When the word church is mentioned thoughts that spring to mind are old-fashioned, traditional, holy and grounded. So the concept of technology, ATMs and touch screen kiosks are not really what you would associate with religion and the Bible.

But it seems the church sector is going all tech-savvy and modernised to keep up-to-date with the 21st century.

Churches in America are deploying ATMs as a quick and easy option for worshippers to pay with their bank cards at “giving-kiosk units”.

Throughout the country kiosks are now located inside the holy buildings to eradicate church-goers writing cheques out, or ministers collecting cash in baskets.

It is estimated around 325 churches nationwide are using the efficient technology; which on a practical level makes sense with reports that we are moving into a more cashless society.

With the “giving kiosk units” a religious believer can donate as much money he or she wants to on Sunday service, with no bars or limits as to how much because of what change they have in their purses.

Many religious establishments are taking it one step further and providing online access to give money, so one does not necessarily have to be on location to donate cash.

A church pastor has argued that the kiosk is the way to go since many people use debit cards nowadays.

Many of the units already deployed include touch screen interfaces, numeric keypads and magnetic strip readers. An internal printer produces a receipt for the consumer and the donation is tax-deductible.

But the design of the kiosks is something to consider; especially as tall floor-standing kiosks may appear out of place alongside the wooden pews and old-style carpets.

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