Contact: Andrew Sherman, 877-505-3260

MEDIA ADVISORY, Feb. 15, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Sparked by the Your Church Magazine article "Churches Weigh the Credit Card Question," Your Church e-newsletter's unscientific poll asked the question, "Do you believe credit cards are acceptable for church giving?" Only 44% of respondents felt that credit cards are acceptable for tithing. The majority of the remainder voted that debit card only electronic giving is preferred.

Ardent Giving Solutions, who was featured in the article, finds similar results when talking to ministries about online giving:

"Over 40% of our customers request 'Debit Card Only Online Giving.' Previously, verbiage was written on many church websites encouraging members to only give using a debit card. We developed and launched this debt free giving solution in June, 2010 to make this preference a reality. 'Debit Card Only Giving' allows only debit card offerings to be processed when giving online, via kiosk or through e-commerce solutions. We provide all electronic giving solutions but empower organizations with the choice to accept or block credit card tithes from being received." Bryce Collman -- CEO, Ardent Giving Solutions

This solution echoes the trends experienced in America today. "Noncash Payment Trends in the United States from 2006-2009" released by the Federal Reserve (December, 2010) reports that check usage has experienced the greatest decline from 32% in 2006 to 22% in 2009. Credit card usage decreased from 23% to 20%. ACH is the least used electronic transaction at 18%. Debit card usage continues to increase and is currently the most preferred electronic method at 35%.

"Debit Card Only Online Giving" seamlessly integrates with several church and donor management systems. "This debt free giving solution is available to all software companies who serve our ministries. We are working to ensure everyone can enjoy 'Debit Card Only' while continuing to use their current software provider." -- Bryce Collman

For a list of systems that currently offer "Debit Card Only Online Giving" call 1-877-505-3260. To request that your current software provider incorporate this solution, send an email to partner@ardentgivingsolutions.com.  

As churches strive to make giving more convenient, Ardent Giving Solutions strives to develop low cost online giving solutions that align with ministry values and current giving trends.

About Ardent Giving Solutions:
Ardent Giving Solutions is a Texas-based merchant services company focused solely on providing unique, low cost giving solutions to fulfill the needs of churches, nonprofits and schools. www.ardentgivingsolutions.com