Navigating credit card fees on charitable donations can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding payment card fees associated with donations. In this article, we will delve into the various fees that may be incurred when making charitable donations using credit cards and what you need to know to navigate through them effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Commercial partners or sponsors may cover payment card processing fees for donations to specific sites or causes, eliminating charges for payment card fees.
• A 3% Technology Fee may be deducted from individual donations in cases where there is no optional tip on the donation form.
• Tips and Technology Fees are mutually exclusive, and donors may have the option to ‘cover our costs’ to include payment card processing and technology fees on top of the donation amount.
• Commercial partners or sponsors may cover payment card processing and technology fees for specific donation forms, reducing charges for payment card fees.
• Per-payment fees for disbursements to US charitable organizations are calculated monthly, net of third-party payment processor costs.

Understanding Payment Card Fees on Charitable Donations

Commercial Partners and Payment Card Fees

When making charitable donations, it’s crucial to understand how commercial partners influence payment card fees. If a commercial partner or sponsor covers the payment card processing fees, donors are not charged, and the full donation amount goes to the charity. This arrangement is typically specific to certain sites, causes, or organizations.

In contrast, when no commercial partner is involved, donors may encounter additional fees. These fees can either be deducted from the donation amount or added on top, depending on the donation platform’s structure. For instance:

• If the donation form includes a "cover our costs" option and the donor selects it, the donation amount increases to include the fees.
• Without such an option, the fees are usually subtracted from the donation before it reaches the charity.

It’s essential for donors to be aware of these mechanisms to ensure their intended support reaches its destination effectively.

Technology Fee for Individual Donations

When making a charitable donation, it’s important to understand the associated fees. A 3% Technology Fee is typically deducted from the donation amount before it is regranted to the charity or personal fundraiser beneficiary. This fee is used to cover third-party payment processor costs. However, donors have the option to ‘cover our costs‘ by paying the fees themselves, which prevents the deduction from the donation amount.

Exceptions to this fee exist. For instance, if a commercial partner or sponsor covers the payment card processing and technology fees, donors will not be charged. Additionally, tips given through the donation form are separate from the Technology Fee and do not reduce the donation amount reaching the beneficiary.

It’s crucial for donors to be aware of these fees and options to ensure the maximum possible contribution reaches the intended charity or cause.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the fee structure:

• 3% Technology Fee: Deducted from the donation if ‘cover our costs’ is not selected.
• Optional Tips: Can be added by the donor and are separate from the donation amount.
• ‘Cover our costs’ Option: Allows donors to pay the fees on top of their donation.
• Commercial Partner Coverage: Fees may be waived if a partner or sponsor pays on behalf of the donation platform.

Per-payment Fees for Disbursements to US Charitable Organizations

When it comes to disbursing funds to US charitable organizations, a structured approach is taken to ensure that donations are handled efficiently. At the end of each calendar month, the total amounts designated for each charity are tallied, after deducting applicable fees. Charities receive payments for all amounts that exceed $20. A key aspect of this process is the $5 processing fee charged for each disbursement, whether it is made via ACH payment or paper check.

It’s important for donors to be aware that the fees deducted from their donations do not diminish the impact of their generosity. The structured disbursement process ensures that charities receive their funds in a timely and organized manner.

The following table outlines the fee structure for disbursements to US charitable organizations:

Disbursement Threshold	Processing Fee
Greater than $20	$5 per payment

This fee is a flat rate and is applied to each payment individually, regardless of the donation amount. By understanding these fees, donors can better plan their contributions and ensure that their intended support reaches the intended recipients with minimal deductions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating credit card fees on charitable donations can be complex and confusing. It is important for donors to be aware of the various fees involved, such as payment card processing fees, technology fees, and optional tips. Understanding how these fees are applied and whether there are any exceptions, such as when a commercial partner covers the fees, is crucial for making informed donation decisions. By being informed and mindful of these fees, donors can ensure that their contributions have the maximum impact on the charitable organizations or causes they support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are payment card fees waived if a commercial partner or sponsor covers the processing fees for donations to a specific site or cause?

Yes, there is no charge for payment card fees in this scenario.

What is the Technology Fee for Individual Donations?

In cases where there is no optional tip on a donation form, a 3% Technology Fee is deducted from the amount regranted to the designated charity or fundraiser beneficiary.

Can donors choose to cover the processing and technology fees for their donations?

Yes, donors may have the option to ‘cover our costs,’ which will add the fees on top of the donation amount.

Are tips and the Technology Fee mutually exclusive?

Yes, tips and the Technology Fee are mutually exclusive and do not affect the amount reaching the charitable organization or fundraiser beneficiary.

How are per-payment fees handled for disbursements to US charitable organizations?

At the end of every calendar month, the amounts received for charitable organizations are calculated net of fees.

What happens if a donor selects the ‘cover our costs’ option on a donation form?

If selected, the processing and technology fees are added on top of the donation amount, and the donor pays the combined total.