In an era where convenience and accessibility are valued more than ever, churches are finding new ways to make giving as seamless as possible. QR codes and Tap to Give via NFC (Near Field Communication) taps—technologies already transforming the way we interact with everything from payments to information sharing—are now revolutionizing church giving. These simple tools allow members to give with a quick scan or tap, instantly connecting them to the heart of their church’s mission.
Imagine: No more fumbling for cash or waiting in line to donate. Instead, churchgoers can support the ministry with a quick, effortless Tap to Give on their phone. As technology integrates deeper into our daily lives, churches now have the opportunity to embrace these innovations, making generosity a natural part of Sunday services and beyond. Let’s explore why QR codes and Tap to Give technology are becoming must-haves for churches, and how to make the most of these tools with OnlineGiving.org.
Example of a Tap To Give (NFC) Sticker with a Custom QR Code Printed on Front
Why Are QR Codes and Tap to Give So Effective for Church Giving?
Both QR codes and Tap to Give with NFC provide an instant way for church members to give, making them incredibly effective for several reasons. While traditional donation methods can feel time-consuming and detached, QR codes and Tap to Give enable a modern, connected experience that’s fast and effortless.
QR Codes: Quick Scanning and Instant Access
QR (Quick Response) codes, those familiar black-and-white square codes, have actually been around for over a decade. Despite a promising start, QR codes initially struggled to gain traction outside of certain markets, largely due to technology limitations. Not all phones came equipped with QR scanners, and early attempts to use QR often missed the mark by linking to non-mobile-friendly websites or directing users to the wrong pages.
Today, however, QR codes are making a major comeback. Thanks to widespread improvements in smartphone technology, QR codes can now be scanned instantly using the standard camera app on most devices. This functionality has made QR codes a preferred method for quick payments in many parts of the world. For instance, they are widely used for transactions in apps like WeChat and AliPay in China, and their popularity is growing globally.
With proper placement and easy-to-scan positioning, QR codes are now more effective than ever for churches seeking a simple way for members to give.
Tap to Give with NFC: Just Tap and Go
The Near Field Communication (NFC) chip is another powerful tool that, like QR codes, has become increasingly popular as more phones now support this technology. NFC is commonly used for contactless payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Wallet) and is known for its ease of use—simply tap a compatible phone to an NFC-enabled object to trigger a specific action. This "Tap to Give" approach allows congregants to make a donation by tapping their phone against the NFC sticker.
Compared to RFID chips, which are often used in security and identification settings, NFC enables two-way communication, allowing for the exchange of data. This makes it possible for a smartphone to act not only as a payment method but also as a digital wallet where users can store loyalty points, tickets, and more. NFC’s adoption has been limited until recently, as not all phones came with NFC functionality built in. Today, however, most modern smartphones are NFC-enabled, making it an ideal time to explore NFC’s potential for church giving.
Device Compatibility: QR Codes vs. Tap to Give with NFC
Understanding which devices are compatible with QR codes and Tap to Give using NFC is essential for churches wanting to make the most of these technologies.
| Device/OS | QR Codes | NFC (Tap to Give) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XR and higher | ✓ | ✓ |
| iPhone 7+ and higher | ✓ | Only with an app |
| iPhone 6+ and higher | ✓ | ✗ No NFC reader |
| Older iPhones | ✓ | ✗ No NFC possible |
| Android | Camera or Google Lens required | ✓ |
How Are QR Codes and Tap to Give Used in Churches?
QR codes and Tap to Give serve various purposes, making it easier than ever for congregants to give, engage, and connect with the church.
Digital Giving Options
QR codes and Tap to Give can link directly to donation pages or specific funds, such as mission trips, youth ministries, or outreach initiatives. A simple scan or tap takes congregants directly to the giving page, allowing secure donations in seconds.
Event Registrations
Beyond donations, QR codes and Tap to Give streamline event registrations for retreats, holiday services, and volunteer opportunities, eliminating paper forms and making the process easy for all.
Resource Access and Sermon Content
Use QR codes and Tap to Give to link congregants to sermon notes, announcements, or online devotionals. Congregants can scan a code on the bulletin to access sermon content or supplemental resources, reducing printing costs and enabling engagement beyond Sunday service.
Prayer Requests and Feedback Forms
By linking QR codes or Tap to Give tags to online forms, churches can quickly and effectively collect prayer requests or feedback from members. This fosters a sense of community and connection.
Engaging Youth and Tech-Savvy Congregants
Younger members and tech-savvy congregants often expect digital convenience, especially when giving. By implementing QR codes and Tap to Give, churches meet these expectations, making giving accessible and relevant to all age groups.
How to Use QR Codes and Tap to Give for Giving with OnlineGiving.org
Churches can fully harness QR codes and NFC Tap to Give through OnlineGiving.org, where setting up these digital tools is straightforward. This section provides a step-by-step guide to implementing QR codes and NFC taps with OnlineGiving.org, ensuring that your congregation can enjoy a seamless and engaging giving experience.
Step 1: Generate QR Codes for Giving
QR codes are easy-to-generate barcodes that smartphone cameras can scan to direct users to online giving pages or forms instantly. With OnlineGiving.org, you can create custom QR codes for:
- Specific Funds or Sub-Funds: Enable giving to targeted ministries or causes.
- Payment Pages: Direct donors to single-payment pages or recurring contributions.
- Custom Giving Pages: Create giving pages personalized for events, projects, or fundraisers.
- Forms for Registrations and Other Donations: Use forms for sign-ups, special donations, or other collections.
