Contactless giving

Contactless donations and payments

In 2019, over 50% (2018: 47%) of U.K payments were made using card, compared to 23% (2018: 28%) by cash. Total cash transactions have fallen from 60% of all transactions in 2008 to 23% in 2019, a figure that is projected to decline to 9% by 2028. This move away from cash has been accelerated by the COVID outbreak, where society has been encouraged to prefer digital forms of payment.

Income from collections (on the plate or via donation boxes) is the third largest source of donations for churches within our Diocese, only after planned giving and Gift Aid. A combination of reduced cash usage and inflation saw our parishes' total collection income fall by 24% in real terms between 2008-2017. That works out at a loss of just under £550 per church!

How will a contactless device help?

Providing the option to donate or pay via a contactless platform will enable our churches to:

• Protect themselves against the gradual shift away from cash usage 

• Cater towards both cash and card gifts and payments 

• Offer greater donor choice – a donor can give in a way they are most comfortable with

• Engage with a wider range of visitors, especially those who are not regular churchgoers and may never carry cash. For example, baptisms, weddings, and those visiting our churches for events, or drawn in by the beauty of our church buildings.

"...our terminal was pre-set to allow donations of £3, £5 or £10 and we launched near the end of November 2018. Since that time donations of £765 have been processed and the terminal has been generally well received. On the Sum-Ups we took over £300 over the course of 3-day Flower Festival…it has made a huge difference having contactless or chip & pin to offer.” - Sally Wainman, Kesgrave

Who will use it?

Audience: Mainly wider community, but also the congregation may wish to use during collections.

Use: Occasional offices, events, Christmas/Easter/Advent services, sales.

Pricing

For pricing options please visit Parish Buying. Note: These prices are only available to Parish Buying members and you can register for free.

Which device is best for us?

This depends on a variety of factors, for example:whether you have mobile signal, Wi-Fi or very little signal, how many events a PCC holds a year; whether the church is left open for visitors; whether the device is to be manned or left unattended; whether the primary aim is to receive payments or donations (or double up as both), amongst others. 

The Parish Buying website has lots of useful information and resources to help you choose the right device for your church including the latest options and pricing here.  If you choose a device that uses Sum Up and Give A Little you will also be able to set up online giving (including a QR code) through the same account.

Please get in touch with the team if you would like to discuss further.  

Julie Podd – Parish Finance & Resources Advisor | 01473 298555

Additional Resources

Contactless giving presentation | PDF

Contactless donations FAQs | PDF

Contactless giving calculator | XLSx

Testimonials | PDF

Making the most of contactless | PDF