We live in a time where technology is rapidly advancing. More and more people are using this technology to make things easier and quicker. For one example, people are no longer using cash or check and instead are starting to make the majority of their purchases with debit or credit cards. Many church members follow this same approach. People are more accustomed to making purchases or payments by using their debit and credit cards and they enjoy the benefits that using their cards brings.

A large majority of people are also more likely to carry ATM, debit and credit cards more than a checkbook or large amounts of cash. A credit card is also more beneficial in special need or emergency situations compared to check or cash. Lots of people are also more comfortable making unplanned purchases (or donations) on a credit or debit card than by cash or check. Buying with credit cards also gives people the flexibility to make purchases for things they may not have the cash in their pocket for.

A common occurrence of this is at church and religious organizations. Many times people want to give but simply don't have the money in their pocket to put into the collection plate. Or they may want to donate more than what they have in cash. That's where being able to process credit and debit card contributions comes in. You are making it easier for members to donate by giving them more flexible, and more access in letting them use their credit or debit card.

In churches that have started utilizing credit card contributions, an increase in donations was noticed beyond what they had been receiving. Churches are also appreciating the accounting ease of accepting credit cards. Instead of spending numerous hours opening envelopes, counting cash, and entering data, they can refocus many of those hours for volunteer work or other useful projects.

Another added benefit is that when people are signed up for donations through their debit or credit card, they commit to contributing every week and are less likely to donating less on weeks they have less money in their pockets. This is called 'Recurring Tithing' or Automatic Tithing'.

How does it work? It is a very simple process to start allowing your members to make donations with their credit card. In order to use an "Automatic Tithing" option you will need to have an "Internet Gateway" processing option. The gateway of choice for this is the DowCommerce Gateway. It has a built in recurring billing feature. There is not a setup charge for the Internet Gateway, and the Recurring Billing option is included at no additional cost to churches and religious organizations.

If you have a website you can even allow your members to sign up on the internet or you can sign them up as well. When they sign up they can decide how much to donate and how often. It will automatically come out of their credit card account.

You setup an automatic payment plan and the internet gateway will then generate the code that you can place on your website. From there, just direct your members to visit your site to sign up for the "Automatic Tithing" program. Their first contribution happens right away, and then it will be automatic based up on the plan they signed up for. Each week or month they will receive an automatic "receipt" email showing their transaction.

You could also have your members sign a "Recurring Tithing" authorization form. You will then manually enter their information into the online system. Once they are in the system, everything will be totally automatic.

It's time to setup 'Automatic Tithing'. Don't keep missing out on potential revenue when there are options that can help you.

This article was written by Todd Nelson, Marketing Director for Capital Merchant Solutions, Inc (www.holyprocessing.com). CMS has been in the merchant account business for nearly 10 years, and offers free merchant accounts to both online and retail businesses. This article may be republished as long as absolutely no changes are made, and the resource box is included. Copyright 2007 - Capital merchant Solutions, Inc. - All rights reserved.