Additionally, OnlineGiving.org provides a Payment Link Generator and a Donation Link Generator in the control panel under "Giving Settings." These tools allow churches to generate dedicated links quickly, which can then be linked to QR codes or programmed into NFC tags for a seamless giving experience.
How to Generate QR Codes in OnlineGiving.org:
- Log into the OnlineGiving.org Control Panel.
- Navigate to the Fund, Payment Page, or Custom Form you wish to create a QR code for.
- Select the option to generate a QR Code, which will automatically create a link to your chosen page or form.
- Download and save the QR code for use on printed materials, digital displays, or email promotions.
These QR codes are excellent for bulletins, printed material around the church, and even digital displays on screens or projectors. They can be scanned by any smartphone camera, providing immediate access to the specified online giving link.
Step 2: Purchase and Program NFC Tap Stickers
NFC technology allows users to "tap" their smartphone on a sticker or chip, which then opens a specified link on their device. These are particularly useful for those who may prefer a quick, non-visual interaction, as no camera is required.
Looking for Custom NFC Tags?
For churches interested in custom NFC tags, SeriTag.com offers a variety of custom NFC stickers. These can be tailored to include your church's logo, colors, and specific functionality to enhance your congregation’s giving experience. While OnlineGiving.org is not affiliated with SeriTag.com, they provide a reliable solution for churches looking to create branded NFC tags for Tap to Give technology.
Order Round NFC cards with Custom Grpahics and pre-programmed Here: https://seritag.com/nfc-tags/pvc-plate-tag
SeriTag also offers templates for your graphics team to customize, just like VisaPrint!
Did you know? Most NFC tag retailers can customize the front of the tag with your graphics and can pre-program the tag for an additional fee.
Ordering NFC Tap Stickers
- Order NFC stickers from a trusted vendor that combines both NFC and QR code technology.
- Select a suitable NFC tag type that is compatible with common smartphone NFC standards (often listed as "universal").
Programming NFC Stickers with Giving Links
- Opt to Order the Tags pre-programmed from your retailer, or
- Install an NFC programming app on an NFC-capable smartphone (available on both Android and iOS).
- Launch the app and choose "Write" to input a link.
- Enter the QR code URL from OnlineGiving.org for your desired giving page or form.
- Tap the NFC tag to the phone to complete the programming. The tag will now redirect users to your giving link when tapped.
NFC stickers are often placed in discreet locations where they won’t disrupt aesthetic setups, such as on the back of pews, in the lobby, or near giving kiosks.
Step 3: Combine NFC and QR Code Stickers
Combining both QR and NFC technologies into a single sticker allows donors to either scan or Tap to Give, catering to individual preferences and smartphone capabilities. You can order sticker packs that combine both technologies to deploy both options in one convenient sticker.
Pro Tip for Church Webmasters - Use a Centralized Landing Page!
If you are a webmaster or web developer for the church, consider using centralized links on the church’s website that redirect to the actual donation or payment links. By linking QR codes or programming NFC tags to these central URLs, you can create long-lasting and reusable QR codes or NFC stickers. When the underlying donation links or payment links need updating, only the centralized link needs to be changed—saving time and ensuring that all QR codes and NFC stickers across your materials stay up-to-date.
An example of this is having your webpage person create a simple landing page with buttons. Make it dead simple. This allows your church to program the NFC once to link to a centralized page so that the church never has to program the chips again! Instead, simply update the links on the landing page, simple! Don't have a web person? You may want to try a LinkTree which is the same thing as a super simple landing page: https://linktr.ee/
Pros and Cons of QR Codes vs. Tap to Give with NFC in a Church Setting
| Feature | QR Codes | NFC (Tap to Give) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Requires a camera to scan | Simply requires a tap, no camera needed |
| Smartphone Compatibility | Compatible with most smartphones | Works with NFC-enabled smartphones (most models) |
| Setup | Minimal setup, can be printed on paper | Requires NFC-compatible stickers and programming |
| Ideal Placement | Works well on bulletins, screens, posters | Ideal for discreet placements (e.g., pews, lobby) |
| User Preference | Great for visual interaction (e.g., in announcements) | Quick and convenient for non-visual interaction |
Looking for Custom NFC Tags?
For churches interested in custom NFC tags, SeriTag.com offers a variety of custom NFC stickers. These can be tailored to include your church's logo, colors, and specific functionality to enhance your congregation’s giving experience. While OnlineGiving.org is not affiliated with SeriTag.com, they provide a reliable solution for churches looking to create branded NFC tags for Tap to Give technology.
Order Round NFC cards with Custom Grpahics and pre-programmed Here: https://seritag.com/nfc-tags/pvc-plate-tag
SeriTag also offers templates for your graphics team to customize, just like VisaPrint!
Did you know? Most NFC tag retailers can customize the front of the tag with your graphics and can pre-program the tag for an additional fee.
Summary and Recommendations
Church technical teams can greatly enhance their congregation's giving experience by incorporating QR codes and Tap to Give with NFC. QR codes are easy to create and perfect for visual promotions, while NFC taps provide a streamlined, non-visual alternative that some congregants may find even easier to use. By combining both, you cover a broad range of user preferences and ensure everyone has a convenient way to give.
Why not combine both QR Code and Tap to Give in one shot? With new NFC QR Code stickers, you get the best of both worlds! Members can scan or tap the same sticker, making giving even more accessible for everyone.
For further assistance with QR code generation, NFC integration, or using the Payment Link and Donation Link generators, reach out to OnlineGiving.org's support at support@onlinegiving.org or (615) 206-4000.
