Connect a Payment Processor to My Auction

Overview of Payment Processing

Payment processing is the technology infrastructure that enables your charity auction to securely accept credit card payments, debit card transactions, and digital payment methods from winning bidders. Connecting a payment processor to your CharityAuctionsToday auction is essential for collecting funds efficiently, reducing administrative burden, and providing a professional checkout experience for supporters.

Why Payment Processors Are Essential

Benefits of Integrated Payment Processing

Connecting a payment processor provides critical advantages:

Automated Collection:

• Instant checkout after auction closes
• Automatic charge processing
• Reduced manual payment handling
• Immediate fund availability
• Lower risk of non-payment

Professional Experience:

• Seamless online checkout
• Multiple payment method options
• Secure transaction processing
• Professional payment receipts
• Mobile-friendly payment pages

Administrative Efficiency:

• Automatic reconciliation
• Digital payment records
• Reduced check processing
• Simplified accounting
• Lower processing costs than manual methods

Security and Compliance:

• PCI DSS compliant processing
• Encrypted payment data
• Fraud protection features
• Chargeback management
• Secure credential storage

Real-Time Reporting:

• Instant transaction visibility
• Financial reporting integration
• Revenue tracking
• Payout schedules
• Tax documentation support

Supported Payment Processors

CharityAuctionsToday Compatible Processors

CharityAuctionsToday integrates with leading payment platforms:

Stripe:

• Most popular choice for nonprofits
• Excellent nonprofit rates available
• Comprehensive feature set
• Strong fraud protection
• Fast payouts (2-3 business days)
• Supports 135+ currencies
• Easy integration and setup

PayPal:

• Widely recognized brand
• PayPal account and credit card payments
• Good for international transactions
• Familiar to donors
• Available in 200+ countries
• Nonprofit discounted rates available
• Quick setup process

Square:

• Simple, straightforward pricing
• Good for organizations with in-person events
• Mobile card reader integration
• Same-day deposit available
• Easy-to-understand interface
• No monthly fees
• Works well for hybrid auctions

Authorize.net:

• Established payment gateway
• Reliable and secure
• Works with multiple merchant accounts
• Advanced fraud detection
• Suitable for larger organizations
• Comprehensive reporting

Other Processors:

• Contact CharityAuctionsToday support
• Custom integration possible
• Enterprise solutions available
• Regional processors may be supported

Payment Processor Comparison

Stripe

Best For: Tech-savvy organizations, international auctions, sophisticated reporting needs

Pros:

• Modern, developer-friendly platform
• Excellent nonprofit discounted rates (2.2% + $0.30)
• Automatic transfers to bank account
• Comprehensive dashboard
• Superior fraud prevention
• Detailed analytics
• API access for customization
• Strong customer support

Cons:

• Requires bank account for payouts
• Learning curve for advanced features
• Account holds possible during verification
• Limited phone support

Pricing:

• Standard: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Nonprofit rate: 2.2% + $0.30 (with verification)
• No monthly fees
• No setup fees

Setup Time: 15-30 minutes, 1-2 days for verification

PayPal

Best For: Organizations with existing PayPal presence, international bidders, quick setup

Pros:

• Widely recognized and trusted
• Bidders can use PayPal balance
• Quick setup process
• Good international coverage
• PayPal Giving Fund integration
• Instant transfers available (fee applies)
• Buyer protection builds trust

Cons:

• Higher processing fees
• Account holds/reserves common
• Customer service challenges
• Donor confusion between PayPal/credit card
• More disputes/chargebacks

Pricing:

• Standard: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Nonprofit rate: 2.2% + $0.30 (with 501c3 verification)
• No monthly fees
• Instant transfer: 1% fee (up to $10)

Setup Time: 10-20 minutes, instant to 1 day activation

Square

Best For: Small to medium auctions, hybrid events, simple setup needs

Pros:

• Very simple setup
• Flat-rate pricing (no surprises)
• Same-day deposits available
• Physical card readers for events
• No monthly fees
• Easy-to-understand interface
• Good for mobile checkout
• Integrated POS for in-person

