4 best mobile payment apps for event planners

Fundraising season is upon us. To make sure you raise as much as possible, we've compiled a list of the best tablet and mobile payment apps you should be using at your next event.

While the need to get donations, funding, etc. has not waned or changed, the landscape of collecting these funds has changed dramatically, due in part to tech advancements. Donation cards and mailed letter campaigns aren't enough: event payment apps are the new reality.

Now, it's all about convenience and immediacy. If you'd like people to give more, one strategy is to make it as easy as possible for them. People are moving away from cash - and certainly checks - rapidly.

So, don't give your guests and event attendees any excuse not to give! Make the giving process as simple as possible and you will see your monetary resources grow. Have on hand a credit card reader for your iPad, iPhone, smartphone, or tablet. The best opportunity is to approach potential donors during your event, whether it's an auction, charity gala, charity sports gathering, or other fundraising event.

Now, on with our list of the best mobile payment apps for event planners...

Mobile Payment App #1: Square

Square was the originator of the credit card reader for tablet and smartphone movement. Its system works with Apple and Android devices and is simple and straightforward to use. Square charges a processing rate of 1.75% for in person payments, and can be used in Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Japan, Spain, the UK and the USA.

Direct telephone support is available, and users can also look for advice in its Support Center and from its Seller Community. Various Square hardware is available to buy. Forbes Advisor rated Square the Best Credit Card Reader for iPhone in 2023.

Mobile Payment App #2: Zettle by PayPal

Zettle is Paypal's point-of-sale solution, and therefore unlocks the benefits and backing of a PayPal Business account, plus numerous integrations. Users can take payments with Android phones, purchase a dedicated payment terminal, pair a smartphone or tablet with a reader, and give donors the option to pay with PayPal, via QR codes.

Zettle also charges 1.75% for card transactions, and charges a fee to purchase its hardware. This mobile payment app serves parts of Europe, the USA, Brazil and Mexico. It offers customer support via phone, chat or Help Center.

Mobile Payment App #3: QuickBooks Payments

QuickBooks Payments customers will also benefit from using a mobile payment app that’s part of an established financial services company, in this case Intuit Quickbooks. The easy-to-use GoPayment app is compatible with Android and iOS devices, and users can also turn their computers into ‘virtual terminals’ to take payments on the web.

A mobile card reader is available to purchase separately, and using this is one of the more cost-effective ways to take payments; rates vary, starting at 1% for bank payments. Help and training is available via QuickBooks Support, by phone and chat.

This mobile payment app only supports zip codes in the United States and Canada, but QuickBooks customers in the UK can make use of an integration with Zettle by PayPal.

Mobile Payment App #4: SumUp

The SumUp POS system helps more than 3.5 million merchants around the world process credit card payments. Set up is simple, transaction processing fees start at 1.69%, and users can easily access their earnings via a free SumUp business account. Various SumUp card readers are available for purchase, and are compatible with a long list of Android and iOS devices.

One thing that sets SumUp apart from other mobile payment apps is its global reach - it’s available in 34 countries across Europe and the Americas, and counting. SumUp merchants can sign in to their accounts for dedicated support, or find advice via the Support Center.

One last tip before using a mobile payment app at your event...

This is not a complete list of mobile payment apps, but four that are widely used and trusted. No matter which apps you compare, whether it's Zettle vs Square or SumUp vs QuickBooks, there is one final tip we can give you. Choose the mobile payment app that fulfils most of your requirements and be sure to take it for a test run before your fundraising event. That way you'll be feeling confident and prepared on the big day.

Header image: John Tuesday via Unsplash