Compare
Donating by check vs the Smart Generosity way
A check is the classic way to give, and the charity keeps every dollar. But it's slow, it earns you nothing back, and every gift means another envelope, stamp and receipt to chase. Here's how it stacks up.
A check costs the charity nothing in card fees, but it earns you no rewards and every gift takes time to write, mail and track. With Smart Generosity you give by credit card instead: the charity still receives 100%, you pay no fees, and you keep your card's points, miles or cash back.
What's good about a check
- No card fees. The charity deposits the full amount.
- Familiar. Every charity accepts one, and most donors know the routine.
What a check costs you
- No rewards. A $10,000 check earns nothing. The same gift on a card that pays 2% would earn $200 back, or 10,000 or more points or miles.
- Time, one gift at a time. Write it, address it, mail it, then wait for it to clear and for the receipt to arrive. Giving to five charities means five of everything.
- Slow to arrive. Mail and processing can take a week or more. Gifts mailed in late December can be hard to track.
- Exposure. Checks carry your account and routing numbers through the mail, and check fraud is still common.
- Work for the charity. Someone has to open, log, deposit and acknowledge each one.
Side by side
| Check | Smart Generosity | |
|---|---|---|
| Charity receives | 100% | 100% |
| Fees | None, plus postage | None |
| You earn | Nothing | Your card's normal points, miles or cash back |
| Your time | Write, mail and track each one | About 3 minutes per gift |
| Several charities | One check each | One platform for every charity |
| Receipts | Wait for each charity to send one | An official receipt right away |
| Your bank details | Printed on every check | Never shared with the charity |
Your charitable deduction is the same whether you give by cash, check or card, and the points you earn don't reduce it. Ask your tax preparer how much you can deduct.
The bottom line
If you already give by check, you're doing right by the charity: it keeps 100%. With Smart Generosity it still keeps 100%, and you also earn your card's rewards, give in minutes instead of days, and keep every receipt in one place.
Common questions
Is it better to donate by check or credit card?
A check avoids card fees but earns no rewards. A card earns rewards, but the usual way about 3% of the gift goes to processing fees. Smart Generosity combines the best of both: you give by card, the charity receives 100%, and you keep your rewards.
Do charities prefer checks?
Many charities like checks because there is no card fee, but checks take staff time to open, log and deposit, and they arrive slowly. A card gift where nothing is taken out for fees gives the charity the full amount without the paperwork.
Is my tax deduction different for a check or a card?
No. Your charitable deduction is the same whether you give by cash, check or card, and the points you earn don't reduce it. Ask your tax preparer how much you can deduct.
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