This page helps you decide whether a cash registry is right for your wedding by showing how to compare fees, features, and transfer options across services.
The short answer
A cash registry lets guests gift money rather than physical items. To choose one, compare how much of each gift you actually receive (after any processing fees), how guests can contribute (credit card, PayPal, etc.), and how quickly funds reach you. Also check whether the platform charges guests a service fee or if you pay a flat monthly fee. These details affect what your guests experience and what you ultimately collect.
How this comparison is built
The criteria come first and the providers come second. That order is deliberate: it is what stops a comparison from becoming an advert.
What we compare
- Does the platform deduct a processing fee from each gift, or do you pay a flat subscription?
- Can guests contribute via multiple payment methods without extra fees?
- How long after a gift is made do you receive the funds?
- Does the service allow you to create separate funds for honeymoon, house down payment, etc.?
- What happens to unclaimed or refunded gifts if a guest cancels?
The criteria that decide it
| What to compare | What to ask for | The decision it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Fee structure | Whether the platform charges a per-gift fee, a flat monthly fee, or passes a transaction fee to the guest | Determines how much of each gift you keep and whether guests feel surcharged |
| Withdrawal methods | Options for transferring funds (ACH, PayPal, check) and any minimum balance or waiting period | Affects how quickly and conveniently you can access your money |
| Guest experience | Whether guests see a service fee at checkout or can pay without creating an account | Influences guest willingness to give and overall satisfaction |
| Fund customization | Ability to create named funds (e.g., Honeymoon, New Home) and set suggested amounts | Helps guests understand your priorities and directs gifts toward specific goals |
| Transfer speed | Standard processing time for funds to reach your bank account after a gift is made | Impacts your cash flow planning before and after the wedding |
| Integration with wedding website | Whether the registry can be linked or embedded directly on your wedding website | Affects how easily guests find and use the registry from your main event page |
Why there is no provider table here yet
A comparison table is only worth reading when every row has been checked against the provider's own current pricing and features, with the date that check happened. We have not finished that work for this category, so there is no table and there are no links.
Use the criteria above in the meantime. They are the same criteria the table will use, so the research you do now is not wasted.
Who each option suits
Read the criteria against your own constraints. A ranking written for someone else is not a recommendation for you.
Match these to your situation
- Choosing a platform that charges guests a hidden service fee without your knowledge, leading to smaller gifts.
- Not reading the withdrawal minimum or holding period, so funds are stuck until you hit a threshold.
- Using a cash-only registry without any traditional items, alienating guests who prefer to buy a physical gift.
Your next conversation, in checklist form
Your next conversation, in checklist form
- Compare the fee structure of at least three cash registry services.
- Read the terms for how and when you can transfer funds to your bank account.
- Test the guest checkout flow to see if service fees are added.
- Confirm whether the registry can be linked to your wedding website or invitation.
- Decide if you want to offer physical gift options alongside cash funds.
- Set up a separate bank account for registry funds to track deposits easily.
Questions couples ask
Can I add a cash registry to my existing wedding website?
Most cash registry services integrate with popular wedding website builders, but check compatibility before signing up. If not, you can manually add a link.
Do guests have to pay a fee to give cash?
Some platforms add a transaction fee to the guest's total, while others deduct it from your gift amount. Review each service's policy so you know what guests will see.
Is the money from a cash registry taxable income?
In the US, gifts are generally not taxable income for the recipient, but large sums might trigger gift tax reporting requirements. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Your next decision
Once you compare cash registry options, decide whether to also include a traditional gift registry or a charitable registry for a balanced approach.
