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GoFundMe vs StartEngine

GoFundMe and StartEngine are both crowdfunding platforms. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on GoFundMe and $860–$910 on StartEngine, 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 $1,000 on GoFundMe and $860–$910 on StartEngine, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
  • Both pay out via Bank transfer.
  • GoFundMe is the older platform — founded in 2010, 4 years before StartEngine (2014).
  • StartEngine focuses on the United States, while GoFundMe operates internationally.

Which should you choose?

Choose GoFundMe if…

  • Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.

Choose StartEngine if…

  • You live in the United States.

Side by side

GoFundMe The largest donation crowdfunding platform for personal causes, emergencies, and community projects. No platfo… Visit StartEngine A leading US equity crowdfunding platform where startups raise from everyday investors. Has helped companies r… Visit
Type Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter
Category Crowdfunding Crowdfunding
Vetted No No
Work from home Yes Yes
Fees 0% platform fee, payment processing applies ~7-12% of raise + 2% equity
Withdraw via Bank transfer Bank transfer
Availability 19+ countries US
Local to United States
Founded 2010 2014
Headquarters San Francisco, California, United States Los Angeles, California, United States
Popularity 33 views · 0 likes 44 views · 0 likes

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, GoFundMe or StartEngine?

On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on GoFundMe and $860–$910 on StartEngine, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.

Where are GoFundMe and StartEngine available?

GoFundMe: 19+ countries. StartEngine: US.

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