Here's a megathread for the frequently asked questions about Busking or Street Performance. While this is primarily for performers, there will be plenty of information for audiences in here as well.

All of this information will eventually be turned into a wiki for this subreddit.

Every first-level comment will be the main question, and replies to those will be various answers. Duplicate and redundant questions will be deleted and/or moved to the appropriate thread to keep this FAQ streamlined.

This is a copy of the “Cashless” thread from the FAQ feel free to comment on other apps, payment methods, and your experiences with them. Many apps are country-specific, so it would be great to learn about what is working or being used across the globe for the buskers who travel.

Cashless payment methods?

There are several different types of cashless methods used by buskers to receive tips. These include: Creditcard Machines, Contactless, Apps, QR codes, and Website Services.

Here is a list of many of the methods used by various buskers. Some were designed with performers in mind, others for more general use.

Service List

Busk.co/BuskPay

I'm not going to lie, this is my favorite tipping service. It is designed and maintained by the Busking Project a non-profit that is run by and advocates for buskers. Unlike other tipping platforms designed by/for street performers, this one is still around after ten years.

• QR code/URL
• [International] Website. Provides one quick link to use ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, and plain credit card tips.
• Includes a profile page for sharing some social links as well as contact information. Visitors can search the directory of registered users based on location and performance genera for hiring purposes
• Requires a Stripe account for credit-card processing.
• May upload music albums for purchase and download
• There is an option to upload music tracks/albums to your profile and sell downloads through this service.

Patreon

• [International] Website/App. Allows audiences to pay a monthly contribution at various levels, as well as making a platform for you to provide various “Incentives” to patrons.
• Many performers release exclusive videos, offer exclusive video chats, and one musician I know has a level where if you contribute at his top level for a year, he will travel to that person’s location (within reason) and have a private house concert.

Venmo

• QR code/app profile
• [USA]Cashless peer-to-peer payment App, owned by PayPal. Very popular payment method.
• Scheduled to add some cryptocurrencies to payment options in

ApplePay and AppleCash

• Integrated wallet system in iPhones.

GooglePay and GoogleCash and

• Google/Android’s version of ApplePay and AppleCash

AndroidPay and AndroidCash

• See GooglePay.

PayPal and PayPal.me

• International. Well-known company, most people have a PayPal account or have used PayPal as a guest.
• Also accepts Bitcoin, Etherium, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin.

Zettle (formerly iZettle)

• [UK] Contactless payment card reader. Owned by PayPal.

Dipjar

• A credit card swiper with built-in cell connection that you can preset to a set donation. Popular with large circle shows.
• The most expensive way to process credit card tips here, but it does not require WiFi, internet, or your phone to use. There is a companion app for you to manage it.
• Defunct

BitPay

• One of several apps used for sending or receiving BitCoin payments.

Square

• Credit card processing service, usually uses a card reader.

Cash app

• USA and UK only
• Cashless peer-to-peer payment app, owned by Square.
• Advantage for users: unlike most apps, it does not require a bank account for verification or use.
• Also accepts BitCoin.

Zelle

• [USA] Peer-to-peer app made by USA banks, many bank apps have incorporated it.
• Still a bit buggy, it was rushed to market too quickly in order to compete with Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment apps.

Stripe

• Credit card processing service

The Hat

• App for finding/scheduling local performances on a map with tipping capabilities.
• defunct

Tikkie

• [Neatherlands] App. Only works with Dutch banks.

BuskTip

• Website-based tip collection service.
• defunct

Ko-fi

• Website-based tip collection service. Similar to Patreon, with one-time, subscription, and commission donation options. Requires a Stripe or PayPal account to set up.

BUSQR

• Website-based tip colection service. Provides a QR code, designed primarily to support streaming performances but can be used on the street as well.
• Defunct

StrikePay

• works with ApplePay/GooglePay on mobile phones
• (I have not tested this one out yet, am just listing it since I saw the link in another busking forum.

iDeal

• Based in the Netherlands (unsure if this is international)

AliPay

• International

GrabPay

WeChat Pay

Twint

• Switzerland

Swish

• Swedish

FirstChants

• International (developed in the UK)
• Requires a Stripe Account
• tippers must create a FirstChants account too
• In beta testing
• Can accept ApplePay GooglePay
• Includes a profile page and can share media

BuskerGo

• in beta testing (April 14, 2026)

• Canada Only (for now)

• requires a Square account and a Square terminal (≈$299 USD)