Without more giving options, your church is missing out on resources for ministry, and people are missing out on the blessings that come through offering gifts to God.

When you are ready, you will need a service to enable giving on your church’s website, via an app, or via text message. As you are choosing a provider, keep in mind these 5 Things to Consider Before Choosing an Online Giving Provider.

1. Setup Costs

Many, if not most online giving providers advertise no setup fees. That sounds like a good deal, especially for churches that are still on the fence about online giving. However, it is still worth looking at providers that charge setup fees. Many times, there is some benefit to that cost, such as lower transaction fees or enhanced customer service when getting started.

2. Monthly Costs (including minimums)

Again, $0/month sounds like a good deal and often it is. But it is worth a closer look. Monthly fees often have advantages, such as lower transaction fees and/or more features. Some services wave monthly fees, but only if you meet a monthly minimum.

If your church is interested in text-to-give, you will also need to pay attention to that monthly cost. Some services offer it free, and others charge from around $5 to $20 per month.

3. Transaction Costs

In the long term, especially as the number and value of transactions increase, low transaction costs can save the most money. The transaction cost usually has two parts: the credit card rate and the transaction fee. The credit card rates vary from around 2% to 3% of the total gift, and they are often lower for ACH/eCheck transactions. Transaction fees are charged per transaction, no matter the amount. They are usually in the range of $.30 to $.45.

4. Giving Options (Recurring, Text to Give, ACH, etc.)

Before you commit to a platform, make sure it offers all the necessary options and that you understand any additional costs associated with those options.

Recurring Giving
Recurring giving is a cornerstone feature for most online giving platforms tailored to churches. It allows members to set up automated donations on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. This not only simplifies giving for your congregation but also helps your church establish a reliable stream of income. With recurring giving, members can focus on worship without worrying about missing a donation. Nearly all providers include this as a standard feature.

Text-to-Give
Text-to-give offers a convenient, on-the-go way for your members to donate. Once a user registers their payment information, giving becomes as easy as sending a single text with the donation amount. For example, after registering the first time, all you need to do is send a text saying “$50,” and you’re done. It’s quick, efficient, and perfect for people who prefer a mobile-first approach.

Giving Apps
Many platforms come with dedicated giving apps, allowing members to donate from their smartphones. These apps often include features like recurring giving, giving history, and the ability to track personal donations. Having a mobile app makes giving accessible and intuitive for tech-savvy members of your congregation.

ACH / eCheck Payments
ACH or eCheck transactions allow people to give directly from their bank account without using a credit card. This is often the most cost-effective option since the processing fees are significantly lower compared to credit card transactions. This feature is particularly useful for larger, one-time gifts or for those who prefer avoiding card fees altogether.

Kiosks
While not as popular as mobile or online options, kiosks are still an option for churches that want to provide an on-site way for people to give electronically. These devices are set up in lobbies, offices, or other public spaces and allow users to give with a credit card, debit card, or even mobile wallet. However, with the rise of mobile-first giving, some churches find kiosks to be less relevant today. If your church believes in having this feature, ensure your provider supports it.

Mobile Wallet Integration
Platforms with mobile wallet integration allow members to give using tools like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. This adds an additional layer of convenience for donors who prefer these methods, making the giving process seamless and reducing barriers to entry.

5. Features and Support

As you consider a provider for your church’s online giving, spend some time looking at the “extras” that come with the service. It is important to get the services you need. However, it is also important not to be paying extra for things you don’t. It is also important to consider the level of customer service you will require. Some of the services are DIY (though they try to make the process easy.) Others might offer a dedicated account executive who will walk with you through the whole process.

Here are some of the extras that are available from different providers:

ChMS Integration
If your church uses a Church Management System (ChMS) to track attendance, giving, and membership, integration with your giving platform can be a game-changer. This feature automatically syncs giving data, making tracking donations, sending receipts, and generating year-end statements simple and efficient.

Customizable Donation Pages
Customizable giving pages allow you to create a donation experience that feels like part of your church’s branding. From logos to colors to specific giving categories (like tithes, missions, or building funds), these pages can be tailored to match your church’s unique style and needs.

Promotional Materials
Encouraging your congregation to adopt online giving can take some effort. Many platforms provide promotional materials, including videos, handouts, social media graphics, and guides, to help you introduce the system to your church effectively. These

Real-Time Donation Tracking
Real-time tracking gives church leaders instant access to donation data as gifts are made. This feature provides transparency and allows leaders to monitor giving trends, helping with financial planning and stewardship efforts.

Customer Support
The level of support offered by platforms varies significantly. Some are designed for do-it-yourself users, with robust help centers and tutorials, while others provide dedicated account managers who guide you through setup and ongoing support. Assess how much help your church will need to ensure you get the right level of assistance.

Event and Campaign Tools
Many platforms include tools for event registration, ticketing, and special campaign fundraising. Whether you’re hosting a fundraiser for a mission trip or selling tickets to a Christmas concert, these tools simplify the process and provide easy ways for attendees to give.

Fee Customization
Several platforms allow donors to cover transaction fees as part of their gift. This option ensures the church receives the full donation amount while giving members the choice to help offset costs.

This is a lot to consider, and it can feel overwhelming. Hopefully, a little explanation will make it easier to find the right fit and make online giving a reality at your church.

Stay tuned. Soon I will be posting my updated comparison of all the major providers.

In the meantime, if you find this helpful, maybe someone else will too! Share it on social media or forward it along to a decision-maker in your church.