How Will My Account Be Structured?
In this article:
- Merchant accounts & ActBlue
- Standard model applies
- Merchant account applies
- Structure & disbursement vary by jurisdiction
Merchant accounts & ActBlue
Some local and state campaigns and organizations require you to have your own merchant account to use ActBlue. We have a simple system to help you set up a merchant account. To complete this process, you will need to provide the following during the account setup:
- Your committee’s federal tax ID (EIN). If you do not have an EIN, you can obtain one in minutes via the IRS website. Make sure to save your EIN confirmation document (usually an SS-4), as we may ask you to provide that to expedite the verification process.
- An active campaign bank account and a voided check, bank statement, or account confirmation letter.
- An authorized representative from the campaign to sign the terms and agreements.
- Stripe, our merchant account provider, may require additional information—you will be prompted for it if so.
The fee structure for Stripe Merchant accounts is transparent and predictable, allowing you to see a complete picture of your campaign or organization's fees at any time.
ActBlue and Stripe assess a total fee of 3.7% + $0.23 (inclusive of all Stripe and ActBlue fees), which we deduct from the gross donation amount before payout. After removing the transaction fee, the deposits to your bank account reflect the net donation amount. For example, a $20 contribution will result in a total payout of $19.03.
If you're a campaign that uses Raise by ActBlue, the ActBlue and Stripe fees are 3.25% + $0.23 per transaction, which we deduct from the gross donation amount before payout.
Click here to get started!
Check out the lists below to determine if you are running in a jurisdiction that requires a merchant account!
Standard model applies
D.C.
Hawaii
Iowa
Massachusetts
Minnesota
North Dakota
Oregon
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
Federal Races
501(c)(4) organizations
501(c)(3) organizations
Merchant account applies
Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Washington
West Virginia
Structure & disbursement vary by jurisdiction
Arizona
California
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Maine
Mississippi
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New York
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Wyoming
If you have any questions, please contact our support team using the email address you use to access your ActBlue account.