Online Payment Processing for Non-Profits in 3 Easy Steps

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Online payment processing may sound daunting and high-tech but rest assured even the smallest non-profit organization can easily set up their website in order to accept credit cards. In fact, allowing credit card payments can significantly increase donations and boost membership dues and registration fees. Here are the three things you need to get your website's online payment processing up and running.

"Make Payment" Button – Perhaps the easiest part of the entire process, the site will need a link or button users can click to actually submit a payment. A third-party online payment processor should be able to supply a code that you simply paste into the programming code of your website. You may also want to discuss various options for a payment button or link with your dedicated web master or the individual in charge of the website's maintenance.

A Merchant Account – Simply put, a merchant account allows you to process credit and debit cards and settle the transactions with your bank. You cannot accept credit card payments without one. Your primary bank or financial institution should be able to easily set your non-profit up with one.

A Payment Gateway – A payment gateway is the internet equivalent of a credit card "swipe" machine and allows you to directly process credit card payments via your website. Be aware that not all payment gateways are created equal and many charge fees differently, from monthly fees to flat percentage rates per transaction. Research a myriad of different payment gateways to find the one that can tailor their service to meet your organization's online payment processing needs.