Card Processing Donations Now Available Through Salvation Army
Charitable giving during this holiday season is even easier now that the Salvation Army offers credit card processing of donations. Various “red kettle” locations have wireless credit card readers on hand to quickly manage transactions, and the Salvation Army covers credit card processing fees. The credit card option enables people who are cash poor to give more than the few extra quarters jingling in their pocket, and provides a clear receipt of the donation for tax purposes.
The Future of Charitable Giving; Credit Cards?
The Salvation Army tested Credit card machines in two cities last year – Dallas, TX and Colorado Springs, CO. The credit card processing option was a success, and this year more than 120 cities will have wireless credit card terminals available for donations. The nonprofit currently takes Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The terminals are easy to use, and resemble do-it-yourself readers at gas stations. Contributors may also give online, opening up new options for non-profits and online credit card processing.
Benefits of Using Credit Card Processing for Donations
Not only is it easier for potential donors to donate using a credit card, but they are more willing to give a larger sum. A test chapter of the Salvation Army in Dallas, Texas reported that credit card donors gave an average of $14 at the kettle, compared to an average of $2 given by cash donors. This is a common benefit of credit card processing – the average amount of sales or donations increase as people make an “impulse” donation they know is offset by future earnings.
In Colorado Springs, money raised last year was up $64,000 from the previous – an overall 11 percent increase according to the Salvation Army. About $5,000 of the increase attributed to donors using credit or debit cards at the kettles.
Donations made by wireless credit card processing are also really simple. In today’s market consumers are already buying several types of goods and services using credit cards, from small businesses supplies to luxury vacations. This trend may also soon be seen as the preferred way to donate. In an economy where nonprofits are some of the hardest hit organizations, the ability to do credit card processing is a lucrative option.