Cons:

• No special nonprofit rates
• Limited international support
• Basic reporting compared to Stripe
• Fewer customization options
• Account stability issues for some nonprofits

Pricing:

• Online: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Card present: 2.6% + $0.10
• No monthly fees
• No nonprofit discount

Setup Time: 10-15 minutes, 1-2 days for verification

How to Connect a Payment Processor

Prerequisites

Before connecting a processor, ensure you have:

Organization Information:

• Legal organization name
• Federal Tax ID (EIN) or equivalent
• Physical business address
• Phone number and website
• 501(c)(3) determination letter (for nonprofit rates)

Bank Account Details:

• Bank account for deposits
• Routing number
• Account number
• Account holder name matching organization

Authorized Representative:

• Person authorized to set up financial accounts
• Valid government-issued ID
• Social Security Number or equivalent
• Contact information

CharityAuctionsToday Account:

• Active event created
• Administrator access
• Organization profile completed

Step-by-Step Connection Process

General Connection Steps

Step 1: Access Payment Settings

1. Log into CharityAuctionsToday dashboard
2. Select your auction event
3. Navigate to "Settings" or "Auction Settings"
4. Click "Payment Processing" or "Payments"
5. View available processor options

Step 2: Choose Your Processor

• Review processor comparison
• Consider your organization's needs
• Check fees and features
• Select preferred processor
• Click "Connect [Processor Name]"

Step 3: Authenticate with Processor

• Redirected to processor's website
• Log in to existing account, or
• Create new processor account
• Authorize CharityAuctionsToday connection
• Grant necessary permissions

Step 4: Complete Processor Setup

• Provide organization details
• Enter bank account information
• Upload verification documents
• Set payout schedule
• Configure account settings

Step 5: Verify Connection

• Return to CharityAuctionsToday
• Confirm processor connected
• Check connection status
• Test with small transaction
• Verify settings saved

Step 6: Configure Payment Options

• Enable credit/debit cards
• Enable digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Set payment deadlines
• Configure automatic charges
• Customize checkout experience

Connecting Stripe (Detailed)

Step-by-Step Stripe Connection:

1. Navigate to Payment Settings
   • Dashboard > Settings > Payment Processing
   • Click "Connect Stripe"
2. Create or Link Stripe Account
   • If existing account: Click "Sign In"
   • If new account: Click "Create Stripe Account"
3. Provide Business Information
   • Legal business name
   • Business structure (nonprofit corporation)
   • Tax ID (EIN)
   • Business address
   • Phone number and website
   • Industry: Fundraising/Charitable Organizations
4. Add Representative Information
   • Name of authorized person
   • Email address
   • Date of birth
   • Last 4 digits of SSN
   • Home address
5. Bank Account Details
   • Routing number
   • Account number
   • Confirm account ownership
   • Select payout schedule (daily, weekly, monthly)
6. Verify Nonprofit Status (for discounted rates)
   • Upload 501(c)(3) determination letter
   • Provide organization documentation
   • Wait for verification (1-3 business days)
   • Rates adjust automatically after approval
7. Authorize Connection
   • Review permissions
   • Click "Authorize Access"
   • Return to CharityAuctionsToday
   • Confirm connection successful
8. Test Transaction
   • Run test payment
   • Verify funds route correctly
   • Check payment confirmation
   • Confirm dashboard updates

Stripe Verification Timeline:

• Initial connection: Instant
• Bank verification: 1-2 business days (micro-deposits)
• Nonprofit rate approval: 1-3 business days
• First payout: 7-14 days after first transaction

Connecting PayPal (Detailed)

Step-by-Step PayPal Connection:

