Best Church Accounting Software of 2024

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.

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Product
Product
Best for
Best for
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet rating
Starting at
Starting at
Promotion
Promotion
Learn more
Learn more
QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online

Customizable, straightforward accounting solution

5.0 /5
$38/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $75, $115, $275.

50% off

for 3 months or free 30-day trial.

on QuickBooks' website

Xero

Xero

Easy-to-use software

5.0 /5
$25/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $55, $90.

90% off

for 6 months.

on Xero's website

PowerChurch

PowerChurch

Overall church accounting software

$40/month

for two users. Additional two users (per month): $25.

N/A

Zoho Books

Zoho Books

Multilingual churches

5.0 /5
$0

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $20, $50, $70, $150, $275.

14-day free trial

of the Premium plan.

on Zoho Books' website

Aplos

Aplos

Relationship management features

$79/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $99, $189.

15-day free trial

Realm

Realm

Customer service

N/A

30-day free trial

of Inform plan.

QuickBooks Online

Best for Customizable, straightforward accounting solution

Close
Starting at
$38/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $75, $115, $275.

Promotion
50% off

for 3 months or free 30-day trial.

on QuickBooks' website

Pros

  • 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.

Xero

Best for Easy-to-use software

Close
Starting at
$25/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $55, $90.

Promotion
90% off

for 6 months.

on Xero's website

Pros

  • Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
  • Integrates with more than 1,000 third-party apps.
  • 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.

PowerChurch

Best for Overall church accounting software

Close
PowerChurch

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.

Zoho Books

Best for Multilingual churches

Close
Starting at
$0

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $20, $50, $70, $150, $275.

Promotion
14-day free trial

of the Premium plan.

on Zoho Books' website

Pros

  • 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 than some competitors.
  • No plan includes more than 15 users (can add additional users for a fee).

Aplos

Best for Relationship management features

Close
Aplos

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.

Realm

Best for Customer service

Close
Realm

Starting at
N/A

Quote-based.

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.
Sort by:
  • Default
  • NerdWallet rating (high to low)
  • Starting at (low to high)

QuickBooks Online

Best for Customizable, straightforward accounting solution

QuickBooks Online

Best for Customizable, straightforward accounting solution

Starting at
$38/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $75, $115, $275.

Promotion
50% off

for 3 months or free 30-day trial.

on QuickBooks' website

Pros

  • 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.
Read full review

Pros

  • 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.
Read full review

Pros

  • 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.

Xero

Best for Easy-to-use software

Xero

Best for Easy-to-use software

Starting at
$25/month

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $55, $90.

Promotion
90% off

for 6 months.

on Xero's website

Pros

  • Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
  • Integrates with more than 1,000 third-party apps.
  • 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.
Read full review

Pros

  • Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
  • Integrates with more than 1,000 third-party apps.
  • 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.
Read full review

Pros

  • Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
  • Integrates with more than 1,000 third-party apps.
  • 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.

PowerChurch

Best for Overall church accounting software

PowerChurch

PowerChurch

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.

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.

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.

Zoho Books

Best for Multilingual churches

Zoho Books

Best for Multilingual churches

Starting at
$0

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $20, $50, $70, $150, $275.

Promotion
14-day free trial

of the Premium plan.

on Zoho Books' website

Pros

  • 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 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.
Read full review

Pros

  • 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 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.
Read full review

Pros

  • 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 than some competitors.
  • No plan includes more than 15 users (can add additional users for a fee).

Aplos

Best for Relationship management features

Aplos

Aplos

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.

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.

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.

Realm

Best for Customer service

Realm

Realm

Best for Customer service

Starting at
N/A

Quote-based.

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.

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.

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.

How to choose church accounting software

To find the best accounting software for your church, consider the following factors:
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. Our editorial team reviews information on a regular basis for consistency and accuracy.
We also periodically update our scoring system to reflect changing industry norms and business needs. For instance, in 2026, we stopped factoring in whether mobile apps work for both Android and iOS smartphones. If an accounting software product has its own mobile app, it’s almost always available for both operating systems.
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.
Advertiser icon
Close
Advertiser icon
Close

QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online

50% off your first 3 months

QuickBooks Online

50% off your first 3 months

on QuickBooks' website