How to Make a Donation Using a Checking Account

Charity by Sir Edward Boehm

It's great to give to those in need, and there's no reason that one can't use a checking account to do it. These days, giving doesn't have to depend on how much cash there is on hand. Online payment services and debit cards make using your checking account for donations simple.

Instructions

1. Create a Paypal profile. Use your checking account as a funding source. If using the Paypal browser plug-in, there's the added perk of using the "Virtual Debit Card" feature for security. The plug-in produces a one-time use debit card number that routes back to the user's Paypal account. The money will then be subtracted from the checking account, and the number deactivates instantly.

2. Use a bank-issued debit card to make the donation. The money will automatically come out of the associated checking account upon payment. For those that don't wish to use their cards for online donations, call the charity and give the card number over the phone to a human being for processing.

3. If filling out a paper donation slip, use a check to make the payment. Include a check for the donation amount. Remit it to the desired charity. Be sure to fill in the memo blank so that it's easy to track what the donation is for.

4. Use a check or debit card to purchase food, clothing or other goods for donation. If it's necessary to surrender receipts, make certain to request a gift receipt at the time of purchase.

5. Set up your checking account to make automatic transfers or payments to the charity of your choice. Many banks now have bill pay features that are free or nearly so. Regular donations are simple to set up, and they will come out of the checking account like a normal bill.

6. Some banks have accounts that automatically take a certain percentage of debits for use in charitable giving, or they may run matching funds promotions at certain times. Check with your bank for any checking account programs that involve charitable giving.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a checking account for donations makes it simple to track charitable giving for tax purposes. Make certain to enter all transactions in your checking ledger so that nothing is forgotten.

Resources

• Paypal Website