Vanco Payment Solutions Review

Vanco Payment Solutions caters mainly to non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions as a specialized payment processing provider. Established in 2015 and based in the Twin Cities, MN, Vanco provides a variety of financial services tailored to meet the specific requirements of its customers. The company is known for its commitment to assisting community-based organizations in effectively handling their financial transactions, donations, and event payments. Let’s delve deeper into the Vanco Payment Solutions Review.

Having over three decades of industry experience, Vanco provides services to over 40,000 clients, such as churches, schools, and other non-profit organizations. Its services are tailored to make the collection of donations, handling school payments, and organizing administrative duties easier. Vanco has customized tools to boost donor interaction and guarantee that community groups have the necessary technology to succeed.

Key Features and Services:

Online and Mobile Payment Processing: Vanco supports a range of digital payment solutions, including online payments, mobile apps, and text-to-give options. These services are designed to provide seamless and secure donation channels for churches and non-profits.

Kiosks and POS Equipment: For organizations that need in-person payment solutions, Vanco offers kiosks and card readers that can be integrated with its software platform, GivePlus. This allows for efficient management of event registrations, donations, and other financial transactions.

Recurring Billing and Subscription Management: Vanco’s platform makes it easy for non-profits and schools to set up recurring payments for memberships, tuition, or regular donations. This feature is particularly valuable for organizations that rely on consistent contributions.

Customizable Solutions for Different Sectors: Vanco provides specialized solutions for faith-based organizations, schools, and childcare centers. Its tools help these organizations manage registrations, class payments, and even event ticketing.

Company Background | Vanco Payment Solutions Review

Vanco Payment Solutions has been serving community-focused organizations for over 30 years. Originally known as Vanco Services, the company rebranded to Vanco Payment Solutions in 2015, following its acquisition by Veracity Payment Solutions. This transition allowed Vanco to expand its services and better align with the needs of non-profits, faith-based groups, and educational institutions.

The company is headquartered in the Twin Cities, MN, with additional offices in Atlanta, GA. Vanco’s evolution has been marked by a commitment to simplifying payment processes for organizations through innovative solutions, including online giving, mobile apps, and donation kiosks.

In 2023, Vanco implemented major alterations to its management team. Jim McGinnis was named the new CEO, replacing Shawn Boom, who moved to the position of Executive Chairman. Jim has a lot of experience in business leadership, with past roles at AffiniPay, MyCase, and Intuit. His skill in developing SaaS companies and overseeing extensive business operations make him well-suited to lead Vanco’s upcoming growth stage. Under his guidance, Vanco remains dedicated to offering complete payment solutions to organizations that enhance their communities.

Today, Vanco serves more than 40,000 clients across the United States, helping churches, schools, and other non-profit organizations streamline their financial processes, increase donations, and engage with their communities more effectively.

Key Features and Services

Vanco Payment Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of payment options designed to support the financial management needs of non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions. With its diverse range of services, Vanco Payment Solutions empowers organizations to simplify administrative tasks, engage donors more effectively, and streamline payments.

Payment Processing Options: Vanco offers a variety of payment solutions, including online payments, mobile processing, and text-based payments. Their platform also supports ACH and eCheck processing, which allows organizations to accept payments directly from bank accounts. This flexibility ensures that donors can contribute in a way that is convenient for them. Additionally, Vanco’s recurring billing and subscription management feature is ideal for organizations that rely on consistent contributions, such as monthly donations or membership fees.

POS Equipment and Software: Vanco’s GivePlus software suite consists of various tools designed specifically for face-to-face transactions. The GivePlus Kiosk, with customizable branding choices, enables organizations to receive payments and issue receipts instantly, making it ideal for event payments and fundraising efforts. The GivePlus Swipe card reader, which works with Apple and Android devices, offers a portable option for receiving credit or debit card payments in face-to-face situations. All of these tools work effortlessly with Vanco’s software, giving organizations simple receipt management and customizable donation pages.

Digital Payment Solutions for Non-Profits: Vanco’s digital payment solutions support various needs such as online donations, event payments, and fundraising campaigns. Organizations can create customized donation portals that integrate with their existing websites, making it easy for supporters to donate from any location. Vanco Payment Solutions also offers specialized solutions for managing event ticketing and other fundraising activities, helping non-profits optimize their revenue generation.

Text-to-Give Solutions: The Text-to-Give feature simplifies the donation process by allowing donors to contribute via text messaging. Organizations can set up this feature with a minimal monthly fee, providing a straightforward way to encourage participation, especially for younger donors. This solution is ideal for quick, on-the-go contributions, enabling churches and non-profits to increase engagement during services and events.

Pricing and Fee Structure

Vanco Payment Solutions offers a transparent pricing model that caters to organizations of different sizes and financial capabilities. The company provides two primary subscription plans: the “Start” plan and the “Sustain” plan. These plans are structured to accommodate various transaction volumes, making Vanco Payment Solutions an accessible choice for smaller churches and non-profits, as well as larger organizations with more complex needs.

