What you need to start a GoFundMe campaign

To create a GoFundMe account, you need an email address, a password, and basic personal information — name, location, and a phone number. GoFundMe will ask you to verify your email before you can launch a campaign. The whole account setup takes about five minutes, but moving from account creation to a live fundraiser takes longer because GoFundMe requires you to add campaign details, upload photos, and in most cases provide identity verification before money can be withdrawn.

You do not need a bank account to create the account itself, but you will need one before you can receive money. GoFundMe connects to your bank account through Stripe, their payment processor, so you'll provide your routing number and account number when you set up payouts — not during initial signup.

If you're under 18, you cannot create a GoFundMe account. A parent or guardian must create the account and be listed as the organizer, even if the campaign is for you.

Key Takeaways

  • You need only an email and password to create a GoFundMe account, but identity verification is required before you can withdraw money.
  • GoFundMe connects directly to your bank account through Stripe; you provide your routing and account numbers during payout setup, not during signup.
  • Your campaign won't go live until you add a title, description, photo, and fundraising goal — and GoFundMe reviews it for policy compliance.
  • Verification typically takes 24 to 48 hours, but can take longer if GoFundMe requests additional documents or flags your campaign for review.
  • You can withdraw money as soon as verification is complete, even if your campaign is still running and collecting donations.

Step-by-step account creation

Go to GoFundMe.com and click "Start a GoFundMe" or "Sign Up" in the top right. Enter your email address and create a password — GoFundMe requires at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, and a number. Click the verification link in the email GoFundMe sends you within a few minutes.

After you verify your email, you'll be asked for your first and last name, date of birth, and country. GoFundMe uses this information for identity verification later. Complete this step and you have a working account — you can log in and start a campaign immediately, but you cannot receive money until you finish the full verification process.

Do not close your browser or navigate away during this step. If you do, you may need to start over or contact GoFundMe support to complete the process.

Creating your first campaign

Once your account is verified, click "Start a GoFundMe" and select the category that matches your situation: Medical, Emergency, Memorial, Education, Nonprofit, or Community. This choice affects how GoFundMe categorizes your campaign and which donors see it, but you can change it later if needed.

Fill in your campaign title — keep it clear and specific. "Help with Medical Bills" is weaker than "Raising Funds for Sarah's Cancer Treatment." Add a detailed description explaining what you're raising money for, why you need it, and how the money will be used. GoFundMe reviews this text for policy violations, so avoid language about gambling, weapons, or illegal activity.

Upload at least one photo — a clear, well-lit image of yourself or the person the campaign is for. GoFundMe's algorithm favors campaigns with photos, and donors are more likely to give when they can see who they're helping. You can add up to 10 photos and a video if you want.

Set your fundraising goal. This is the amount you're aiming to raise. GoFundMe does not stop accepting donations when you hit your goal, so you can exceed it. If you're unsure, start with a realistic number based on what you actually need — campaigns with specific, justified goals tend to perform better than round numbers.

Identity verification and payout setup

Before your campaign goes live, GoFundMe will ask you to verify your identity. You'll provide your Social Security number (or tax ID if you're a nonprofit), date of birth, and address. GoFundMe uses this information to comply with anti-money-laundering regulations and to prevent fraud.

You'll also set up your payout method at this stage. Click "Add a Beneficiary" or "Payout Method" and enter your bank account information — the routing number and account number from a checking or savings account in your name. GoFundMe will make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your account within 1 to 2 business days. You'll need to confirm these amounts in your GoFundMe account to verify the bank account is real and belongs to you.

Verification typically takes 24 to 48 hours, but can take longer if GoFundMe flags your campaign for manual review or requests additional documents. If you're asked for more information, respond as quickly as possible — delays in responding can extend the timeline to a week or more.

What happens after your campaign launches

Once verification is complete, your campaign goes live and can start receiving donations. Money donated to your campaign is held by GoFundMe for a few days before it's transferred to your bank account — this is called the hold period, and it typically lasts 7 to 10 days for first-time fundraisers. After that, donations move to your bank account within 1 to 3 business days.

You can withdraw money as soon as it clears to your bank account. You do not have to wait for your campaign to end or reach its goal. If you need money urgently, you can request an early withdrawal, but GoFundMe may charge a fee or require additional verification.

GoFundMe takes a platform fee of 2.2% plus $0.30 per donation. If you use a credit card to donate, there's an additional payment processing fee of 1.5% to 3%, depending on the card type. These fees are deducted from donations before the money reaches your account.

Common issues during setup

If your campaign is flagged for review, GoFundMe will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include unclear descriptions, photos that don't match the campaign category, or campaigns that appear to violate GoFundMe's terms of service. Respond to the email with clarification or updated information — do not ignore it, as your campaign will remain inactive until you respond.

If your bank account verification fails, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the verification to fail. If you're still having trouble, contact your bank to confirm they allow third-party transfers, as some accounts have restrictions that block GoFundMe deposits.

If you're locked out of your account, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the reset link sent to your email. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to sign up, contact GoFundMe support — they can help you regain access, but it may take several business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a GoFundMe account without a bank account?

Yes, you can create the account and set up a campaign without a bank account. However, you cannot withdraw donations until you add a valid bank account and complete verification. You can add your bank account information at any time before or after your campaign launches.

How long does it take to get verified?

Most accounts are verified within 24 to 48 hours. If GoFundMe requests additional documents or flags your campaign for manual review, verification can take up to a week. Respond to any requests from GoFundMe as quickly as possible to speed up the process.

What if I want to delete my account after I set it up?

You can deactivate your GoFundMe account at any time by going to your account settings and selecting "Deactivate Account." If you have an active campaign, you'll be asked what to do with the money — you can keep it, refund donors, or donate it to charity. Deactivation is permanent and cannot be undone.

Do I have to use my real name on my GoFundMe account?

Yes. GoFundMe requires the name on your account to match the name on your government ID for verification purposes. Using a fake name will cause your account to be suspended or deleted, and any money in it may be frozen.

Can someone else manage my campaign if I set up the account?

Yes. After your campaign is live, you can add other people as editors or beneficiaries through your account settings. Editors can update the campaign description and photos; beneficiaries can receive payouts. Only the account owner can delete the campaign or change the payout method.