A Fundraising Prediction...

In the Ireland/Nash chapter, "Choosing an Online Fundraising System," the authors make the prediction that "online checks will become the preferred payment option for campaigns." I don't necessarily agree with this prediction. Although I do agree online checks do have advantages over credit cards such as no bank fees and immediate access to your funds, I don't think enough people use checks these days to warrant a boom in online check use.

If we're talking about the future here, I think it's more accurate to say checks are on their way out. Our generation is proving this trend. Like NC Dem said in his post , I only write a couple checks per month. I pay all of my bills via online banking and use a check card for the majority of purchases I make. Check cards seem to be the way of the future to me. They combine the benefits of online checks (i.e. immediate access to funds, donors not being able to use credit cards, easy integration into telephone fundraising, and saving time and money on data entry) with the ease and familiarity of using a credit card.

Our society is quickly growing accustomed to paying for everything with our check cards. I know I get miffed at "cash only" establishments. Checks are slowly on their way out and many businesses are now refusing to accept checks. My prediction is check cards will be the preferred payment option for campaign donations in the future.