4 July 2025
Free and Affordable Church Check-In Systems – What Are Your Options?
Many small churches and church plants are on tight budgets. They need a reliable child check-in system but can’t afford high monthly fees. The good news is there are free and low-cost church check-in software options available. In this guide, we’ll explore free solutions, affordable paid systems, and money-saving tips to help you find the best free or cheap church check-in software for your ministry.
Free Church Check-In Software and Apps
If your budget is zero, a few free child check-in system options do exist. These can handle basic attendance tracking and security, though often with some trade-offs in features or support:
Open-source solutions – A few platforms offer open-source versions that include check-in modules. These are technically free but typically require IT expertise to host, set up, and maintain. Most don’t include official support and have limited feature sets or require community-based troubleshooting.
Free tiers from paid systems – Some providers offer a limited free plan designed for very small churches. These plans may restrict the number of check-ins per day or the size of your database. These tiers often come with caps that force you to upgrade once your ministry grows.
Generic attendance tools – You might come across free, general-purpose attendance or check-in apps. While not built for church use, they can be adapted to serve basic check-in functions. These tools rarely include church-specific features like label printing, guardian pickup verification, or allergy alerts.
Trade-Offs of “Free”
Completely free solutions come with limitations. Open-source platforms require technical setup and lack dedicated support. Free tiers of commercial products often cap the number of kids or check-ins you can have. Always consider the safety features too – a manual or bare-bones solution might not generate unique pickup codes or allergy alerts, which are critical for child security. Free options can be okay for starting out, but as your ministry grows, be prepared to invest in a more scalable system or a paid plan.
Affordable Paid Church Check-In Systems (Low-Cost Options)
This is where our product, Kidddo, shines. We designed it with simplicity and cost-conscious churches in mind.
Kidddo – $19/month Flat – Kidddo is known for its low, transparent pricing. We charge $19 per month for unlimited kids, unlimited check-in stations, and all features included. There are no hidden fees or tiered add-ons – even features like SMS notifications and printed labels are included. This simple flat rate makes Kidddo one of the most affordable church check-in software options on the market. There’s also a free trial available, no credit card required.
Despite the low cost, Kidddo supports secure parent pickup tags, attendance dashboards, and works on any device – so you can use your existing tablets or computers without new hardware purchases.
We recognize that churches may also be comparing other tools. Here's a quick snapshot of where Kidddo fits in:
Comparison of Budget-Friendly Options
Solution | Free Option? | Starting Cost | Pricing Model & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Kidddo | Free trial available | $19/month | Flat monthly rate, unlimited kids & stations. All features included - labels, SMS, etc. |
ChurchTrac | 30-day trial (free plan lacks check-in) | $24/month (75 people) | Tiered subscription by size. Starts at $24/month – price increases with more names in your database . Includes full ChMS features. |
Planning Center | 30-day free trial | $15/month (30 check-in limit) | Variable monthly rate dependent on features needed and number of rooms/check-ins |
KidCheck | Demo & training free | $25/month | Pricing ranges from $25 to $60/month dependent on features required. Additional $15-$60 monthly fee for using unlimited devices. |
Breeze | 30-day free trial | $72/month | Flat monthly rate for unlimited number of people. Includes full ChMS features. |
Pricing above is current as of this writing; always check provider websites for the latest details.
Tips for Budget-Conscious Churches
Beyond picking a low-cost software, here are some tips to implement a child check-in system affordably:
Use Existing Devices as Kiosks: You don’t need to buy expensive check-in kiosks. Most systems run on common devices – reuse a church office iPad, a volunteer’s tablet, or an old laptop as your check-in station. Kidddo works on any web browser or mobile device. This can save hundreds.
Start with Free Trials and Free Tiers: Nearly every provider offers a free trial (usually 2–4 weeks). Take advantage of these trials to test the software in a real service. See how easy it is for volunteers and parents. This ensures you only spend money once you’re confident it meets your needs.
Use Only What You Need: Don’t overpay for bundled tools you won’t use. Some platforms package giving, CRM, and accounting into their check-in product. That’s fine if you need it – but unnecessary for most small churches. Kidddo focuses on doing one thing well: check-in.
Plan for Growth: Choose a solution that won’t penalize you as you grow. Kidddo’s flat-rate model means you can scale your kids ministry without worrying about per-kid or per-check-in costs down the road.
Safety First, Even on a Budget: Don’t compromise on security. Any system you choose should offer unique pickup codes, allergy alerts, and staff access controls. Kidddo includes all of this – even on the trial – because we believe safety isn’t an upgrade.
Our Solution’s Value in a Budget Context
Kidddo was built for churches that want to keep children safe without stretching their budget. Here’s why it’s a smart fit:
Flat, Low Pricing: $19/month, all-inclusive. No confusing tiers. No upsells.
Full Feature Set: Secure pickup tags, label printing, SMS alerts, custom fields, attendance tracking, and more.
No Extra Hardware Needed: Works on your existing tablets, phones, or computers.
Free Trial: 30 days, no credit card required.
When you stack us up against tiered plans, limited free versions, or DIY options, Kidddo offers real value with no surprises.
Make the switch to secure, simple check-ins
Even if funds are tight, you don’t have to stick with pen-and-paper logs for your kids ministry. From truly free church check-in apps to ultra-low-cost subscriptions, there are options that fit almost any budget. Start by evaluating your ministry’s size and needs: a tiny nursery might do well with a free tool or $0 starter plan, whereas a growing children’s ministry might justify a $20–$30/month investment for better efficiency and security.
Remember, the best free child check-in app for one church might not be best for another – so weigh the features and limitations. Importantly, involve your team in trials and get feedback from parents. The goal is a smooth, secure check-in/checkout process that families trust.
By using the information in this guide, you can make an informed decision that keeps both your finances and kids’ safety in check. Affordable solutions are out there – now it’s up to you to choose the one that will help your church save money while loving and protecting your little ones.