Content Credits SDK vs Pigeon

Content Credits SDK lets publishers charge for individual premium articles while giving readers a way to pay only when they want access. Readers use one account and wallet across participating publishers, without a monthly subscription. The SDK can keep paid content hidden until a reader pays the article’s credit price, then reveal it without a page reload. Readers buy credits using credit cards or digital wallets; PayPal processes payments, and Content Credits says it does not store payment details. Publishers choose article prices and access rules and can use the service alongside an existing paywall. Integration options include a WordPress plugin, JavaScript SDK, npm package, and custom paywalls; named supported stacks include WordPress, custom CMSs, Next.js, React, and Vue. Publisher tools cover reader behavior and article performance, with features intended to encourage longer visits and deeper scrolling. Publisher participation is free, but Content Credits takes a percentage of micropayments; payouts are monthly with detailed reports. Credits have no cash value, are non-refundable and non-transferable, and may expire after 12 months of inactivity.

Pigeon is a cloud-based platform for paywalls and subscription management for digital content. Its audience includes publishers of newspapers, magazines, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, educational resources, streaming video, and digital downloads, as well as social-media influencers. Paywall options include hard, soft, metered, time-based, cookie, advertising, newsletter, and credits models. The service works with WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, static-site generators, and custom CMSs; its listed integrations also include HubSpot, Magento, Wix, Squarespace, and several site frameworks. Subscriber and customer management, subscription and billing tools, and financial and engagement analytics are included. A Theme Editor changes the appearance of paywalls, registration pages, and user account pages, including logos and colors. Payment options include major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and manual payments. All customers receive email support, documentation, regular check-ins, and setup implementation support. The Experiment plan is free forever but permits no transactions. Publishers costs $99 a month, with a setup fee starting at $750 and 10% transaction fees. Pigeon cautions that determined hackers using advanced tools may still bypass its paywall.