Guide · 3 min read

Accepting donations by debit and credit card.

“Can I give by card?” – many clubs, congregations and relief organizations now hear this question more often than the one about a donation receipt. Offering card payment reaches everyone who has no cash on them.

Updated: 9 November 2026 · by DAYAA

Why card payment for donations?

In Germany the girocard is the most important cashless means of payment: measured by turnover, according to the Bundesbank, debit cards were already ahead of cash in 2023 with 32 % compared to 26 %. If you only accept cash donations, you exclude a large share of people.

Which cards should you accept?

  • girocard – the German debit card almost everyone in Germany carries.
  • Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard – important for guests and tourists.
  • Debit cards such as Maestro and V PAY.
  • Smartphone and smartwatch with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

How to accept card donations

You don't need a till system: a donation terminal shows the purpose of the donation, suggests amounts and accepts the card contactlessly. At DAYAA payments are processed by SumUp; full card numbers are not stored by DAYAA. The devices are available for the wall, as a kiosk, as a stand and mobile – all in the shop.

Keeping an eye on costs

The payment provider charges a fee for every card payment; at DAYAA this is SumUp, directly according to your SumUp contract. DAYAA itself charges no transaction fee. The software costs from €15 net per month depending on donation volume – see Pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Personal advice

Which donation terminal suits you?

Free, no-obligation advice – by email, phone or WhatsApp.

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