1. Access PayPal Settings
   • Dashboard > Settings > Payment Processing
   • Click "Connect PayPal"
2. Log Into PayPal
   • Use existing PayPal Business account, or
   • Create PayPal Business account
   • Enter PayPal credentials
3. Upgrade to Business Account (if needed)
   • Select "Business Account"
   • Choose nonprofit organization type
   • Provide organization details
4. Link Bank Account
   • Add bank account to PayPal
   • Verify with micro-deposits (2-3 days)
   • Or verify instantly with bank login
5. Apply for Nonprofit Rates
   • Navigate to PayPal Giving Fund
   • Submit 501(c)(3) documentation
   • Complete application
   • Wait for approval (5-10 business days)
6. Grant CharityAuctionsToday Permissions
   • Review API access request
   • Approve payment processing
   • Authorize automatic settlements
   • Confirm and return
7. Configure PayPal Settings
   • Enable credit/debit card processing
   • Set withdrawal schedule
   • Configure payment notifications
   • Customize checkout branding
8. Verify and Test
   • Confirm connection in CharityAuctionsToday
   • Process test transaction
   • Check PayPal dashboard
   • Verify settlement to bank account

PayPal Verification Timeline:

• Connection: Instant
• Bank verification: 2-3 business days
• Nonprofit rate approval: 5-10 business days
• Withdrawals: Instant (fee) or 3-5 business days (free)

Connecting Square (Detailed)

Step-by-Step Square Connection:

1. Navigate to Square Integration
   • Dashboard > Settings > Payment Processing
   • Click "Connect Square"
2. Create or Sign In to Square
   • Use existing Square account, or
   • Create new Square account
   • Enter business email
3. Business Information
   • Legal business name
   • Business type: Nonprofit
   • Tax ID (EIN)
   • Business address and phone
   • Website URL
4. Representative Details
   • Owner/director name
   • Email and phone
   • Date of birth
   • Last 4 of SSN
5. Banking Information
   • Bank routing number
   • Account number
   • Account type (checking/savings)
   • Verify account ownership
6. Select Deposit Speed
   • Standard (1-2 business days): Free
   • Instant (minutes): 1.5% fee
   • Choose preference
7. Authorize CharityAuctionsToday
   • Review permissions requested
   • Click "Allow"
   • Return to CharityAuctionsToday
   • Verify connection active
8. Test Payment Processing
   • Create test transaction
   • Process payment
   • Check Square dashboard
   • Confirm successful integration

Square Verification Timeline:

• Connection: Instant
• Account review: 1-2 business days
• Bank verification: 1-2 business days
• First deposit: 3-5 business days

Payment Processing Settings

Configuring Checkout Options

After connecting processor, configure how payments work:

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
• Debit cards
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Bank transfers (if supported)
• PayPal balance (if using PayPal)

Payment Timing:

• Immediate checkout: Winners charged immediately after auction closes
• Delayed checkout: Winners have X hours/days to complete payment
• Manual approval: Review before processing
• Installments: Allow payment plans (if supported)

Payment Deadlines:

• Set deadline for payment (e.g., 48 hours after auction)
• Automated reminders before deadline
• Late payment penalties or restrictions
• Non-payment handling procedures

Checkout Experience:

• Customize checkout page branding
• Add organization logo
• Customize thank you message
• Configure receipt email template
• Set up automatic tax receipt generation

Security and Compliance Settings

PCI Compliance:

• CharityAuctionsToday is PCI compliant
• Payment data never stored on platform
• Tokenization for security
• Encrypted transmission
• Regular security audits

Fraud Prevention:

• Enable AVS (Address Verification System)
• CVV requirement
• 3D Secure authentication
• Velocity checks
• Suspicious activity alerts

Chargeback Management:

• Configure chargeback notifications
• Evidence collection automation
• Dispute response procedures
• Refund policies clearly stated

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

Connection Fails or Times Out:

• Check internet connection
• Try different browser
• Clear cache and cookies
• Disable browser extensions
• Contact processor support

Processor Account Not Approved:

• Verify all information accurate
• Complete all verification steps
• Upload requested documents
• Wait for review period (varies)
• Contact processor for status

Bank Account Won't Verify:

• Check routing and account numbers
• Confirm account ownership
• Wait for micro-deposits (2-3 days)
• Use instant verification if available
• Contact bank for assistance

Nonprofit Rates Not Applied:

• Ensure 501(c)(3) status verified
• Upload determination letter
• Contact processor directly
• Request manual review
• May take 5-10 business days

Test Transaction Fails:

• Use test card numbers from processor
• Check processor account active
• Verify all permissions granted
• Review error messages carefully
• Contact CharityAuctionsToday support

Disconnect/Reconnect Issues:

• Revoke previous authorization
• Clear saved permissions
• Start fresh connection
• Check for multiple accounts
• Contact support if persists

Getting Help

CharityAuctionsToday Support:

• Email: support@charityauctionstoday.com
• Help documentation and videos
• Live chat during business hours
• Screen sharing for complex issues

Processor Support:

• Stripe: support.stripe.com
• PayPal: paypal.com/businesshelp
• Square: squareup.com/help
• Direct phone support available

Best Practices

Before Connecting

Preparation:

• Research processor options thoroughly
• Compare fees and features
• Gather all required documents
• Verify bank account information
• Ensure authorized person available
• Allow adequate setup time (1 week before auction)

Documentation:

• Keep digital copies of all documents
• Screenshot setup process
• Document account credentials securely
• Save confirmation emails
• Record customer service interactions

During Setup

Testing:

• Always run test transactions
• Test different payment methods
• Verify email notifications work
• Check receipt formatting
• Confirm deposits to correct account

Security:

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Limit account access
• Regular security reviews
• Monitor for suspicious activity

After Connection

Monitoring:

• Check dashboard daily during auction
• Review transaction reports
• Watch for failed payments
• Monitor chargeback notices
• Track payout schedule

Optimization:

• Review processing fees monthly
• Negotiate rates if volume increases
• Update payment methods offered
• Improve checkout conversion
• Collect payment feedback

Multiple Payment Options

Offering Backup Payment Methods

Consider providing alternatives:

Primary Processor:

• Main payment method
• Most transactions
• Best rates negotiated

Secondary Options:

• PayPal for those who prefer it
• Checks (manual processing)
• Bank transfers for large amounts
• Cash at in-person pickup
• Payment plans for major items

Configuration:

• Enable multiple processors if supported
• Clear instructions for each method
• Different methods for different scenarios
• Fallback options if primary fails

Advanced Features

Recurring Payments

If offering payment plans or recurring donations:

Setup:

• Enable recurring billing in processor
• Configure payment schedule
• Set up automated reminders
• Failed payment handling
• Update payment methods

International Payments

For global auctions:

Currency Support:

• Enable multiple currencies
• Automatic conversion
• Display prices in local currency
• Processor must support countries
• Consider foreign transaction fees

Compliance:

• Understand international regulations
• Tax implications
• Cross-border fees
• Local payment method preferences

Reporting and Reconciliation

Financial Reports:

• Daily transaction summaries
• Payout reports
• Fee analysis
• Tax documentation (1099-K)
• Reconciliation exports for accounting

Integration:

• Export to QuickBooks
• Connect to accounting software
• Automated reconciliation
• Audit trail maintenance

Conclusion

Connecting a payment processor to your CharityAuctionsToday auction is a crucial step that enables seamless, secure, and efficient payment collection from winning bidders. By choosing the right processor for your organization's needs—whether Stripe's comprehensive features, PayPal's wide recognition, or Square's simplicity—and following the connection process carefully, you'll create a professional checkout experience that maximizes payment collection while minimizing administrative burden.

Take time to properly set up and test your payment processor well before your auction goes live, ensure all verification steps are completed, apply for nonprofit discounted rates where available, and familiarize yourself with the processor's dashboard and reporting tools. With integrated payment processing, you'll spend less time chasing payments and more time focused on your mission and building donor relationships. CharityAuctionsToday's support team is available to assist with any questions or challenges during the setup process, ensuring your auction is ready to accept payments smoothly and securely.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.