Credit Card Processing Non-Profit Options: The Ultimate Guide

Every donation counts for non-profit organizations. Grants can be a very effective tool for them to generate funds and growth. But the way any non-profit organization takes the grants is equally important.

If your non-profit is stuck to old ways of getting donations in cash or checks you are confined to a limited amount. But what if you can take the donations with credit cards? You can then easily take bigger amounts and grow faster. It is here that credit card processing for non-profits comes into play. With the credit card processor, you can easily take money via a debit card or a credit card.

With credit card processing non-profit options, you can easily take recurring funds from the donor every month, quarter, or year. And this will widen the scope of the amount of donation you get without much effort.

Different ways how people in the US donate

Furthermore, as a non-profit or a church, you can get good discounts from most of the credit card processors. Some processors specifically give the options that are designed for non-profits. This makes accepting donations easy.

Types Of Credit Card Processing for Non-profit Organizations

So, now you have understood the importance of credit card procesing for non-profit organizations, let us guide you through simple steps that you can take to initate this process. Be it a recurring payment or just a one-time payment, credit card processing for non-profits can do it easily. Here are the important types of credit card processing that a non-profit organization can take:

In-person Donation

When you buy something from a shop or buy a movie ticket you use a machine to pay through credit or debit card. Similarly, for your nonprofit, a donor can swap a machine and donate easily. This is made possible with a credit card reader. It can be a handheld credit card machine or a mobile device.

Online Donation

When everything is going online then why not the non-profits? Yes, you can take donations online with a credit or debit card. A simple donation form connected to the credit card processing for non-profit can easily process the donation for you. The user has to just click the donate button, enter the amount, and enter the card details and that’s it. Furthermore, you can also give the donor an option for monthly or annual donations. The processor will automatically deduct the donation amount from the donor’s account.

Mobile Donation

Imagine if you had a credit card processor for non-profit that can work on a mobile device. You can then accept donations anywhere and everywhere. The good news is that this is possible. Many credit card processors give the option of a mobile app to accept donations. Or you can get your own mobile app developed with the credit card processor working at the backend. The payment is simple. You enter the donor’s details along with their credit/debit card details and accept payment.

Credit card processing for non-profit gives the flexibility to accept donations from different modes. It also enhances the user experience. Especially with options like recurrent payments the donor doesn’t have to remember the date or the month they need to pay again. Everything is automatic.

You also get comprehensive data on the donors over a period of time. For any emergencies, you can easily contact the donors from the databases.

Key Factors To Chose A Credit Card Processing For Non-Profit:

Third-party payment processor

If you are a first-timer nonprofit looking for credit card payment processing then a third-party option will be the best. Especially if you know that your volumes will be low and there won’t be many transactions every month. These third-party payment processors can give you all the facilities that are required to get donations seamlessly from the donors. But, remember, third-party processors charge you more.

Merchant account

If you get large amounts of donations and the number of payments is high, then we would recommend a dedicated merchant account. The processing is faster as compared to a third-party payment processor. It is secure and safe. When a transaction is made it is first verified and then approved. Once approved the amount is deposited in your bank account.

Processing rates

The most important factor to look for is the processing rates. Some merchant accounts charge less and some charge more. As a non-profit, you should look for a processor that gives you good discounts and also has cheaper processing rates.

Transaction security

While choosing a processor you should also consider how much emphasis they give on security. You should always check if they comply with PCI requirements and security checks for their credit card processor.

Customer care services

Any credit card processing for non-profit cannot serve you better if they do not have a strong customer care and support team. You might frequently require their support. Especially when a transaction is declined and there are chargebacks that you want to dispute. So check for their online rating and you will get to know their capabilities.

Different Types Of Processors Explained

Third Party Payment Processor

The usual fee is around 2.9% of the donated amount. It is always better to use a well-known third party payment processor for non-profit. Because the customer will rely on these processors.

Usually, with a third party processor it is difficult to use your own branding. So a secure and popular system is important as it can be easily recognized.

If your nonprofit organization anticipates a volume of transactions (less than one hundred) selecting a third party payment processor could be a viable choice.

Setting up a third party payment system is typically quick. It can be done within minutes without any technical knowledge. However keep in mind that transaction fees tend to be higher as you are utilizing another entity’s merchant account for processing transactions than having your own.

Additionally, if you opt for a third-party solution as an option to accept credit card payments then in-person donation might not be possible. Although there are options like Dipjar for collecting donations during events or stick to cash transactions.

Merchant Account

When you opt for a merchant account the fees is low. It is usually around 2.15%. It might also charge some minimal account for ever transaction you make. Then there can be a setup fee and a monthly/annual fee.

A merchant account is necessary to streamline the donation process when the amount and frequency of donation is high. The best part is with merchant account you can do your branding so that your donors, who trust you, can donate without any doubts in mind.

Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Swipers And Virtual Terminals

Now lets discuss credit card terminals, credit card swipers and virtual terminals. If you intend to accept credit card payments at events, you will need to consider acquiring hardware such as a credit card terminal or swiper. A merchant account will help in this.

Once your merchant account is set up you can collaborate with the nonprofit payment processing company to obtain hardware for processing in person credit card payments.

The three options mentioned above are commonly used because they minimize your efforts and help you in accepting donations without any problem.

Credit card terminals

A credit card terminal is similar to the technology you usually see at stores. It’s a device that allows customers to insert, swipe or tap their cards for payment. You have the option to purchase wireless models. The advantage of a terminal is that it remains connected during internet outages while a wireless terminal is lighter and more portable.

However both types may present challenges when connecting to software providers like fundraising platforms. They tend to be more expensive than a card swiper.

Card Swiper

Considering the cost of a terminal and the associated complications, you can think about using a credit card swiper. These lightweight devices are becoming increasingly popular as they can be easily attached to your phone or tablet. Just download the app from your payment processor buy a card swiper from them. And you can start accepting donation anywhere. Card swiper is one of the most basic hardware when it comes to credit card processing for nonprofits.

Many known nonprofit payment providers like Square offer options for using these swipers. Although, swipers are easy but they take time. You have to manually enter the credit card details.

Software / Virtual Terminal

Another option is to use software that provides solutions and not just payment processing. These tools often include features like donor management and peer to peer fundraising for fundraising purposes. Additionally there are all in one solutions available that offer tools such as website building, online store setup and event registration for profit organizations.

See more virtual terminals

The fees for these software solutions will vary depending on your selection. Payment processing fees should be comparable, to those associated with a merchant account. If you choose to utilize a software tool, for payment processing it is probable that you will need to establish a merchant account and to get the best out of it.

Best Credit Card Processors For Non-Profit

We have compiled a list of some of the well-known credit card processors for you. Each of them have some pros as well as cons and you should know that before making any decision.

Helcim

IATS

PayPal

Stripe

Square

CharityEngine

GoFundMe Charity

Dharma Merchant Services

Conclusion

Now you know everything about credit card processing for non-profit you can make an informed decision. You should always have a clear plan about how you want to proceed. The plan should be based on your organization’s needs.