The modern couple often prefers a mix of physical registry gifts, as well as cash contributions for major goals—like a honeymoon or a down payment. Whether you’re looking for the best platform for just cash funds or one that delivers it all, we’ve got you covered.

We've broken down the fee structures & options, and offered copy-and-paste etiquette wording.

How to Compare the Top Honeymoon Fund Registries

The choice of platform depends on whether you prioritize convenience, which often has a small fee for secure credit card processing, or relying on external payment apps, which can be truly zero-fee. Use this comparison matrix to assess the trade-offs.

Platform	Credit Card Transaction Fee	Zero-Fee Option?	Registry Completion Discount	Unique Payout Detail
Zola	2.5% (Choice of Payer)	Yes (Via Venmo)	20% (Multiple uses, 6 months)	Direct Bank Transfer, Venmo
The Knot	2.5% (Paid by Guest)	No	20% (One-time use, 6 months)	Direct Bank Transfer
WithJoy	0% (P2P* Apps) *Peer to Peer apps (ie: Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp)	Yes (P2P Apps)	20% (One-time use, 6 months)	P2P Apps (Instant transfers cost ~1%-1.5%)
Honeyfund	Varies (Approx. 2%-3%)	Yes (Honeyfund Prepaid Mastercard/Gift Cards)	N/A	Prepaid Mastercard, Gift Cards, PayPal/Bank Transfer
Hitchd	4.98% (Couple, Guest, or Split payment)	No	N/A	Direct Bank Transfer
MyRegistry	Up to $6.95 (+ 2.5% PayPal fee)	No	N/A	PayPal Transfer

Detailed Comparison: Fees, Features, and Flexibility

Zola

Overview: Zola is an ideal choice for integrated honeymoon or cash fund & traditional registry. It is also a seamless guest experience with one place for guests to browse your wedding website, RSVP, and shop your registry—all in one secure, seamless checkout process.

Key Features:

• Cash Fund Fee: 2.5% credit card fee, but you have the flexibility to choose whether you absorb the cost or the guest pays it.
• Zero-Fee Option: Offers a completely zero-fee contribution option if using Venmo. Instant transfers cost still apply.
• Flexibility: Easily mix cash funds with physical gifts and experiences, add gifts from anywhere or sync multiple registries, and enjoy a 20% post-wedding completion discount that can be used multiple times.
• Customer Service: Support team availability 7 days a week, as well as free 1:1 Advisor Services, to assist with cash fund transfers, tips & etiquette, or answering any guest questions.

Honeyfund

Overview: Honeyfund is a cash-based registry that does offer zero-fee cash options, as well as fee options. While their reputation is for honeymoon funds, there’s flexibility to sync your Target registry for physical gifts.  

Key Features:

• Cash Fund Fee: If choosing the option for cash directly via bank transfer or PayPal/Venmo fees apply (between 2.2% - 3.5% based depending on the account setup) paid by the couple.
• Zero-Fee Option: Zero-fee if cashing out via Honeyfund Prepaid Mastercard or Gift Cards. 

WithJoy

Overview: WithJoy is a modern platform that is popular for its straightforward approach to cash funds, particularly because it utilizes existing peer-to-peer apps.

Key Features:

• Zero-Fee Option: Offers a zero-fee cash fund because it integrates with P2P apps like Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp, allowing guests to skip credit card processing fees entirely. Instant transfers cost still apply and vary by platform. 
• Instant Deposit Fees: While standard bank transfers are free, P2P apps apply a fee (typically 1% to 1.5%) if you opt for instant deposit instead of a standard 1–3 business day transfer.
• Flexibility: Easily mix cash funds with physical gifts and experiences, and enjoy a 20% post-wedding completion discount that can be used one time.

TheKnot

Overview: The Knot is a trusted registry marketplace. Its cash fund integrates directly into its planning tools and is a reliable option for couples.

