What is PCI? In response to further banking regulations, the Patriot Act, and multiple threats to the security of credit card information, the major credit card companies developed the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. The security standards imposed by this council are accepted by all major credit card companies and are required of all merchants (ie: parishes or organizations) that accept or store credit card information.

In the event of a fire, or other catastrophic incident, does the parish or provider have an off site data system to maintain offertory collection for those enrolled?

Where are sensitive financial data and information (personal account numbers and credit card numbers) stored? Is financial information keyed at the parish? Are paper enrollments received for processing at the parish?

Depending upon EFT program or system, are parish insurance requirements adequately addressed to cover potential liability issues?

Does provider or parish have clear policy regarding privacy related issues?

Is it incumbent upon the parish to introduce the electronic giving program to parishioners, provide enrollment materials, and handle enrollment responses? Successful enrollment is incumbent upon a coordinated marketing effort that inspires users to convert from envelope donors to electronic givers.

Can parishioners enroll on line, and establish a secure on line account? Is the website enrollment application unique to the parish, or “generic” for the provider?

Users will expect to give to all collections (offertory, diocesan collections, and unique appeals, ie: Capital Campaigns).

Does the parish or provider offer both options? 50% of users give using credit cards highlighting the significance of PCI Compliance.

Does the parish have to initiate the debiting process? What staffing is in place to facilitate?

How are funds received in parish bank account?

Is parish responsible for contacting parishioners regarding needed updates to their credit card information?

What auditing procedures and reporting are in place to monitor and reconcile electronic giving?

The liturgy invites us to place something in the basket as a sign of support.

Does parish have to manually re-key on a monthly basis those parishioners using electronic giving for offertory and second collections?

Changes in tax laws require parishioners to have documentation for their gifts. Are tax statements also available on website for those users who establish accounts?

How are the multiple phone and email inquiries managed?