The way business operates today, the focus is on making monetary transactions convenient, easy and safe for business and client alike. This means accepting credit card payments, allowing people the flexibility to pay how they want to. For churches, the ability to perform credit card processing for donations and tithing can increase a church member’s level of comfort in making donations.

Many people no longer carry cash, preferring to have everything processed electronically. For a church that only accepts cash, this can lead to a loss in donation amounts as people have less cash on hand. Time sensitive contribution opportunities, such as for a world event or local family suddenly in need, can be missed by people who are willing to give but simply don’t have the cash at the time it is needed.

Accepting credit cards for donations and tithing can alleviate the burden on church members by allowing them more flexibility in how, and how much, they can give. Processing credit card transactions is secure and easy, and a church can receive the funds from charitable donations directly into their bank account, without the need for anyone to have to handle large amounts of cash.

It is also possible to allow people to donate automatically, through a church website. Using a payment gateway like Authorize.Net, churches can provide a link on their website to allow members to set up recurring contributions. Automatic donation has many advantages to both the church and the church member. A church member can have their credit card billed automatically – just as they do for many of their other recurring expenses. They set up their account online only once, specifying a certain amount to be sent at a certain time (weekly, monthly, etc.). Budgeting is easier, and payment is secure.

For the church, automatic donations means funds are deposited directly, without waiting for checks to clear. More people can give more easily, raising donation amounts. In addition to automatic donation, website donations can be used for holding a fund raiser. A member who cannot be present at the fund raiser can still donate before and after the event is over, from the convenience of their home.

Processing credit cards for donations offers churches more opportunities to raise funds, and allowing online donation offers the flexibility many parishioners need to give as they would like. Automatic credit card donation makes good sense for both church and churchgoer alike.