PhonepayPlus to Charities: Start Using Mobile Payments

July 19, 2024         By: Steven Anderson

Not so long ago, we saw how a charity used an unconventional rule in a mobile payments platform to not only draw attention to its cause, but drum up support as well.

That’s an example that a lot of charities should be taking to heart, and a recent study from PhonepayPlus suggests that those charities that aren’t using mobile payment systems are really missing out on an opportunity.

Based on figures from the U.K., the study revealed that in the 2015 – 2016 financial year, amounts donated to charity using premium rate phone services was up six percent over the same time the previous year.

A total of 122 million pounds sterling—about $161.8 million U.S.—was given over the period to reach the improved heights, and that number is expected to rise in the next year.

With more users turning to mobile technology routinely, and operator billing revenues on the rise, there will be a clear motivation on the carriers’ part to allow more such services, especially as voice revenues continue a decline that’s expected to carry on into next year.

Charities, meanwhile, are increasingly satisfied with using mobile payments, and since that’s also not likely to change, there’s all the more reason to get involved.

PhonepayPlus CEO Jo Prowse commented “The growth of charity text giving over the last few years shows the positive work that can be achieved when charities, providers, networks and the regulator work together.

Regulatory flexibility, such as the ‘Skip’ command, which allow you to miss a payment without stopping future donations, provide increased choice for donors and ongoing support for charitable causes.”

Convenience, transparency, ease of use, and a market that’s entirely behind the use of such systems. Add all these points up and it’s clear that mobile payments are the way to go for charities looking to get access to extra donations.

When it’s easy for users to make donations, they’re more likely to do it, especially if that donation can be immediately connected with advertising or some other motivational function.

It’s not always easy for charities to get cash, and it’s tools like mobile payments that should offer the best chance of landing cash in an uncertain environment.

It could mean the difference between a charity up and running and one that’s shut down for lack of funds.