According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in April and May, the majority of Americans now bank online. More specifically:
- 51% of U.S. adults, or 61% of internet users, bank online; and
- 32% of U.S. adults, or 35% of cell phone owners, bank using their mobile phones.
So What?
Over the last several years more and more people have joined the online world. In general, the adoption rates are highest among the youngest adults. While the percentages decline as age increases, even the oldest cohort is now online in large numbers (most seniors are now online). As familiarity with being online increases, people are more willing to trust using it for a variety of activities, including banking.
Given that 3 out of every 5 American adults who are online now bank online, one would expect that this group has confidence with most basic online financial transactions. Is your church keeping up with the times?
- Can parishioners do all of their financial dealings with the congregation online (giving, registration/payment for events, purchase books and other items, etc.)? If not, which transactions are not currently possible?
- How does your congregation communicate the availability of online options for giving and for payments?
For more on e-giving, check out “Church E-Giving.”