If you're running a nonprofit, you already know how important donations are. But let's be honest, figuring out how to accept those donations, especially credit card payments, can get tricky.
That’s where the right payment processor makes all the difference. When it works well, it feels easy. Donors can give in seconds, and your team isn’t stuck dealing with confusing tools or hidden fees. You get more support, more often, and that’s exactly what keeps your mission moving forward.
What is credit card processing for nonprofit organizations?
Credit card processing is just the behind-the-scenes way your nonprofit accepts donations. When someone donates with their card, whether it’s Visa, Mastercard, or even American Express, their payment has to move through a few steps before it lands in your nonprofit’s bank account. That whole process is what we’re talking about here.
But this isn’t just about moving money. A good nonprofit payment processor keeps things simple for your team and safe for your donors. It handles things like fraud protection, processing fees, and making sure funds show up when they’re supposed to. And when it’s set up right, you can track every donation and see what’s working, and what’s not.
If you’ve ever struggled with messy spreadsheets, lost donor info, or wondering why your donation page feels clunky, a solid credit card processing system can clean all that up. It’s like switching from paper checks to autopay. Way easier. Way faster. And way more reliable for building trust with your donors.
How donation processing supports your fundraising strategy
Credit card processing isn't just about collecting money, it’s a big part of your fundraising strategy. The easier it is for someone to give, the more likely they are to do it. That’s why a good donation process matters. It helps your nonprofit raise more without doing more.
Let’s say you're running an event or launching a peer-to-peer campaign. You’ll need tools that can handle different kinds of donations, on different devices, at any time. With the right system, your donors can give from their phones, laptops, or even in person, without jumping through hoops.
And behind the scenes, a strong processor keeps all your donor information organized. That means fewer headaches when it’s time to send thank-you notes, analyze trends, or report back to your board. You’ll know who gave, how much, and where to follow up. It’s all connected, your donation page, your mobile app, your fundraising tools, they should all work together to support your goals.
What to look for in a nonprofit payment processor
Not all payment processors are built with nonprofits in mind. Some are clunky. Some have hidden fees. And some just don’t give you the tools you need to grow. So when you're picking one, here’s what really matters.
First, check how easy it is for your donors to give. You want a donation page that feels smooth, no long forms or confusing steps. Bonus points if you can add donate buttons to your website or emails without needing a developer.
Next, think about flexibility. Can you accept payments from credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and even recurring donations? Donors love having options, and giving monthly is a game-changer for your budget.
Security is another big one. Make sure your processor protects sensitive data and meets all the right compliance standards. You don’t want to mess around with people’s personal info.
And finally, look for a platform that plays nice with the tools you already use. Whether it’s your CRM, email system, or accounting software, your payment processor should connect the dots, so your team spends less time on tech and more time on your mission.
Side-by-side comparison: top credit card processors for nonprofits in 2025
Choosing the right processor can feel overwhelming, so let’s make it easier. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top platforms nonprofits are using in 2025. We’re looking at what they do well, who they’re best for, and what you should know before you sign up.
1. Stripe
Highly customizable and developer-friendly. If your team’s tech-savvy or has custom needs, Stripe is flexible and trusted worldwide. But it may be too complex for smaller teams.
2. PayPal
It’s simple and familiar, especially for donors. Perfect for small or new nonprofits just getting started. The downside? Not a lot of advanced tools for growth.
3. Square
Great for in-person donations at events or on the go. Their hardware makes things easy, and their tools are user-friendly. Ideal for organizations that need mobile flexibility.
4. Authorize.Net
Focused on security and reliability. Good for larger nonprofits that process lots of donations and need strong fraud protection. It’s not the flashiest, but it gets the job done.
How to choose the right donation processing platform
Picking a processor isn’t just about price, it’s about fit. The best one for your nonprofit depends on a few key things, starting with your team size and tech comfort level. If you’ve got a small staff and limited time, you’ll want something simple and plug-and-play. If you have more resources or a tech partner, you might go for something more customizable.
Think about where your donations are coming from. Do you need mobile giving for events? Recurring donations for long-term support? A quick checkout flow for your website? Your answers will help guide the right pick.
Next, look at your existing tools. Does the processor work well with your CRM, email system, or accounting software? A smooth integration saves hours of manual work and keeps your donor info clean and connected.
Finally, bring your team into the decision. Your fundraising staff, finance folks, even your board, they all see different sides of giving. Get their input so you’re covering all the bases. And don’t forget to read reviews and ask for demos if you’re unsure.
A good payment processor should make your life easier, not add more to your plate.
How to set up a payment processor
Once you’ve picked a processor, setting it up should be pretty simple. Most platforms walk you through it step by step. But here’s a quick look at what to expect so you can hit the ground running.
First, you’ll create your account and link your nonprofit’s bank account. This is how your donations get to you. Then, you’ll build your donation page or form. Some platforms offer templates you can drop right into your website, no coding needed. Others let you create branded pages with custom colors, photos, and messaging.
Next, set up your donate buttons. These can go on your homepage, emails, or even social media. The easier they are to find, the more likely someone is to give.
If your processor has a mobile app, download it and get familiar. It can be a great tool at events or when you're on the go. And don’t skip the security settings, make sure your data and your donors' info are protected.
It’s also smart to test everything before going live. Try making a $1 donation yourself, just to see how it works. That way, you’ll know what your donors are experiencing, and can fix any hiccups before launch.
Start processing
Getting the right credit card processing system in place can take a huge load off your plate. It helps you accept donations smoothly, build stronger relationships with your donors, and grow the kind of support that lasts.
You don’t need to be a tech expert or a finance pro to make a smart choice. Just find a platform that fits your needs, works with your tools, and gives your team room to breathe. When giving feels easy for your donors, they’re more likely to keep showing up, and that’s what keeps your mission moving forward.
At Harness, we’re here to make that happen. We’ve helped hundreds of nonprofits create simple, secure donation systems that actually work. If you're ready to make fundraising easier, let’s get started.
