You can now give to charity when using an ATM

Fri, 04 Nov 2005

Two major High Street banks have launched a service where customers can make donations to charity when they use a cash machine.

Almost nine million customers of HSBC and First Direct can donate from as little as £1- £999.

HSBC successfully implemented the service using their cash machines in Mexico and are hoping to repeat the success here. The service has led to customers making over 710,000 donations a month.

Michael Geoghegan, HSBC’s chief executive said that if all ATM customers were to donate £1 that would raise over £500,000 in one day. "All of our research suggests that charity via cash machines aids customer convenience and will increase donations.

"In fact, almost one in five people say they would donate more if they could through ATMs."

Initially donations will be payable to the BBC’s Children in Need appeal but the bank will be looking to provide a selection of charities by the end of the year.

The news was welcomed by Stephen Ainger, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, he said, "Providing HSBC customers with the opportunity to make giving to charity a part of everyday life, via cash machines, is an excellent idea."

However, donations using an ATM are not eligible for gift aid, a way of letting charities claim back 28p in tax for every £1 that has been donated.

The bank is looking to overcome this hitch, in the future, but are unsure as to when that will happen.
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