Key Features:

• Cash Fund Fee: Cash contributions have a 2.5% transaction fee, which is always paid by the guest (the couple cannot absorb this fee).
• Flexibility: Easily mix cash funds with physical gifts and experiences, and enjoy a 20% post-wedding completion discount that can be used one time.

Hitchd

Overview: Hitchd is a premium, niche platform focused exclusively on funding unique honeymoon items and experiences. It appeals to couples who prioritize a beautiful, custom-designed aesthetic. However, there is a one-time setup fee of $249.

Key Features:

• Cash Fund Fee: Contributions include a 4.98% card processing fee, which the couple can choose to absorb, have the guest pay, or split equally.

MyRegistry.com

Overview: MyRegistry.com functions primarily as an aggregator, allowing couples to consolidate existing registries and add unique, niche items from any store worldwide.

Key Features:

• Cash Fund Fee: Deducts a handling fee up to $6.95 plus the 2.5% PayPal transaction fee from cash fund transactions, which is among the highest fees.
• Flexibility: Allows adding items from all stores with its universal linking.

Cash Gift Etiquette: How to Ask for Money Gracefully

The biggest anxiety around cash funds is the etiquette of asking for money. Here’s how to request cash contributions for your wedding gift. 

Honeymoon fund wording templates The best place to communicate your wishes is on your free wedding website, which is less formal than the invitation. Use these templates to find the right tone:

Wording Style	Example Template Focus
In Lieu of Gifts	"Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. If you would like to contribute, we have created a honeymoon fund instead of registering for traditional gifts."
Formal/Heartfelt	"If you feel inclined to give us a wedding gift, a contribution toward our [insert item] would greatly help us start newlywed life off right."
Informal/Poem	"Roses are red; violets are blue, We can't wait to share our big day with you! Afterward, we'll be on the way, To our adventurous honeymoon getaway."
Short/Direct	"A contribution toward our honeymoon fund instead of a gift is much appreciated."

Beyond the Honeymoon: How to Customize Your Cash Fund

Modern cash funds are highly flexible. Since many couples already have home essentials, you can—and should—create specific, personalized funds that make the contribution feel more tangible and meaningful to the guest.

Instead of a generic "Cash Fund," frame the request around a specific goal:

• New Home Fund: For a down payment or renovation costs.
• Future Adventures Fund: For specialized goals like scuba diving certification or sailing lessons.
• Home Office Setup: For specific household needs like a new desk or high-end electronics.

This transparency and personalization are key to encouraging guest participation & makes it easier when writing thank you cards.

Honeymoon Fund and Cash Registry FAQs

How do Zola, The Knot, and Joy compare for cash funds?

The platforms differ primarily in fee flexibility and integration. Zola offers the most flexibility, allowing the couple to choose who pays the 2.5% credit card fee, and includes a completely zero-fee Venmo option. The Knot requires the guest to pay the 2.5% fee and does not offer a zero fee option. WithJoy is the P2P cash fund leader, offering zero-fee cash funds via peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or CashApp, but it does not offer a direct bank transfer option.

Is it rude to ask for money on your invitation?

Yes, it is generally considered rude to print the request for cash directly on your formal invitation. Etiquette dictates that the request should be made gently and with full transparency, which is best achieved by providing the link to your registry cash fund on your informal wedding website.

Do I have to use the fund for what I specified?

No, once the money is in your bank account, you can technically use it for anything. However, to honor the guest’s intention, it is highly recommended to and send a personalized thank you note referencing the specific experience they funded.

Who typically pays the transaction fee—the guest or the couple?

The credit card company requires the transaction fee (typically 2.5%) for online payments. Most platforms, like The Knot, require the guest to pay the fee. Zola is flexible: you can choose to have the guest pay the 2.5% fee or absorb the cost yourself, ensuring the couple receives the exact amount contributed. You can also choose the zero-fee Venmo option.

Get ready to start your Zola registry and build a personalized cash fund that fits your unique goals.