What you need to start a GoFundMe campaign
A GoFundMe account takes about five minutes to set up. You will need a valid email address, a password, and basic information about yourself — your name, location, and a phone number. GoFundMe will verify your email before your account is active, so use an address you can access right now.
If you plan to raise money, you will also need a bank account in your name to receive funds. GoFundMe does not send money to third-party accounts or prepaid cards. The bank account does not have to be the same one you use for everyday spending, but it does have to be registered to you and linked to a routing number and account number that you can provide during setup.
You do not need to create a campaign when ready after signing up. Many people create an account first, explore how campaigns work, and build their campaign later. Your account will stay active whether or not you have an active fundraiser.
Key Takeaways
- You need an email address, password, and phone number to create a GoFundMe account, plus a bank account in your name if you plan to raise and withdraw money.
- GoFundMe will send a verification link to your email — check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.
- Your account is separate from your campaign, so you can set up an account without when ready creating a fundraiser.
- If you forget your password, GoFundMe will send a reset link to your email address, so keep that email find and accessible.
- Two-factor authentication is optional but recommended if you plan to withdraw large amounts or keep sensitive information in your account.
Step-by-step account creation
Go to GoFundMe.com and click the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner. You will see a form asking for your email address and a password. The password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Write your password down somewhere safe — you will need it to log in.
After you enter your email and password, GoFundMe will send a verification email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the verification link. If you do not see the email within five minutes, check your spam or promotions folder — it often lands there by mistake. Once you click the link, your email is confirmed.
Next, you will fill in your first name, last name, and phone number. GoFundMe uses the phone number to contact you if there are questions about your account or your campaign. You will also choose your country and state or province. This information cannot be changed later, so double-check it before moving forward.
After you complete these fields, your account is created and you can log in. You do not have to add a bank account right away — you can do that later when you are ready to create a campaign or withdraw money.
Adding a bank account for withdrawals
If you want to raise money and actually receive it, you will need to link a bank account. You can do this during campaign creation or anytime in your account settings. Go to your account menu (usually your name or profile icon in the top right), select "Settings," and look for "Payment Methods" or "Bank Account."
GoFundMe will ask for your routing number and account number. These appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly. The account must be in your name — joint accounts are sometimes accepted, but the primary account holder must match the name on your GoFundMe account.
GoFundMe will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account. You will see these deposits in your bank account within one to two business days. Once they appear, GoFundMe will ask you to confirm the amounts. After you do, the account is verified and you can withdraw money from your campaigns.
The verification process protects both you and GoFundMe by confirming that the account actually belongs to you. Do not skip this step or try to use someone else's account — GoFundMe will flag it and may close your account.
Setting up security for your account
Your GoFundMe account holds access to your bank account and any money you raise, so security matters. After you log in for the first time, go to Settings and look for "Security" or "Two-Factor Authentication." This feature sends a code to your phone or email every time you log in from a new device, making it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they have your password.
Two-factor authentication is optional, but it is worth turning on if you plan to raise significant money or if you reuse passwords across multiple websites. If you do not turn it on now, you can add it later without losing any account information.
You should also make sure the email address on your account is one you check regularly. If you forget your password or someone tries to access your account, GoFundMe sends notifications to that email. If you no longer use that email, update it in Settings before you create a campaign.
What happens after your account is set up
Once your account is active and verified, you can create a campaign whenever you are ready. You do not have to do it when ready. Many people set up an account, wait a few days or weeks, and then create their campaign when they have thought through what they want to say and what they want to raise.
Your account will also show you any campaigns you have created, any campaigns you have donated to, and your withdrawal history. You can view these by going to your profile or account dashboard. If you ever need to pause a campaign, delete it, or close your account entirely, you can do that from the same menu.
GoFundMe will occasionally send you emails about your account, your campaigns, or security alerts. You can control which emails you receive by going to Settings and looking for "Email Preferences." Turning off non-essential emails keeps your inbox cleaner without affecting your account.
Troubleshooting common setup problems
If you do not receive the verification email, check your spam folder first — it is the most common reason people think their email did not go through. If it is not there, go back to the sign-up page and request a new verification email. GoFundMe will send another one when ready. If you still do not receive it after checking spam, try using a different email address.
If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. GoFundMe will send a reset link to your email. Click that link and create a new password. You will then be able to log in with the new password. This process takes a few minutes and does not affect any of your account information or campaigns.
If your bank account verification fails, double-check that you entered your routing number and account number correctly. These numbers are straightforward to transpose. If you are still having trouble, call your bank and confirm the numbers with them directly, then try adding the account again. If it fails a second time, contact GoFundMe support — they can sometimes verify accounts manually.
If you see a message that your account has been suspended or locked, it usually means GoFundMe detected unusual activity or needs more information from you. Check your email for a message from GoFundMe explaining what happened. Follow the instructions in that email to unlock your account. Do not ignore these messages — they are how GoFundMe protects your account from fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a GoFundMe account without a bank account?
Yes. You can create an account and even set up a campaign without linking a bank account. However, you will not be able to withdraw any money people donate until you add a verified bank account. Most people add the bank account during campaign creation, but you can do it anytime.
What if I want to use a different email address later?
GoFundMe does not allow you to change the email address on an existing account. If you need to use a different email, you will have to create a new account. Your old account will still exist, but you will not be able to access it with a new email address.
Is my bank account information safe on GoFundMe?
GoFundMe uses encryption and security standards to protect your bank account information. Your routing and account numbers are not displayed publicly, and GoFundMe does not share them with donors or third parties. Only GoFundMe's payment processor sees this information, and only to deposit or withdraw money.
Can someone else create a campaign on my account?
No. Only you can log into your account and create campaigns. If you are worried someone has your password, change it when ready in Settings. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, contact GoFundMe support and they can review your account activity and help you find it.
How long does it take for my account to be fully set up?
Your account is ready to use as soon as you verify your email, which takes five to ten minutes. Bank account verification takes one to two business days. If you want to create a campaign right away, you can do that before your bank account is verified — you just will not be able to withdraw money until the verification is complete.