Dear Dave,
What is your opinion of churches encouraging members to do e-giving with credit cards and debit cards?
Melissa
Dear Melissa,
I’m against debt, so I’m not particularly fond of churches asking people to use a debt vehicle to pay their tithes. I realize that few businesses and organizations distinguish between debit cards and credit cards when accepting payment. However, this practice bothers me a lot when it comes to churches. The Bible mentions debt several times in Scripture, and every time it does, it’s always in a negative light. It’s not a salvation issue or anything like that, but the Bible basically says debt is a foolish thing.
Now, I think e-giving in itself is fine. But if I were the pastor or on the leadership board, and we had an e-giving process, I would strongly encourage people to use debit cards and not credit cards. There’s nothing wrong with a draft or an ACH kind of thing. A lot of people do that and like the ability to give online.
But I don’t want a giving situation to your church turn into debt to you. And it does just that when it’s a credit card!
— Dave
One Response to “Dave Says…Don’t Tithe With Credit Cards”
February 24, 2016
NicoleThere is nothing wrong with putting your tithe on a credit card if you pay your statement off every month. Your last sentence is incorrect and judgemental. It only turns into debt and accrues interest IF I don’t pay it off on the next statement. And there are benefits to using a credit card over a bank draft or debit card if you are tithing over the Internet. A credit card is more secure than using a debit card online and there is an added bonus of rewards which can add up. On my credit card, I get 1.5% cash back on everything which is more money in my pocket and more money to tithe on than I’d have if I used a debit card. As with most things, it is about the heart.