There are many ways for people to give to their church without being present. Some come with a cost that you need to be aware of. However, there is a free option.

Bank Online Bill Pay

Almost all banks offer online bill pay to their customers. This service includes the ability to have that bank mail a check to anyone, including their church. These can be one time payments, or recurring payments. These checks are deposited just like any other check, and do not require any fees from the recipient.

Everything Else

All other services have fees attached in multiple ways: monthly fees, per transaction fee, percent of transaction fees. The services with monthly fees usually have lower transaction fees, so the more giving units you have, the more you will save with a monthly fee. Some services allow the giver to “cover the fee” for their transaction so that the church will receive the entire donation.

To use these services the church and the giver will need to set up an account with the service. The church will have an online dashboard where they can track giving and givers. Some of these services integrate with Church Management Systems.

Right now, Generosity by Lifeway is offering their service with only the credit card processing fees.

An overview of seven other options, as well as non ministry specific options, is available here. Be sure to double check current rates before signing up with one of these platforms.