Giving an offering via contactless is about to get a whole lot easier in another 300 churches in the UK.
The Church of England has embarked on a new partnership with Visa, SumUp and Caution Your Blast to enable 300 more churches across the UK to accept contactless donations.
With more consumers choosing to make payments with card, mobile and contactless enabled devices, the partnership will offer more options for churchgoers wanting to donate.
Church of England and Church in Wales churches applied to receive one of the 300 free contactless card readers, supported by Visa, which were distributed last October, evenly across England and Wales, making sure the card readers can benefit a wide range of communities. Parishes are now starting to see the benefits.
Rev Andrew Dotchin, is vicar of a parish in the diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich which has contactless a card reader. He explained that he has seen an increase in donations, especially from occasional church goers attending for baptisms, funerals and weddings.
The contactless card reader is also used to accept donations for the postcards that are on sale at the back of the church, as well as refreshments such as the coffee the church serves after services.
Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, national advisor for giving and income generation for the Church of England said: "Many people do want to give to their local church, but increasingly they do not carry cash, so providing a contactless card reader enables them to give in a way they find convenient and easy.
"This is particularly true for people who may only come to church for weddings, baptisms or funerals. It's important we enable people to give in the way they wish to give, and we're really grateful for all the support we receive."
Dana Haidan, Europe lead for social impact with Visa said: "We are proud to support the Church of England to enable contactless donations in churches across England and Wales.
"Incorporating contactless acceptance is just one of the many ways technology can help non-profit organisations like the Church of England fundraise."
The contactless card readers will remain as permanent fixtures in the churches, continuing to help raise funds that support their communities.
