Digital conversion: Church of England rolls out cashless donations

Churchgoers will no longer have to fumble in their pockets and purses for loose change or notes as the Church of England introduces contactless payment terminals in more than 16,000 churches, cathedrals and other religious sites.

Contactless payments have been on trial in 40 Anglican churches since last summer, and from Tuesday they will be extended to all dioceses with the aim of making donations easier and faster. Congregations will also be able to donate via text message.

The C of E takes about £580m a year in donations, although most are from standing orders and fees rather than cash given in church. It began looking at cashless payment due to the declining numbers of people carrying cash.

Its portable card readers can take payments from contactless bank cards, chip and pin, Apple Pay and Google Pay. A “merchant”, expected to be a church volunteer, is needed to input transactions, most likely at the start or end of a service or event. People booking churches and halls for events will also have the option of electronic payment. The technology firms SumUp and iZettle will provide the services.

John Preston, the C of E’s national stewardship officer, said: “There is a clear need for our parishes to introduce card and contactless facilities and we are excited to make this available. How we pay for things is changing fast, especially for younger churchgoers who no longer carry cash, and we want all generations to be able to make the most of their place of worship.”

Alison Davie, the secretary at St George’s church hub in Stamford, Lincolnshire, said: “Our parishioners can occasionally find themselves strapped for physical cash, so it’s fantastic to be able to offer an alternative which is quick and convenient. We hope this is a step forward for St George’s and many other churches like it, in staying ahead in the modern era.”

Last month Margaret Cave, the vicar of Christ Church in East Dulwich, south London, who was taking part in the six-month trial, told the Guardian she would like a totally cash-free church.

“It’s nice just to feel part of the 21st century. When a young couple come in to discuss their marriage banns, which cost £43, I no longer have to send them over the road to the cashpoint,” she said. “Also, if people are giving money by card, there’s no question that any of it is going to go missing.”

The Catholic church is also moving to contactless collections to make donations easier in an increasingly cashless society. Several parishes in the diocese of Westminster allow parishioners to donate via text message.