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Circle vs Ko-fi
Circle and Ko-fi are both creator platforms. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $960–$995 on Circle and $950–$1,000 on Ko-fi, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- On a $1,000 payment you keep about $960–$995 on Circle and $950–$1,000 on Ko-fi, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via Stripe. Only Ko-fi offers PayPal.
- Ko-fi is the older platform — founded in 2012, 7 years before Circle (2019).
- Circle is based in United States, Ko-fi in United Kingdom.
Which should you choose?
Choose Ko-fi if…
- You want to withdraw via PayPal.
- You prefer a long track record (since 2012).
Side by side
Circle
A community platform where creators charge members for access to courses and discussions.
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Ko-fi
A creator page for one-off tips, memberships, commissions, and shop sales. Donations carry no platform fee, an…
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Creator platforms like Patreon | Creator platforms like Patreon |
| Category | Creator Economy | Creator Economy |
| Vetted | No | No |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | From $89/mo + 0.5-4% transaction fee | Free mode 0% one-time tips, 5% other sales, Standard mode 5% on all payments, plus PayPal or Stripe fees |
| Minimum payout | — | No minimum |
| Payout speed | Stripe schedule after an initial payout delay generally of 7-14 days | Instant, paid straight to your PayPal or Stripe |
| Withdraw via | Stripe | PayPal, Stripe |
| Availability | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2019 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | New York, United States | London, United Kingdom |
| Popularity | 52 views · 0 likes | 56 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Circle or Ko-fi?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $960–$995 on Circle and $950–$1,000 on Ko-fi, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
How fast do Circle and Ko-fi pay out?
Circle: Stripe schedule after an initial payout delay generally of 7-14 days. Ko-fi: Instant, paid straight to your PayPal or Stripe.
Where are Circle and Ko-fi available?
Circle: Worldwide. Ko-fi: Worldwide.