Contactless giving
JULIE JONES PARISH GIVING SCHEME ADVISER, DIOCESE OF OXFORD “Contactless is all around us, why not in our churches! It’s a great way for parishes to give people another option when donating and help Contactless ease administrative burdens.” giving Jess Dace, Deputy Finance Director, Diocese of Lichfield What is a card reader
A contactless card reader is a small terminal that enables donations to be made to your church via contactless debit or credit card, or by using your smartphone or watch, up to a value of £30. Why do we need one
In mid-2017, we in the UK passed the point where more transactions were paid for by card than with cash. Having a card reader in your church means that people who don’t carry cash can give in a way that suits them. When would we use it
• Collections at special services • Baptisms, weddings, funerals • Other church activities, such as summer fetes or concerts • Fundraising for Christian Aid week What are the options
Attended units
• Pair with tablet or smartphone • Require permanent connectivity What are the options
Unattended units
• Standalone device • Can store transactions offline The contactless offering plate “We trialled the GBx Mini card reader during August 2019. The feedback from congregation members was that it was quick and easy to use. We recommend the use of card readers to other Testimonial churches.”
Steve Bridge, Holy Trinity, Theale GWD Donation Stations
Slim Mini Maxi How much do they cost
The C of E’s Parish Buying service has negotiated discounted rates with several different suppliers. Prices range from £19 ex VAT for simple card readers to > £1,000 for larger, more advanced devices. Commission and support fees – payable either monthly or on a per transaction basis. Where can we get one
Parish Buying is a buying service set up by the Church, for the Church. Their contracts and discounts are available to all parishes, cathedrals and dioceses in the Church of England and the Church in Wales. www.parishbuying.org.uk Nationally
Over 1,600* churches and cathedrals are already using card readers purchased through Parish Buying – a 240% increase since November 2018. National Giving Strategy aims to have card readers available in 50% of churches within the next 5 years.
*Source: Parish Buying newsletter December 2019 Oxford diocese
• May 2019 Contactless offering plate • Summer 2019 GBx Core trial in 10 churches • Nov 2019 VISA / SumUp trial in 14 churches
To date, over 120 churches have signed up for (or expressed an interest in) contactless giving Top tips
• Make it visible • Communicate about it • Adapt quickly Mobile phone giving
• Replaces giving by text • Based on QR code technology (requires connectivity) • No purchase or set up costs • Can be printed onto notice sheets, posters or orders of service FAQs How do we know what’s been donated Can we claim Gift Aid
Contactless donations up to £30 can be claimed under the Gift Aid small donations scheme (GASDS) allowance of up to £8,000 per year.
For payments authorised by chip & PIN, donors will need to complete a Gift Aid declaration. Do I need a PCC resolution
Opening an account with a Card Payment Services Provider is similar to opening a bank account.
The decision should be authorised by the PCC, and evidenced by a resolution in the minutes. Questions For more information, go to www.parishbuying.org.uk
Or contact Julie Jones at Church House Oxford, 01865 208288 [email protected]
REGISTERED OFFICE: OXFORD DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE, CHURCH HOUSE OXFORD, LANGFORD LOCKS, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD, OX5 1GF 01865 208200 | OXFORD.ANGLICAN.ORG |@ OXFORDDIOCESE