Credit card processing for churches may seem odd to more traditional parishioners who are used to placing coins or bills into a collection plate. In the past decade, however, it has become far more common for churchgoers to pay with plastic, either by writing a card number on a donation envelope or by swiping a card through a credit card machine. The days where all collection plate proceeds could be held in a small metal box have gone by, and most churches are modernizing their donation acceptance practices to include debit and credit cards.
Beyond the collection plate, there are a lot of other church-related services that had previously been handled with cash and checks. While smaller houses of worship may have snacks or coffee prepared for members, bigger theological campuses may have coffee shops and snack bars which require cash registers and payment processing equipment. Churches with bookstores will also benefit from credit card terminals and check guarantee services. With the right configuration, credit card machines can also do double duty for rummage sales and other fundraising events.
There are multiple events where members of the congregation may feel more comfortable paying with plastic. Parents can pay for church camp registration with a card more easily since they may not be carrying sufficient cash or a checkbook. Donations can not only be paid by way of a card, but can also be submitted online, and can be set to recur on a weekly basis. For those who may not feel comfortable writing their credit card numbers on a tithing slip, the option to swipe a credit card at a kiosk or donation table preserves security and prevents issues with legibility. Special donations can also be made for church field trips and missions.
Capital Processing Network has a variety of payment processing solutions for churches that can be adapted to make donating and tithing easier. We have portable and mobile credit card terminals that keep workers and volunteers from being tied down to a single spot, and offer check guarantee equipment that will ensure that a member’s donation is not more than he or she can afford. By adapting to new ways of accepting donations and tithes, churches can concentrate on spreading their message and performing the good works that their collections have made possible.