Setup PayPal as a Donation Method

This article provides administrators with step-by-step instructions for enabling and managing PayPal as a payment option in Giving and Payment forms.

At a Glance

  • PayPal must first be enabled globally in General Settings

  • Once enabled, PayPal becomes available across all Giving/Payment forms

  • Admins can then enable or disable PayPal per form as needed

  • Reporting clearly identifies PayPal gifts with icons and deposit account details

Why PayPal?

  • Convenience: 400M+ global PayPal users can give instantly using saved login credentials

  • Security: PayPal’s advanced verification adds donor trust

  • Compliance: ensures IRS tracking, avoids risks of using personal PayPal accounts

  • No Extra Cost: included as a standard payment option

Before You Begin

  • Ensure you have the appropriate permissions to manage General Settings and Giving/Payment forms.

  • Confirm your Billing Settings and Bank Account are set up.

  • Go to General Settings > Default Payment Types and check PayPal.

  • If PayPal does not appear in General Settings, contact Support.

 

1. Enable PayPal in General Settings (Global)

  1. Navigate to General Settings.

  2. Under Default Payment Types, check the box for PayPal.

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  3. If PayPal is not listed, contact Support to have it enabled for your account.

2. Manage PayPal at the Form Level

Once PayPal is enabled globally, you can choose whether to allow it on each form:

  1. Open the desired Giving or Payment Form.

  2. Go to Form Properties > Payment tab.

  3. Under Accepted Payment Types, check or uncheck PayPal.

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Example:

  • Allow PayPal on your Tithe & Offering form.

  • Disable PayPal on your Women’s Retreat form (if you want to restrict payment options).

3. Reporting PayPal Donations

  • Transaction/Donations/Gifts Report → PayPal donations show in the Source column with the PayPal icon.

    Transaction_Donation Report_PayPal_PC.png

  • Deposit Report → Select your PayPal depository bank account to view deposits (PayPal and Venmo).

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FAQs

Q: Why should my organization enable PayPal if donors already have personal PayPal accounts?

A: Enabling PayPal through Giving ensures:

  • IRS compliance and proper tracking

  • Centralized reporting

  • Donor trust through PayPal brand recognition

Q: Can I offer PayPal on some forms but not others?

A: Yes. PayPal must first be enabled in General Settings (global). Then, on each form, you can enable or disable PayPal under Form Properties > Payment tab.

 

 

 

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