cost.
Plan pricing is not listed on the website.
Realm, like a few of the other church accounting software solutions on this list, is a platform designed to help you manage all aspects of your church, from events and communications to accounting and administration. Realm has built a robust tool for online giving and offerings that integrates with the rest of its software features, so you can easily encourage donations, give members the freedom to pay online anytime, track and report on donations and more. More tech-savvy church staff may also appreciate Realm’s mobile app, which enables easy online giving and communications between the ministry and congregation.
One of the company’s standout features, however, is the support and assistance it offers to its customers. From a support team that’s available by email and phone to additional training services and webinars, Realm is committed to helping you make the most of its software.
Realm
Best for Customer service
Best for Customer service
Promotion
30-day free trial
of Inform plan.
Pros
Software is designed specifically for churches.
Customer support is available by phone, email and chat.
24/7 support available (with additional cost).
Includes a free mobile app (iOS and Android) for church staff and full congregation.
Cons
Accounting features are considered an add-on to any plan and come at an additional cost.
Plan pricing is not listed on the website.
Realm, like a few of the other church accounting software solutions on this list, is a platform designed to help you manage all aspects of your church, from events and communications to accounting and administration. Realm has built a robust tool for online giving and offerings that integrates with the rest of its software features, so you can easily encourage donations, give members the freedom to pay online anytime, track and report on donations and more. More tech-savvy church staff may also appreciate Realm’s mobile app, which enables easy online giving and communications between the ministry and congregation.
One of the company’s standout features, however, is the support and assistance it offers to its customers. From a support team that’s available by email and phone to additional training services and webinars, Realm is committed to helping you make the most of its software.
Jump to
How to choose church accounting software
To find the best accounting software for your church, consider the following factors:
Cost: As a tax-exempt organization, churches are especially accountable for every dollar they spend. That includes how much gets put toward accounting software. If you’re using more generalized accounting software, don’t forget to add in the cost of church-specific integrations (if you need them). You might also factor in credit card processing fees if you accept donations online.
Core bookkeeping tools: These include detailed transaction tracking, reporting, online bank connections for importing transactions and the ability to loop in your accountant. We also recommend having your bookkeeper or accountant look over your chart of accounts setup before getting started.
Industry-specific features: Any church can benefit from software that provides basic support for tax-exempt organizations, like Form 990 filing assistance. But as your ministry grows, you may want access to additional church management tools, such as donor databases, member directories, online event registration, marketing features and fundraising programs.
User interface: Church accounting software should be relatively easy to use, and this is especially true if more than one or two people are going to be working with it. Some industry-specific software products, like PowerChurch, have dated user interfaces that might feel clunky. Universal accounting software is less tailored to churches, but often more streamlined and simpler to navigate. Overall, one type isn’t better than the other, but it’s definitely a tradeoff.
Does your church need a dedicated bookkeeper?
The short answer is yes. Nonprofit accounting differs from general business accounting, because you need to track how tithes and donations are being used. Ideally, your bookkeeper has experience working with churches or nonprofits. That way, they can also assist with accounting tasks associated with other church-led programs, like preschools and fundraising.
Billie Anne Grigg contributed to an earlier version of this article, which was first published on Fundera, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.
Last updated on October 30, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet independently reviews accounting software products before determining our top picks. We collect the data for our software ratings from products’ public-facing websites and from company representatives. Information is gathered on a regular basis and reviewed by our editorial team for consistency and accuracy.
NerdWallet’s accounting software ratings favor products that are easy to use, reasonably priced, have a robust feature set and can grow with your business. The best accounting software received top marks when evaluated across 10 categories and more than 30 subcategories. Learn more about how we rate small-business accounting software.
These ratings are meant to provide clarity in the decision-making process, but what’s best for your business will depend on its size, growth trajectory and which features you need most. We encourage you to research and compare multiple accounting software products before choosing one.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
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