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Charity Merchant Services

28 March 2017

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Written by Libby James
Libby James is co-founder, director and an expert in all things merchant services. Libby is the go-to specialist for business with more complex requirements or businesses that are struggling to find a provider that will accept them. Libby is regularly cited in trade, national and international media.
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    Maximising Charitable Giving: Embracing Card Payments for Charities

    Last year, the World Giving Index proudly crowned the UK as the most generous country in Europe. With an increasing number of people contributing to worthy causes, charities must adapt to this generosity wave by accepting credit and debit card donations and monthly subscriptions in addition to traditional cash contributions. In this article, we explore the advantages of charity merchant accounts, the ease of accepting donations via card payments, and cost-effective alternatives to popular donation platforms like Just Giving.

    Why Charities Need to Embrace Card Payments

    Charity Merchant Accounts:

    Charities can significantly benefit from embracing credit and debit card donations. Here are the key advantages:

    Convenience: 

    With card payments, people can donate quickly and easily online, at their own convenience.

    Efficiency: 

    Automated processes streamline administrative tasks, making donation management a breeze.

    Security: 

    Online transactions are often well-protected, eliminating the need for manual handling of cash and trips to the bank.

    Boosting Donations: 

    The above points increase accessibility for potential contributors and reduce the backend workload, positively impacting the organisation’s bottom line.

    How to Accept Card Payments

    When searching for the best merchant services for non-profit organisations, consider your account’s flexibility. Merchant Advice Service can assist you in setting up the right solution, whether you need phone payment options or a payment gateway for receiving donations.

    For non-profit organisations, we work closely with merchant providers specialising in charity merchant accounts, payment gateways for non-profit organisations, and merchant credit card processing for non-profit charities. Rest assured that we can provide the expertise needed to secure the best deal, ensuring more of your donations reach the causes that need them most.

    Accepting Donations over the Phone

    Don’t overlook the power of accepting donations via the phone, especially for donors without internet access. IVR payment facilities for charities offer a simple and secure solution:

    24/7 Availability: Donations can be processed automatically and securely throughout the year.

    User-Friendly: Donors enter their card details directly into the telephone keypad.

    Integration: Some IVR systems integrate with charity databases for easy reporting.

    Gratitude: After a successful transaction, donors receive a thank-you text message and an opportunity to add gift aid.

    Short Term Card Machine Hire for Charity Events

    In addition to setting up long-term charity merchant accounts, we understand that many charities also require short-term solutions for special events and fundraisers. That’s why we offer short-term card machine hire services specifically tailored to meet the needs of charity events. Whether you’re hosting a gala, a charity run, or any other fundraising event, our short-term card machine hire ensures you can accept card payments conveniently, giving your supporters more options to contribute to your cause. This flexible solution allows you to make the most of every opportunity and maximise your fundraising efforts.

    Alternatives to Just Giving for Charities

    While Just Giving is a popular choice for reclaiming gift aid from donations, there are more cost-effective alternatives. To make the most of gift aid donations, consider other platforms such as Virgin Money Giving and EveryClick. Shopping around can reduce costs significantly, allowing your charity to maximise its impact.

    How Merchant Advice Service Can Help

    Merchant Advice Service is committed to assisting non-profit organisations in finding the right merchant services and payment solutions. We work closely with merchant providers, ensuring you secure the best deal to optimise your charitable contributions.

    Conclusion

    Embracing card payments is a crucial step for charities to make the most of the generosity displayed by the UK. Charity merchant accounts offer numerous benefits, including convenience, efficiency, and security. Donors can contribute easily, and charities can manage their donations more effectively. Whether you prefer phone payments or online gateways, Merchant Advice Service can help you navigate the world of non-profit merchant services. With cost-effective alternatives to popular platforms, your charity can make the most of every donation.

    The strategic adoption of card payments by UK charities has unlocked new avenues for maximising charitable donations. By offering diverse methods of contribution, from monthly donations through bank accounts to collecting donations in person, charities provide UK taxpayers with the peace of mind that comes from secure transactions. 

    Regular donations facilitated through charity merchant accounts are not just about the donation amount; they represent a commitment to sustaining charitable causes. Moreover, the efficiencies gained through these systems may positively influence income tax benefits for donors, further incentivising the culture of giving. It’s clear that as charities continue to innovate in the way they collect donations, the beneficiaries will be the myriad of causes they support, backed by the generous spirit of donors nationwide.

    FAQs

    What is a charity merchant account?
    A charity merchant account is a specialised account that enables charities to accept credit and debit card payments, streamlining the donation process.
    How do IVR payment facilities work for charities?
    IVR payment facilities allow donors to input their card details via the telephone keypad, ensuring secure and convenient donations.
    Are there alternatives to Just Giving for reclaiming gift aid?
    Yes, platforms like Virgin Money Giving and EveryClick offer cost-effective options for charities to reclaim gift aid.
    What is the process for setting up a charity merchant account?
    To set up a charity merchant account, you will need to provide the necessary documentation to verify your non-profit status. Merchant Advice Service can guide you through this process.
    Can I accept international card payments with a charity merchant account?
    Yes, many charity merchant accounts allow for international card payments, making it easier to receive contributions from supporters worldwide.
    Are there any tax benefits associated with using charity merchant accounts?
    In some cases, using charity merchant accounts can offer tax benefits, as they streamline the handling of donations and make it easier to track contributions for tax purposes.
    Is it possible to integrate charity merchant accounts with our existing donation management system?
    Yes, many merchant providers offer integration options that allow you to connect your charity merchant account with your current donation management system for seamless operation.
    What security measures are in place for online card payments to protect donors and charities?
    Online card payments through charity merchant accounts often include robust security features, such as encryption and fraud prevention, to protect both donors and charities from potential risks.

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