You can support projects on Startnext for free or in exchange for a thank-you gift. The minimum contribution is €5. The contribution is usually not collected until after the funding phase has been successfully completed.
How can I support a project?
There are three ways you can support a project:
- Unrestricted Support: You contribute an amount without selecting a thank-you gift. For nonprofit projects, this is equivalent to a donation.
- In exchange: You choose a thank-you gift and contribute the corresponding amount.
- Combined: You can combine a donation and thank-you gifts, and select multiple thank-you gifts.
What is the minimum amount for financial assistance?
The minimum amount is 5 €. This applies to both voluntary donations and thank-you gifts.
What payment methods can I use?
You can make a donation using the following payment methods:
- PayPal
- Direct Debit
- Credit Card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Different maximum amounts apply depending on the payment method:
- Direct debit: up to €5,000
- Credit card: up to €25,000
- PayPal: up to €25,000
- Apple Pay: up to €11,000
- Google Pay: up to €11,000
How can I make a donation using Apple Pay?
You can use Apple Pay if it is set up on your device or in your browser. The charge will be deducted from the payment method stored in Apple Pay.
In some cases, we authorize your card by placing a hold of 0 € or 1 €. Depending on your bank, this hold will be released within a few minutes.
Apple Pay is currently available on mobile devices and via Safari on a Mac.
How can I make a donation using Google Pay?
You can use Google Pay if it is set up on your device or in your browser. The payment will be charged to the payment method on file in Google Pay.
In some cases, we'll place a hold on your card for €0 or €1. How this appears may depend on your bank.
Google Pay is currently available on mobile devices as well as on a PC or Mac using the Chrome browser, provided the payment feature has been set up.
Who processes my payment?
Stripe processes payments as an external payment provider for Startnext. Stripe is a PCI-certified payment service provider authorized by BaFin.
An external payment provider handles, among other things:
- Integration of various payment methods, such as credit cards, direct debit, PayPal, and digital wallets—depending on the country
- the secure processing and protection of payment data
- Protecting transactions against misuse and fraud
- Legally required checks, such as identity or business verification for new users
Startnext doesn't simply store your credit card number in plain text. Stripe also enables the integration of payment methods in an international context and performs the necessary compliance checks for payouts.
When will the amount of my donation be debited?
The amount is generally not collected until after the funding phase has ended—and only if the project has been successfully completed, depending on the type of campaign.
Crowdfunding works differently than a regular online store: When you back a project, your payment method is first registered or briefly verified. The actual amount isn't due until it's confirmed that the campaign was successful.
Once the campaign has ended successfully, the payments will be processed. You will also receive an email notifying you that the amount of your donation is being processed.
Why do I initially see only 0 € or a small reservation?
This is usually normal. When making a donation, your payment method is often verified briefly at first. To do this, a €0 authorization or a small hold of approximately €0 to €1 may appear.
The total amount will not be charged until the funding phase has been successfully completed. If the project does not reach its goal—depending on the type of campaign—no money will be charged.
If your payment method changes later—for example, if you get a new card or open a new account—you can update it in your support details before the payment is processed.
Does Startnext deduct my monthly contribution?
No. Startnext does not currently offer subscription-based support. Support is collected as a one-time payment—unless you have specifically selected “pay in installments” for the project.
With some payment methods, such as PayPal, the presentation may look like a subscription:
- Your payment may initially be reserved or stored as an authorization with the payment provider.
- Once the payment has been received, this authorization will be canceled.
This isn't a monthly subscription. If you selected "pay in installments," multiple charges are normal. Without the installment plan, there shouldn't be any duplicate charges.
Can I support a project in a different currency?
Yes. You support the project as usual. On the day the payment is processed, the amount to be debited from your account in your currency will be calculated based on the current exchange rate.
What can I do if credit card support isn't working?
First, check your card information, additional verification requirements, your spending limit and available balance, as well as whether online or international payments are enabled. Often, the issue is related to one of these factors, or it may be that your bank has blocked the payment because it’s unusual.
1. Check map data
- Is the credit card number correct?
- Is the expiration date correct?
- Is the CVC or CVV security code correct?
2. Check 3D Secure and strong customer authentication
Many payments require additional confirmation, such as via a banking app, text message, or push notification. Check:
- whether you've opened and closed the confirmation
- whether a pop-up blocker or stricter browser protection is blocking the redirect
3. Check Limits, Coverage, and Card Type
- Have you reached your daily, weekly, or monthly limit?
- Is there sufficient balance or available funds on a debit card?
- Is the card blocked or expired?
4. Review online and international payments
Some cards are not enabled for online payments or certain currencies.
5. Check for any blocks placed by the bank
Banks sometimes block first-time online payments or larger amounts for security reasons. Try making the payment again, or contact your bank or the department responsible for your corporate card to request authorization.
You can also:
- Switch browsers or use incognito mode
- Temporarily disable pop-up blockers or tracking protection
- Reopen the checkout page for the amount and project
- Use a different payment method
What should I do if my benefits cannot be collected?
If the direct debit fails, you'll automatically receive an email. Please update your payment method within 48 hours so that a new direct debit attempt can be made.
Here's how to do it:
- 1Open your donation details.
- 2Go to the "Payment Method" section.
- 3Select a different card or account, or re-enter your payment information.
Also check:
- whether there are sufficient funds in your account for the direct debit
- whether your card limit is sufficient
- whether your card is valid
If you do not update your payment method by the payout date—usually 13 days after the project ends—the funds may no longer be able to be collected.
If you have multiple projects or funding sources, check the funding details to make sure you're updating the payment method for the correct project.
Until when can I cancel my donation?
You can cancel your contribution until the funds are debited. This is generally possible during the funding phase. Once the funds have already been debited, cancellation is usually no longer possible.
Here's how to cancel:
- 1Open your support details using the link in the confirmation email or in your profile under "Support."
- 2Scroll down to the payment settings.
- 3Click "Cancel Support" or "Cancel Now."
- 4You will receive a confirmation via email.
The benefits will be terminated immediately and will not be recovered.
What is the difference between cancellation and revocation?
A cancellation is possible before the campaign begins and takes effect immediately. A revocation is only possible after the project ends, applies only to contributions that include a thank-you gift, and must be confirmed by the project creator.
Cancellation Before Moving In
- The support will be discontinued immediately.
- There will be no collection.
- You will receive a confirmation via email.
Withdrawal After the Project Ends
- A cancellation is only possible for contributions that include a thank-you gift.
- You are sending a cancellation request to the organizer.
- Only after confirmation will the support be canceled and the refund processed.
- Voluntary contributions and donations are non-refundable.
If you have a complaint or would like to exchange an item as a thank-you gift, please contact the host directly.