Donation terminal: how it works, types and where to use it.

What is a donation terminal?

A donation terminal is a device people use to give without cash. It usually consists of a screen on which the donor chooses an amount and a card reader that accepts the payment contactlessly – by debit card, credit card, smartphone or smartwatch.

Unlike a normal payment terminal, a donation terminal is designed for giving: it shows your campaign, suggests amounts, says thank you after the donation and can stand unattended in a fixed place.

Why cashless giving?

Cash is losing ground. In Germany, according to the Deutsche Bundesbank, the share of cash in all payments fell from 58 % (2021) to 51 % (2023); measured by turnover, debit cards (32 %) were already ahead of cash (26 %), and only 28 % name cash as their preferred means of payment.

For donations this means: if you only put out a box, you lose everyone who has no change. Research also shows how strongly simple processes work – in two field experiments the probability of giving rose by 50 % or more after the donation process had been simplified. And people who promise to give later often don't: a donation in the moment is worth more than a later one. More on our page Research on giving.

How a donation at the terminal works

• Choose an amount: the donor taps a suggested amount (for example €5, €10, €20 or €50) or enters their own.
• Tap: hold card, smartphone or watch to the card reader – the payment is done in a few seconds.
• Say thank you: the screen thanks the donor, and the donation appears immediately in your reports.

Which types of donation terminals are there?

Which device fits depends mainly on the location. DAYAA offers four designs, all running on the same software:

• Wall terminal – the Dayaa Wall hangs directly on the wall and needs no floor space. The entire wall panel (80 × 55 cm) carries your design. Ideal for entrances, corridors and community rooms.
• Donation kiosk – the Dayaa Tower stands freely in the lobby, is 146.6 cm tall and carries your design on the entire front. It catches the eye immediately.
• Donation stand – the Dayaa Stand is a slim pillar with an angled module, optionally with a large advertising panel for your campaign.
• Mobile terminal – the Dayaa Go is compact (30 × 17 × 16 cm) and goes where you go: along the rows, to the counter, to fairs and events.

What to look for when choosing

• Payment methods: debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay should be a matter of course.
• Your own design: your logo, your colours and your campaigns on the screen – not the manufacturer's logo.
• Software: do you see donations in real time, can you change campaigns yourself and do you receive reports automatically?
• Costs: look at device price, ongoing software fee and card fees separately – more in the guide What does a donation terminal cost?.
• Support: delivery, set-up and a fixed contact person save you a lot of time.

Frequently asked questions

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