Pay the band without the spreadsheet

The gig is over and the band needs paying. That usually means opening Venmo, looking up each username, typing each amount, and keeping a note of who's been paid. GigPenguin turns that into a list you work down, and keeps the record for you.

How paying the band works in GigPenguin

1. Pay is already on the gig sheet. Each band member's pay goes in their offer, so the amount was agreed before the gig.
2. Each gig gets a Pay tab. It lists everyone who played, what they're owed, how they like to be paid, and whether they've been paid. Anyone still owed comes first.
3. One tap opens your payment app. Pay opens Venmo with the band member and the amount filled in, or Cash App or PayPal with the amount. For Zelle, copy their email or number into your bank's app.
4. Come back and it asks "Did you pay Luis $400?" One tap records it, with how and when. Paid a deposit, or a tip on top? Record as many payments as you like.
5. Band members confirm it arrived. Their gig page shows what you paid them, and they tap It arrived, or Not yet if it hasn't come through. You hear about a Not yet straight away.

Your money never goes through GigPenguin

You pay in your own Venmo, Cash App, PayPal or bank, exactly as you do now. Nothing is held, nothing is charged per payment, and nobody in the band signs up for anything new. GigPenguin keeps the record: who you paid, how much, how, and when.

How band members tell you how to pay them

• You add it to your roster. Their Venmo username, Cash App $cashtag, PayPal.me name or Zelle email, or cash or check.
• Or they tell you from their gig link. You see it as a request and tap Use it. A gig link can be forwarded, so nothing changes where your money goes until you say so.
• Missing one? Ask them from the Pay tab and they get an email with a link to fill it in.

Pay day reminders and the year's totals

On a gig's pay-by date, if anyone's still owed, you get a morning email listing who. Your home page shows it too. The Pay page adds up the year per band member, across every band you run, splits out what went through the apps, flags anyone you've paid $2,000 or more (the 1099-NEC line for 2026), and exports a CSV for your accountant. It's record-keeping, not tax advice: your accountant decides what to file.

What it doesn't do

It doesn't move money, file 1099s, or invoice your clients. If you need payroll or client invoicing, see the best band management apps, by what they do.

Questions

Does GigPenguin take a cut of each payment?

No. The money goes straight from your app to theirs. GigPenguin never touches it.

What does the Venmo payment say?

Your band name and the gig date, never the client or the venue, since Venmo notes can be visible to friends.

Can band members see what everyone else is paid?

No. Each band member sees only their own pay and their own payments.

How much does it cost?

It's free while GigPenguin is in its pilot, no card needed, and band members never pay.