KRM vs Ko-fi
Both help creators receive money from supporters. This page compares what each offers and how their fees work.
What each service is designed for
KRM
KRM gives individuals, creators, service providers and sellers one payment link and QR code tied to their KRM ID. A payer opens the link or scans the code, chooses what the payment is for — a tip, a money gift, a service, a product, a monthly subscription or a campaign — and pays by card or, where the device supports it, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payers do not need a KRM account. Payments are processed by the payment provider (currently Stripe) through the recipient's connected account; KRM is not a wallet and does not hold balances.
Ko-fi
Ko-fi lets creators accept tips, sell memberships, commissions and shop items, and run Goals. Ko-fi says payments go directly into the creator's own PayPal or Stripe account.
At a glance
| Feature | KRM | Ko-fi |
|---|---|---|
| Tips and support | One-time tips, support and money gifts | One-time and monthly tips |
| Recurring support | Monthly subscription plans at amounts you set | Memberships |
| Products and shop | Product links and a shop page with images, price and stock | Shop items |
| Services and bookings | Fixed-price service links and paid appointment bookings | Commissions (requests from your audience) |
| Fundraising goals | Campaigns that show a goal and progress | Goals |
| Where the money goes | To the recipient's connected payment-provider account; KRM holds no balances | Directly to your own PayPal or Stripe account |
| Monthly plan fee | None | No monthly fee; Ko-fi Gold is an optional subscription |
| Platform fee | 0% below USD 5 (or equivalent); 5% base fee at or above | Ko-fi Free: 0% on one-off tips and Goals, 5% on other types; Standard: 5% on all |
| Processing fees | Set by the payment provider and charged separately; vary by country and method | PayPal or Stripe fees on top (Ko-fi says usually around 3% + $0.30) |
Fees: platform fee and payment processing
KRM
KRM's standard platform fee is 0% on payments below USD 5 (or EUR 5, GBP 4, SAR 18 or AED 18) and a 5% base fee on payments at or above that amount. The payment provider's processing fees are separate: the provider sets them, and they can vary by country and payment method. KRM has no monthly plan fee; its fee is deducted only when you receive a payment. Individually agreed KRM partner contracts can set a different platform fee.
Ko-fi
Ko-fi's help centre lists two options: on Ko-fi Free, one-off tips and Goals have a 0% Ko-fi fee while monthly tips, memberships, commissions and shop sales have 5%; on Standard, 5% applies to all of them. PayPal and Stripe charge their normal processing fees on top, which Ko-fi says are usually around 3% + $0.30 and vary by account type, location and currency.
Which option costs less depends on the amount, the type of payment, the currency, the country and the plan, so compare the published fee structures for your own situation.
Who might prefer KRM?
- You want paid appointment bookings and fixed-price service links alongside tips.
- You want one QR code that lets the payer choose a tip, gift, service, product, subscription or campaign.
- You receive small payments often: KRM's platform fee is 0% below USD 5 or the equivalent.
Who might prefer Ko-fi?
- You want to be paid through PayPal as well as Stripe — KRM's PayPal option is not active yet.
- You take commissions or requests from your audience.
- You want a 0% Ko-fi fee on one-off tips and Goals with the Ko-fi Free option.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between KRM and Ko-fi?
Ko-fi focuses on creator tips, memberships, commissions, a shop and Goals, paid into your PayPal or Stripe account. KRM focuses on one payment link and QR code for tips, gifts, services, bookings, products, monthly subscriptions and campaigns, processed through your connected Stripe account.
Is KRM a Ko-fi alternative?
For receiving tips and payments through a link or QR code, it can be. If you need PayPal payouts or commission requests, Ko-fi currently offers those and KRM does not.
Does KRM support QR payments?
Yes. Every KRM account has a QR code that opens the same payment page as its link; the payer chooses the payment type and amount and pays by card or a supported wallet.
Get your KRM payment link
Create an account, connect your payment account and share one link and QR code for tips, gifts, services, bookings, products and subscriptions.
Official sources
- Ko-fi — home page (2026-10-18)
- Ko-fi Help — Does Ko-fi take a fee? (2026-10-18)
Ko-fi and other product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. KRM is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Ko-fi.