eGive Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most commonly asked questions…

  Q:  How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account?

Only with your authorization.  Nobody can deduct money from your account electronically unless you specifically authorize it.

 Q:  Are electronic contributions risky?

No.  An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check and it can’t be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail.  To sign up for eGive you are only giving information that is already printed on your check.  National laws, rules, and guidelines govern all Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) transactions.  Over four billion EFT transactions are processed annually in the United States.

 Q:  When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?

On the eGive online secure giving form or on the paper giving form, you can specify whether you want your contribution made one-time, weekly, semi-monthly, monthly or as designated.  When the date you have selected falls on a weekend or holiday, the transaction will occur on the next business day.

 Q:  Can I test this by giving one time?

Yes.  You may test online giving by selecting “One-Time Gift” in the Giving Amount and Date section of the sign up process.

 Q:  If I don’t write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?

Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your check record then and you will receive a general Email reminder thanking you for giving to St. Andrew each time your giving is posted.

 Q:  Why can’t I give by credit card?

We chose to set up eGiving through electronic funds transfer rather than credit card for two primary reasons:

1)       With electronic transfer, your entire gift goes to the church.  When using a credit card, as much as 3% of your gift would go to the credit card company.

2)       Although many pay off their credit cards each month, many also do not.  We do not want to potentially put someone in the place of going in debt and paying credit interest on gifts given to the church.

 Q:  How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?

Your bank statement will include an itemized list of automatic gifts given from your account.  We will continue to provide you with a personal giving statement for your tax records.

 Q:  Can I give to the building fund or other special offerings?

Yes, just put the amount you committed or want to commit in the “Breakout of Giving” section on the sign up form.

 Q:  What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution?

You can change your giving choices at any time, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, through the eGive web site.

 Q:  How do I participate in the weekly offering if my contribution is automatically deducted from my bank account?

Each person who signs up with eGive will be given 50 “Offering Cards” stating “I Give Electronically Through eGive.”  These can be placed in the offering as an act of worship.

 Q:  Is there any charge to me from my bank to give online?

No.  Electronic funds transfers carry no bank fees and this service is free.

 Q:  Can I designate my giving online?

Yes, you can designate between tithes and offerings, building fund, and four other offerings that you can write in yourself.  The total is what shows as the transaction with your bank; however, the church receives the breakdown directly from eGive.  You may give a special offering 24 hours a day on eGive.

 Q:  Who do I talk to if I have more questions?

Email Penny Timson, penny@saintandy.com or call 907-3057