A non-profit microlending platform where borrowers crowdfund 0% interest loans, including up to 15,000 dollars for US small businesses. Lenders worldwide fund in 25 dollar increments.
Kiva is a microlending platform where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are 0% interest loans, donations optional and you can withdraw via Bank transfer. Founded in 2005, Kiva is based in San Francisco, California, United States. It is available in 70+ countries.
Last updated
What people actually earn on Kiva
Figures published by Kiva or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join Kiva?
Kiva US gives 0% business loans to repay, not income, you must invite 5-40 friends to lend first, Nevada and North Dakota excluded.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
How Kiva compares
- Kiva takes no commission from what you earn — 4 of the 15 crowdfunding platforms we track are free to earn on.
- Founded in 2005, Kiva has been running for about 21 years — longer than 14 of the 15 crowdfunding platforms we track with a known launch year.
Compared with the crowdfunding platforms in our directory. See them all →
Is Kiva legit?
Kiva is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 2005 (21 years)
- Headquartered in San Francisco, California, 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Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date?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 Kiva yet. Browse all guides or find the right way to earn for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Kiva charge?
Kiva fees: 0% interest loans, donations optional. It takes no commission, so apart from payment-processing or withdrawal costs you keep what you earn.
How do you get paid on Kiva?
Kiva pays out via Bank transfer.
Which countries is Kiva available in?
70+ countries.
How much do people earn on Kiva?
Kiva lenders have crowdfunded more than $2 billion in loans to borrowers since the platform launched in 2005. Kiva says 5 million people have used Kiva loans since 2005, and 2 of every 3 Kiva loans have gone to women. Individual earnings vary widely.
Is Kiva legit?
Yes, Kiva is a real, operating platform: operating since 2005 (21 years), headquartered in San Francisco, California, 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 Kiva alternatives?
Similar platforms include Kickstarter, Crowdcube, Indiegogo and GoFundMe. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
Compare Kiva with…
Kiva alternatives
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