Following a crisis like the earthquake disaster in Haiti, card donations play a significant role in getting aid to where it is needed, quickly and effectively.  Charities like AmeriCares have urged their donors to use debit and credit cards to ensure that donations to Haiti arrive as quickly as possible.

Former FEMA Director James Lee Witt says:  "Using a credit, debit card or other form of electronic payment is far superior to sending a check. Electronic payments are immediate, easier to distribute, and secure. The bottom line is that speed is crucial in a crisis, and a donation with one of the major cards is the fastest way to help."

The Huffington Post
(“Giving to Haiti and to the Future,“ January 26, 2009)

 

Donating with a debit, credit or charge card provides:  

Speed – Immediate financial relief to support relief efforts is critical. Donations made using a card reach their intended source within hours – not days or weeks. 

Fraud Prevention – Unfortunately, bogus donation schemes run rampant during times of crisis.  People who donate using cards are not held responsible for donations to organizations that are later determined to be fraudulent. Furthermore, the specific and detailed records kept when people use cards help law enforcement officials track funds that are diverted for fraudulent use more efficiently.

Increased Donations – Electronic payments benefit charities because those who donate using a card tend to give more.