As fewer people carry cash, digital giving has become an essential part of modern fundraising. Whether you’re part of a church, community group, or national charity, choosing the right donation device can make a huge difference to how easy, and effective, your fundraising becomes.
Here are five key things to think about before you invest in a contactless donation device for your organisation.
1. Think About Where You’ll Use It
Location is everything. A device that’s perfect for a church entrance might not work so well at a busy event space.
If you’re setting up in a fixed location, such as a foyer, museum reception, or community centre, a sturdy, attractive unit like the GivingStand Plus or TapTile Stand is ideal. It looks professional, stays powered, and is always ready for donors to tap and give.
But if your team regularly hits the road for fundraisers, festivals, or sports events, portability becomes key. Devices like PayazGo or the TapBox are designed to travel. They’re lightweight and quick to set up — perfect for fundraising on the go.
Or maybe you’re based in a rural church and want a device that fits the feel of the church. The GivingStation 3 with its wooden sides is a great look and sits well.
Pro tip: Think about every setting you’ll use it in. A versatile setup ensures you get the most out of your investment.
2. Match the Tech to Your Team
A fancy device is no good if your volunteers find it confusing. Choose something that’s intuitive and reliable — easy to use whether you’re 18 or 80.
Look for devices that require little setup, have built-in Wi-Fi or SIM connectivity, and update automatically. Payaz devices are plug-and-play, meaning you can go from unboxing to accepting donations in under 15 minutes.
When your team feels confident using the technology, donors notice the difference — and that confidence translates into smoother, more successful fundraising.
3. Choose a Provider That Understands Charities
Not all payment providers are created equal. Many charge business rates, which can quietly eat into your donations.
At Payaz, we partner with SumUp, which offers a charity transaction rate of just 1.49%, compared to the standard 1.69%. That might not sound huge, but across hundreds of donations, it means significantly more money stays with your cause.
Always check whether a provider offers charity rates and supports features like Gift Aid collection, small details that make a big difference over time. At Payaz we have our devices registered as donation terminals, allowing us to not charge VAT on these units. This is another way we are able to keep the cost down for you.
4. Make It Easy for Donors
When it comes to giving, simplicity is everything. The easier it is to donate, the more likely people are to do it.
Devices with bright, clear screens and pre-set donation buttons (£2, £5, £10, etc.) help remove barriers to giving. A smooth, tap-and-go experience means no awkward pauses or confusion, just generosity in motion.
According to the Charities Aid Foundation’s UK Giving Report 2024, 43% of donors give on impulse when the process is simple and accessible. A well-designed device can capture those spontaneous moments of generosity that might otherwise slip away.
5. Consider the Bigger Picture
Your digital donation device shouldn’t work in isolation — it should integrate with your wider fundraising strategy.
The latest Payaz software allows charities to manage multiple devices, update messages, and track donations all from one central dashboard. It’s a complete system that grows with your organisation, giving you better control and clearer insights.
With a roadmap full of updates and integrations rolling out continuously from feedback taken from our users, you won’t be disappointed.
Think long-term. The right technology can evolve alongside your appeals, helping you reach new supporters and keep your fundraising future-proof.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right contactless donation device is about more than technology; it’s about finding the right fit for your mission, your people, and your donors. When your system works seamlessly, it frees you to focus on what really matters: making a difference.
If you’re ready to explore your options or need help finding the perfect fit for your charity, visit payaz.com. A few smart choices today can help you capture more generosity tomorrow.