Q: How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account?
A: Only with your authorization. Nobody can deduct money from your account electronically unless you specifically authorize it.
Q: Are electronic contributions risky?
A: No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check, and it canít 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. To satisfy your curiosity, click the e-Give icon and go to the page requesting personal information. Right click on that page and when you select properties, you will notice the address returns the https URL indicating the site is secure.
Q: When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
A: 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?
A: 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?
A: our 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 Westwood Baptist Church each time your giving is posted.
Q: Why can't I give by credit card?
A: We chose to set up eGiving through electronic funds transfer rather than credit card for two primary reasons: 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. 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?
A: 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: What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution?
A: 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?
A: If you wish, you can write "I'm giving online" on the giving envelope and place it in the offering basket, but it is not necessary.
Q: Is there any charge to me from my bank to give online?
A: No. Electronic funds transfers carry no bank fees and this service is free.
Q: Can I designate my giving online?
A: Yes, you can designate between general budget, ONE Campaign, One Mission Fund and 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.
A: For more information, contact Amy Valentour or call 664.0122.