F.A.Q

1376 Felspar Street
San Diego, CA, 92109

General Questions

Is Online Giving Secure?

Vanco provides the highest level of security and confidentiality in processing our clients’ electronic transactions. It is our expertise in risk management and an unwavering commitment to security and confidentiality that has helped us become a market leader with a reputation for providing timely, accurate and secure processing services. To remain a market leader and to maintain a high level of service, we utilize the latest technology and incorporate risk management into every facet of our business.

PCI Level 1 Compliance

Operating at the highest level and meeting the most demanding security requirements.

In a card industry network comprised of millions of merchants, Vanco Services is proud to be one of fewer than 400 companies designated as a PCI (Payment Card Industry) Level 1 Compliant Service Provider. While these security standards were developed for the payment card industry, Vanco has implemented them across its entire e.service® line of electronic payment solutions. Vanco Services designation as a PCI Level 1 Compliant Service Provider means that customer transaction data is managed under the highest security standards.

Companies are divided into four categories based upon transaction volume. Level 1, the highest level, is comprised of those companies with the very highest transaction volumes. The designation “Level 1 Compliant” is reserved for large volume organizations like Vanco that pass rigorous independent on-site audits annually in addition to other critical assessments.

These security standards were developed by the founding payment brands of the PCI Security Standards Council, including American Express, Discover Financial services, JCB, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa International to help facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures on a global basis. PCI compliance is a comprehensive standard intended to help organizations proactively protect customer account data.

How are donations received by my organization?

Donations are electronically deposited into your organization’s bank account via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network— one of the largest payment networks in the world.

Who pays the fees?

Your organization pays all fees.

How do contributors recognize donations for their own accounting purposes?

Contributors recognize the full amount of their donations. Processing fees are not a donor’s concern; they are simply another operating expense for your organization.

What documentation does a donor receive?

The organization name and dollar amount appear on statements from the donor’s financial institution.

How does a recurring donation work?

A donor authorizes regularly scheduled donations by a debit or credit card or as a transfer from a checking or savings account. You have the option of offering donors a paper authorization method, an online authorization method or both. Donors have the option of changing, canceling or placing transactions on hold.

How do contributors know when a recurring donation will be made?

Donors specify the date on an authorization form (paper or online) and see the transactions on their bank statements.

How does my organization manage its electronic donation information?

Transaction activity can be managed 24/7 from Vanco’s secure, online Service Center. Client Services personnel are available during business hours to help you with any questions.

What types of organizations does Vanco work with?

Vanco works with churches and nonprofit organizations of every size.

What security measures does Vanco have in place?

Vanco is a Payment Card Industry (PCI) Level 1 Service Provider—the highest level of security certification for a credit and debit card processor. As part of the PCI certification process, Vanco passes rigorous, independent on-site audits on an annual basis and other critical assessments on an ongoing basis. Vanco has taken the extra step of implementing PCI Level 1 security standards across its entire line of payment solutions. Vanco is unaware of any other payment processor that can make this claim.

Online Giving Questions

Can recurring donations and payments be set up online?

Yes.

Can one-time donations and payments be set up online?

Yes.

What payment methods are offered?

The online donation page is equipped to accept payments by credit card, debit card or to accept direct debit payments with EFT Electronic Funds Transfer.

What is meant by “donor-managed” online giving?

Donors have the option of setting up a profile on your donation page. Creating a profile allows an individual to login at any time set up donations, make changes or view their donation history without the need to re-enter personal or banking information and without contacting your office.

What are major advantages of “donor-managed” online giving?

Donors can manage their own contribution activity 24/7 in a secure online environment; Organizations save staff time by allowing donors to make their own changes and look up their own transaction histories. Organizations shift the task of storing and handling sensitive data to the secure online systems of Vanco Services—a huge consideration for organizations that want to mitigate risk in back office operations.

Do donors receive a receipt?

Yes. A confirmation page with a message from your organization appears after a donation is submitted. For donors who have set up a profile allowing them to manage their own donations, Vanco automatically emails them a confirmation of all changes they make to their donation plan or personal profile.

Credit & Debit Card Questions:

Are there any minimums?

There is no minimum number of transactions and there is no minimum transaction amount.

Can credit and debit cards be used for both recurring and one-time donations?

Yes.

Can credit and debit cards be accepted online?

Yes.

What portion of a donation made with a credit or debit card is deposited into my organization’s bank account?

Your organization receives net deposits. A net deposit is the sum of all donations minus the sum of all fees.

How does my organization distinguish between the gross amount donated and the net amount deposited?

Your organization is provided with easy-to-read reports that show the donor name, the donation amount, the fees associated with the donation and the net amount deposited into your account.

How does my organization recognize debit and credit card donations for accounting purposes?

Gross donation amounts are recognized as revenue and fees are recognized as expense.

How quickly are credit & debit card donations processed?

Vanco adheres to the highest security standards when processing credit and debit card transactions. Donations are processed and funds are electronically forwarded to clients without unnecessary delay within 2-4 business days.

Is Vanco a Payment Card Industry (PCI) Level 1 Service Provider?

Yes. Vanco passes rigorous, independent on-site audits and other critical assessments. Vanco has implemented PCI security standards across its entire line of payment solutions.

F.A.Q

General Questions

Online Giving Questions

Credit & Debit Card Questions:

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