ACH gives donors a secure way to donate using their bank account - often preferred for recurring gifts and donors who want a non-card option. This article covers common questions and practical tips to help you get the most value from ACH.
Best Practices
1) Promote ACH for recurring gifts
If you’re driving sustainers, encourage donors to choose Bank Account (ACH) for their monthly gift. It’s a great option for long-term supporters because bank accounts don’t change as frequently as cards.
Suggested CTA copy:
“Make your monthly gift even easier - choose Bank Account (ACH).”
2) Offer donors a simple “why”
Donors are more likely to choose ACH when they understand the benefit. Keep it short:
“Bank Account donations are secure and help reduce payment interruptions.”
3) Use ACH to reduce admin work (not add to it)
The goal is fewer failed payments and fewer donor follow-ups. Keep your workflow simple:
Let donations flow through your normal Network for Good reporting
Use your existing donation exports and filters
Avoid tracking ACH in a separate spreadsheet or tool
4) Add a help note for donor questions
Consider adding a short line on your donation page or in your FAQ:
“Choosing Bank Account is secure and only takes a moment to set up.”
FAQ
Is ACH safe?
Yes. Bank information is encrypted and processed through Bonterra Payments’ secure payment processing experience. Network for Good does not store donors’ bank credentials.
How is ACH priced compared to credit cards?
ACH donations are processed at 1% per transaction, capped at $9.99, which is lower than standard credit card processing fees. This makes ACH a cost-effective option, especially for larger or recurring donations.
Will ACH be complicated for my donors?
Not usually. Donors select Bank Account at checkout and follow a guided flow to connect their bank or enter details manually.
Does ACH require extra work for our team?
No. ACH donations appear in your fundraising reporting like other donations, and they’re included in the same overall donation management workflows.
How do fees compare to credit cards?
ACH is typically priced lower than card processing for many organizations. Your exact pricing depends on your Bonterra Payments setup and agreement.
Can we offer ACH if we’re using the For Good DAF?
No. ACH is available through Bonterra Payments. If you are using the For Good DAF today, you can upgrade to Bonterra Payments to unlock ACH and other modern payment options.
What should we tell donors who ask why ACH is “better”?
A simple answer works best:
“ACH is a secure bank transfer option that can make recurring giving more reliable.”
What else do you need help with?
How do I enable ACH giving on my donation forms?
Not quite what you were searching for?
Navigate back to the Feature Overview.