Top 5 Most Effective Online Giving Options for Churches

In today's digital age, generosity has gone mobile. Fewer people carry cash or checks, and churches everywhere are realizing that online giving isn't just convenient-it's essential.

But with so many ways to give online, which methods are most effective in helping your church grow generosity and sustain long-term giving?

Here are the Top 5 Most Effective Online Giving Options for Churches - ranked by impact, reliability, and donor engagement.

5. Mobile App Giving

Mobile apps like Continue To Give and Pushpay let your congregation give, sign up for events, and stay connected-all in one place.

While adoption takes time, once people start using your church app, giving becomes a weekly habit. Giving like this keeps everything in one convenient place and encourages repeat giving from engaged members.

If your church already uses an app for community or livestreaming, add a "Give" tab to make giving seamless

4. QR Code & Social Giving Links

QR codes bridge the gap between in-person and digital giving. When printed on bulletins, banners, or social media, they make donating as simple as scanning with a smartphone. This option is visual, fast, and easy to use. It's ideal for campaigns, building projects, or mission trips, and perfect for connecting digital and in-person audiences.

3. Text-to-Give

Text-to-Give makes spontaneous giving incredibly easy. Churches can display a text code on the screen during offering time or include it in bulletins or livestream descriptions. Donors simply text the keyword (such as "GIVE") to a church number, receive a secure link, and complete their donation in seconds.

Why It Works:

1. Quick and mobile-friendly.
2. Great during live services or livestreams.
3. Encourages generosity in the moment.

2. Website or Online Form Giving

Your church's website should make giving easy - ideally with a clear "Give" button in the main menu and a secure donation form. Simplicity and accessibility is key!

This is the most common entry point for first-time online donors, and well-designed giving pages have the potential to convert up to 25% of visitors into donors. Making sure your website is mobile friendly will ensure givers are able to access payment on the go.

1. Recurring Giving (Automatic Donations)

Recurring giving is hands-down the most effective online giving method for churches. It allows members to set up automatic weekly or monthly tithes - providing consistent and predictable income.

According to Lifeway Research, churches that emphasize online giving see up to 50-70% higher annual donations, and recurring givers give 42% more per year on average.

This not only creates financial stability for your church, it also helps members stay faithful in their tithes, even when they miss services, and it amplifies giving for busy families and frequent travelers.

Final Thoughts

No single online giving method fits every church, but the most successful ministries offer multiple easy ways to give.

Start by setting up recurring and online form giving - your financial foundation - then layer in text, QR, or app giving as your congregation grows. When generosity is simple and secure, giving increases naturally.

Ready to Empower Your Church Giving?

If you want an easy, all-in-one solution to manage online, mobile, and recurring donations, check out Continue To Give.

It's built for churches and nonprofits, making it simple to accept gifts online, by text, or through your church app - all with excellent customer support and affordable processing fees.

Click here to learn more about Continue To Give and start your free trial.