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Kiva vs StartEngine
Kiva and StartEngine are both crowdfunding platforms. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Kiva 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 Kiva and $860–$910 on StartEngine, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer.
- Kiva is the older platform — founded in 2005, 9 years before StartEngine (2014).
- StartEngine focuses on the United States, while Kiva operates internationally.
Which should you choose?
Choose Kiva if…
- Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
- You prefer a long track record (since 2005).
Choose StartEngine if…
- You live in the United States.
Side by side
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Kiva
A non-profit microlending platform where borrowers crowdfund 0% interest loans, including up to 15,000 dollars…
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StartEngine
A leading US equity crowdfunding platform where startups raise from everyday investors. Has helped companies r…
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter | Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter |
| Category | Crowdfunding | Crowdfunding |
| Vetted | No | No |
| Work from home | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | 0% interest loans, donations optional | ~7-12% of raise + 2% equity |
| Withdraw via | Bank transfer | Bank transfer |
| Availability | 70+ countries | US |
| Local to | — | United States |
| Founded | 2005 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Popularity | 39 views · 0 likes | 44 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Kiva or StartEngine?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on Kiva and $860–$910 on StartEngine, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are Kiva and StartEngine available?
Kiva: 70+ countries. StartEngine: US.