What payment methods?

There are numerous payment methods for donations, including traditional options like cash and checks, as well as a growing variety of modern digital and electronic methods. The availability of different options typically depends on the charity's setup.

Common donation payment methods

• Credit and debit cards: This is one of the most popular online donation methods due to its speed and convenience. It is accepted by nearly all major fundraising platforms.

• Digital wallets: Services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are fast, secure, and popular, particularly among younger donors. Some peer-to-peer apps like Venmo are also supported by certain platforms.

• Bank transfers (ACH): Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments allow for direct transfers from a donor's bank account. This method often has lower processing fees for the charity than credit cards and is common for larger gifts or recurring donations.

• Checks and cash: These traditional methods are still accepted by many charities, especially for in-person events or by older donor demographics. They have no processing fees but require more administrative effort for tracking and deposit.

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): For larger or planned gifts, donors can use a DAF, which is an account managed by a third party. The DAF then sends grants to the chosen charity, often shielding the donor's identity if they wish.

• Stocks and other appreciated assets: Donating appreciated assets like stocks can offer significant tax benefits to the donor. This process is typically handled through a brokerage or DAF platform.

• Cryptocurrency: A growing number of nonprofits accept cryptocurrency, often using third-party services to convert it into cash. This is a niche option that can be attractive to tech-savvy donors.

• Peer-to-peer apps (e.g., Zelle): Some nonprofits, particularly smaller ones or grassroots campaigns, may accept donations through peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle. Zelle offers fast, direct, and often free transfers, though it has limitations for international donations.