Overview of the “Start” Plan: The “Start” plan is priced at $10 per month and is designed for smaller organizations with less than $20,000 in monthly donations. This plan includes a standard transaction fee of 2.75% + $0.45 per transaction for debit and credit cards, and a 1.00% + $0.45 fee for ACH processing. It is a cost-effective solution for non-profits looking for basic payment services with minimal upfront costs.

Details of the “Sustain” Plan: The “Sustain” package, costing $49 each month, is ideal for groups receiving monthly donations ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. A lower transaction fee is provided for credit and debit card payments at 2.35% + $0.35, and for ACH transactions at 0.80% + $0.35. This plan offers extra features not found in the “Start” plan, making it ideal for organizations handling larger transaction volumes or aiming to reduce payment processing expenses.

Additional Costs: Vanco charges an additional $5 per month for its text-to-give service, which allows donors to contribute via text messaging. For organizations looking to set up in-person payments, the GivePlus Kiosk has a one-time hardware fee and an additional $29 monthly charge. Similarly, the GivePlus Swipe card reader also incurs a one-time fee, although the exact cost may vary based on specific requirements.

Transparency and Absence of Hidden Fees: One of Vanco’s strengths is its commitment to transparency. The company does not charge setup fees, and there are no early termination fees or annual fees. This straightforward approach to pricing makes Vanco a reliable and predictable option for organizations seeking to manage their finances without unexpected costs.

Contract Terms and Conditions

Vanco Payment Solutions offers a flexible month-to-month contract structure, which makes it an appealing option for non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions that prefer to avoid long-term commitments. Unlike many other payment processing providers, Vanco does not impose early termination fees. This means that organizations can cancel their services at any time, as long as they provide a 30-day notice. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for organizations that experience fluctuating financial situations or those looking to evaluate the service without being locked into a lengthy agreement.

The equipment lease terms of Vanco are also simple. Vanco offers organizations the choice to buy hardware such as the GivePlus Kiosk or card readers upfront or select a monthly leasing plan. The GivePlus Kiosk can be purchased for $1,695 or leased for $29 per month. The card reader, which allows for swiped transactions with credit or debit cards, is priced at $125 as a one-time buy or $45 for mobile processing equipment.

Overall, Vanco’s transparent pricing model and absence of hidden fees contribute to its reputation as a reliable payment solutions provider. There are no account setup fees or gateway fees associated with the service, and the company’s contract terms ensure that organizations are not penalized should they decide to discontinue the service. This approach makes Vanco a preferred choice for community-based organizations looking for a payment processor that aligns with their operational needs and financial flexibility.

Target Markets and Industries Served

Vanco Payment Solutions primarily serves faith-based organizations, non-profits, and educational institutions, offering tailored payment processing solutions that cater to the unique needs of these sectors. The company has a long-standing reputation for supporting community-driven organizations, helping them simplify donation processes, manage event payments, and streamline administrative tasks. With specialized tools like online giving platforms, mobile apps, and text-based donation services, Vanco’s solutions enable these organizations to engage their communities more effectively.

Faith-Based Organizations and Non-Profits: Vanco is trusted by over 25,000 faith-based organizations, including churches and religious groups, providing them with the technology needed to facilitate donations, manage tithes, and conduct fundraising campaigns. Non-profits also benefit from Vanco’s solutions, as the company offers comprehensive tools for event management, donor engagement, and reporting. This makes it easier for supporters to give how and when they want, ensuring that the organization’s mission is financially supported.

Educational Institutions: Vanco is deeply involved in the education industry, providing services to K-12 schools, community education programs, and childcare centers. Their services address a range of administrative requirements like billing for school fees, payments for meals, and enrollment for courses and activities. The RevTrak and ASAP products are especially beneficial for schools that require processing fees for extracurricular activities, ticketing, and other payments related to school.

Other Industries: Beyond its core focus, Vanco also caters to a diverse set of industries, including marketing agencies, property management, and web design services. These industries often require flexible payment solutions for managing subscriptions, client payments, and event registrations. Vanco’s ability to integrate with various software platforms ensures that its payment solutions can adapt to the specific needs of these businesses.

Pros and Cons of Vanco Payment Solutions

Vanco Payment Solutions offers a comprehensive set of features tailored specifically for non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions. These attributes make it a preferred choice for many community-driven organizations looking to streamline their payment processing and administrative tasks.

Pros:

Transparent Pricing Model: Vanco is known for its straightforward pricing, making it easy for organizations to understand the costs associated with their services. There are no hidden fees, and their pricing structure is clearly outlined, reducing the likelihood of unexpected expenses.

Zero Setup Fees and No Early Termination Fees: Vanco does not charge any setup fees, and there are no penalties for canceling the service, provided that a 30-day notice is given. This flexibility allows organizations to try the service without being locked into long-term contracts.

