The best-known rewards crowdfunding platform, with over 250,000 creative projects funded. All-or-nothing campaigns for games, design, film, and technology.
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are 5% platform fee plus payment processing and you can withdraw via Bank transfer. Founded in 2009, Kickstarter is based in Brooklyn, New York, United States. It is available in Creators in 25+ countries.
Last updated
What people actually earn on Kickstarter
Figures published by Kickstarter or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join Kickstarter?
People in 25 countries
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
You must live in a listed country with a local bank account and government ID from that country.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
How Kickstarter compares
- At 5%, Kickstarter sits near the middle — the median fee across the 11 crowdfunding platforms we track that charge a percentage is 5%.
- Founded in 2009, Kickstarter has been running for about 17 years — longer than 11 of the 15 crowdfunding platforms we track with a known launch year.
Compared with the crowdfunding platforms in our directory. See them all →
Is Kickstarter legit?
Kickstarter is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 2009 (17 years)
- Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Has a Wikipedia article
Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date? Tell us
Guides
No step-by-step guide for Kickstarter yet. Browse all guides or find the right way to earn for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Kickstarter charge?
Kickstarter fees: 5% platform fee plus payment processing. On a $100 payment that leaves you about $95, before withdrawal or conversion costs.
How do you get paid on Kickstarter?
Kickstarter pays out via Bank transfer.
Which countries is Kickstarter available in?
Creators in 25+ countries.
How much do people earn on Kickstarter?
Backers pledged a cumulative US$8.71 billion on Kickstarter, from 24.1 million backers, to fund 277,302 projects as of April 2025. Kickstarter creators had successfully funded 277,302 projects in total as of April 2025. Individual earnings vary widely.
Is Kickstarter legit?
Yes, Kickstarter is a real, operating platform: operating since 2009 (17 years), headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, United States and has a Wikipedia article. As with any platform, check its current terms before relying on it for income.
What are the best Kickstarter alternatives?
Similar platforms include Crowdcube, Kiva, Indiegogo and GoFundMe. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
Compare Kickstarter with…
Kickstarter alternatives
More crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter
CrowdcubeA UK-based equity crowdfunding platform built for European businesses, supporting private and follow-on rounds where customers become shareh…
crowdcube.com39 views
KivaA non-profit microlending platform where borrowers crowdfund 0% interest loans, including up to 15,000 dollars for US small businesses. Lend…
kiva.org39 views
IndiegogoA flexible crowdfunding platform where campaigns can keep funds even if the goal is missed, with InDemand continuing sales after the campaig…
indiegogo.com38 views
GoFundMeThe largest donation crowdfunding platform for personal causes, emergencies, and community projects. No platform fee - fundraisers keep dona…
gofundme.com33 views
KettoA household-name Indian crowdfunding platform for medical emergencies, disaster relief, and personal causes, active in major relief efforts…
ketto.org63 views
ImpactGuruAn Indian crowdfunding platform focused on medical fundraising, offering campaigns with no platform charges - only payment gateway fees appl…
impactguru.com60 views