Following a national trial of contactless card readers, the Parish Buying service has now finalised contracts with two companies.

If they want to do so, Church of England parishes across Lancashire can now buy card readers at a discount through the Parish Buying website (in conjunction with the companies SumUp and iZettle) and use them with specially negotiated low transaction rates.

Many people no longer carry cash, especially younger people, and so allowing them to make payments in the way they find most convenient is becoming increasingly important.

One solution is a card reader, which works alongside a smart phone or tablet and is very inexpensive to buy.

•   Listen to an interview (available until April 19) on the BBC iPlayer about the new scheme, with The Venerable Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn and the Rev. Chris Newlands, Vicar of Lancaster Priory, on BBC Radio Lancashire. Listen from 2h 24m 40s. 

Although card readers are not really practical for passing round with the collection plate, whether it’s using the chip and PIN function or the tap of a contactless card, a card reader DOES enable a modern way for people to make donations to the church or to pay for things like wedding fees; church hall hire; concert and conference tickets; teas and coffees and much more.

If you are considering buying a card reader for your church you can register for free with the Parish Buying service at www.parishbuying.org.uk

Once registered you will be able to view all the discounted pricing information, along with Frequently Asked Questions and setup information.