Online Giving Era: Overcoming the Misconceptions of Online Giving

In an everlasting era of a digital world, the way church communities connect, engage, and grow is evolving. One significant transformation is the standard of online giving- that’s right, it is now an expected option. 

Let’s explore a few misconceptions and expert tips when it comes to online giving.

“Online giving is expensive”

Reality is… staff and volunteer time costs money and energy that can be better spent on relational activities that connect, engage and grow the kingdom. While some believe that church online giving fees are expensive and complicated, the reality is, they offer significant advantages that outweigh the expenses. Online giving enhances financial transparency and accountability, streamlining the administrative burden on churches. By automating the donation process and reducing manual administrative work churches realize long-term cost savings. 

The convenience and transparency of an online giving platform provides individuals multiple payment options and around the clock giving availability which results in higher contributions. 

Statistics show that adding an online giving option increases church donations by 32%. The increase in donations far outways the fees associated.  Vanco Churchgoer Giving Study

traxios allows the donor to easily choose to cover credit card fees

More than half of churchgoers aged 22-44 would give more to offset the costs if they knew their church was paying credit card and debit card processing fees Vanco Churchgoer Giving Study

It's crucial to view the costs associated with church online giving as a positive investment because in the long run, online giving is optimizing financial operations and increasing giving. 

“Online giving is not safe” 

Reality is… online giving is extremely safe and secure. Online giving platforms prioritize protection of sensitive information. Consider that billions of safe online transactions happen daily around the world. Plus, credit cards and banks have many safeguards in place for fraud. 

Also consider that with traditional giving, physical money and check is a process of multiple people handling transactions creating the possibility of potential information laying around on a church desk or opened spreadsheet. There is also a large rise in check theft from mail boxes (Forbes) making mailing checks potentially less safe than online giving.  Instant receipt or payment confirmation has actually been shown to benefit the donor because it provides peace of mind the transaction went through successfully, their money is going to the church quickly, and is trackable at any point in time to reference when needed.

83% people 50+ lack confidence that what they do online remains private. -AARP

50+ use of financial transactions increased 37% to 53%. -AARP

Despite the security fears, there record-high use of digital banking among senior citizens -Lightico

“Online giving is complicated” 

Reality is… online giving platforms are designed to be user-friendly. With a simple interface and intuitive process, track.church has made it easy for both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy to give. Online giving simplifies the process for donors but more importantly for administrators and those handling the finances. The online giving platform can be integrated with Quickbooks online, saving staff time and money for the church. 

Online giving is also much more effective at turning one-time or infrequent givers into regular donors by allowing easy opt-in recurring gift options. Often, it only involves checking a box and confirming the selection (Vanco Churchgoer Giving Study).

“Online giving is impersonal and less intentional” 

Reality is… providing multiple avenues for giving allows for moments of planned giving and moments of spontaneous giving. There are many ways people give: sporadically or spontaneously, tithing strategically and planned, or investing. By allowing multiple ways for each giver to give, it maximizes the potential for donations received. Online giving is a resource for all levels of giving. Some believe that setting up a recurring payment is not personal. However, consider the intention and commitment it takes to set up a consistent gift. The way people choose to give does not take away from their gift. 

The adoption of online giving represents a step forward in embracing the possibilities of technology and modernizing the traditional practice of giving. Online giving is not just a transaction for a church but another positive way to interact with your congregation. Embracing online giving is a testament to a church's commitment to connect, engage, and grow the congregation for generations to come.