You can donate to charity with a credit card — but should you?

Core Insights - Charitable organizations commonly accept credit card donations, providing a convenient way for donors to contribute while potentially earning rewards [2][4][8] - Credit card processing fees can significantly reduce the amount received by charities, often by 3% or more, which is a critical consideration for donors [4][17] - Some credit card issuers offer rewards programs that allow donors to redeem points for charitable donations, enhancing the appeal of using credit cards for this purpose [10][13] Donation Process - Donors can easily make credit card donations by visiting the charity's website and navigating to the donation page [2][3] - During the donation process, donors may have the option to cover credit card transaction costs, which can help maximize the charity's received amount [3][5] Payment Options - Charities may accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, with some options potentially incurring lower fees [4][12] - Certain charities also allow donations via platforms like PayPal or Google Pay, providing additional flexibility for donors [2][12] Fees and Charges - Credit card processing fees are a common expense for charities, which can include platform fees that may reach up to 5% in some regions [14] - In the U.K., there is an additional charge of 30 pence on top of the credit card processing fee for donations made in currencies other than GBP [14] Benefits of Credit Card Donations - Using a credit card for donations offers convenience, the potential to earn rewards, and the possibility of tax deductions for the donor [8][17] - The ability to cover processing fees during the donation process can further enhance the impact of the contribution [5][17]