In an increasingly cashless world, the need to carry physical money is rapidly on the way out. And, one institution that previously relied on physical cash for donations are making big changes to adapt.
The Church of England introduced contactless card terminals at thousands of sites in an effort to make “donations and transactions faster and easier for their congregations.” 16,000 churches, cathedrals, and religious sites in the UK now accept contactless donations, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
In a statement emailed to Mashable, a spokesperson for CofE said the Church is seeking to “revolutionise” how its congregations can donate to the collection plate, in addition to providing a payment option for weddings, christenings, church fetes, and even funerals.
A contactless terminal in action at St. George’s Church, Stamford in Lincolnshire, UK.
The terminals are powered by London-based fintech company SumUp, which can be used to take contactless payments, Chip & Pin payments, and accept Google Pay and Apple Pay, too. According to SumUp, the church is charged a small transaction fee whenever the reader is used.
Alison Davie, secretary at St George’s Church, Stamford in Lincolnshire, says the technology has been a “useful addition” to their church. “Our parishioners can occasionally find themselves strapped for physical cash, so it’s fantastic to be able to offer an alternative which is quick and convenient,” says Davie.
“We hope this is a step forward for St George’s and many other churches like it, in staying ahead in the modern era,” Davie continues.
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