Tailored Solutions for Non-Profits and Faith-Based Organizations: Vanco specializes in offering payment solutions tailored to the specific requirements of non-profits and churches. Their tools aim to assist organizations with their fundraising and financial management requirements, from handling regular donations to creating online giving portals.

Easy Integration with Existing Systems: Vanco integrates seamlessly with a variety of software platforms used by educational institutions and non-profits, such as PowerSchool, Skyward, and others. This allows organizations to implement Vanco’s payment processing capabilities without disrupting their existing workflows.

Comprehensive Support for Recurring Billing and Subscription Management: Vanco’s platform simplifies the management of recurring billing, making it ideal for membership fees, regular donations, and tuition payments. The system is designed to automate and streamline these processes, ensuring that organizations can focus on their core missions.

Cons:

Monthly Fees Required for Most Plans: While Vanco Payment Solutions offers a range of pricing plans, even the basic “Start” plan has a monthly fee. This can be a drawback for smaller organizations with limited budgets.

Additional Charges for Hardware: Organizations that require in-person payment capabilities, such as kiosks or card readers, will need to pay extra for these devices. This can add to the overall cost, especially for those needing multiple hardware units.

Limited Support for High-Risk Businesses and Specific Industry Niches: Vanco primarily serves low-risk industries like non-profits, education, and faith-based groups. This means it may not be suitable for high-risk businesses or industries outside its primary focus areas.

Potential Issues with Customer Service and Contract Clarity: Some users have pointed out occasional issues with Vanco’s customer service and lack of clarity on contract terms in their reviews. Although not common, it is advised for organizations to thoroughly examine all contract specifics before agreeing to prevent any potential misinterpretations.

Customer Support and User Experience

Vanco Payment Solutions provides multiple customer support channels, including phone, email, and an online contact form. Their support team is available during business hours, and additional tech support is offered after hours. This multi-channel approach ensures that organizations can get help when they need it, whether it’s for technical assistance or account-related queries.

In general, the customer support provided by Vanco has received a variety of reviews. Some customers applaud the company’s helpful and quick support team, while others mention experiencing delays and challenges when trying to resolve problems. Positive feedback typically focuses on the user-friendly nature of Vanco’s platform and the assistance provided by the support team during initial setup or while addressing small problems. However, certain clients have voiced their frustration about delayed response times and unclear communication regarding contract terms and conditions.

Vanco’s user experience is generally well-received, particularly among faith-based organizations and non-profits. Its platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible for users without extensive technical knowledge. The payment system’s integration with third-party software, such as Zoom and ACS Technologies, further enhances its usability for organizations managing various administrative tasks.

However, despite its strong performance in usability, a few concerns have been raised about the clarity of contract terms. Some customers have reported unexpected fees or confusion regarding the service agreement, indicating a need for better transparency. To mitigate these issues, potential customers are encouraged to thoroughly review their contract and clarify any questions with the support team before signing up.

Alternatives to Vanco Payment Solutions

Vanco Payment Solutions offers robust features for non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions, but it’s not the only option available for these sectors. Several competitors provide similar or even enhanced services, making them worthy alternatives to consider.

Comparison with Other Providers:

DonorWerx, a prominent competitor, focuses on churches and religious groups similar to Vanco. Although Vanco and DonorWerx both provide online payment options, text-to-give capabilities, and giving kiosks, DonorWerx stands out with its comprehensive donor engagement strategies. DonorWerx offers coaching and workshops to assist churches in creating successful fundraising plans, providing a comprehensive solution for organizations seeking to boost donor involvement and enhance continuous giving.

Pushpay is another strong competitor, offering a comprehensive set of features that include advanced church management tools. Pushpay’s integration with its Church Management Software (ChMS) allows churches to manage not only donations but also volunteer scheduling, event planning, and member engagement. Additionally, Pushpay’s recurring gift suggestions and donor insights tools help organizations better understand their donor base, something that Vanco lacks. Churches that fully utilize Pushpay’s capabilities have reported increases in both the frequency and size of donations due to these additional features.

Organizations looking for a more streamlined and affordable option can consider Square and Stripe as suitable choices. Both offer pricing transparency, simple setup, and flexible payment options that can be customized for various sectors. Nonetheless, they might not provide the specialized resources or church-specific assistance offered by Vanco and DonorWerx, making them better suited for small enterprises or organizations with simpler requirements.

Key Differentiators:

Pricing: While Vanco offers competitive pricing for non-profits, it has additional costs for text payments and hardware. DonorWerx, on the other hand, focuses more on value-added services like donor training and strategy development.

Support: DonorWerx offers more personalized coaching and strategy services, while Pushpay provides extensive donor insights and reporting tools to help manage donations effectively.

Features: Pushpay integrates its payment processing with a church management system, while Vanco’s features are primarily focused on transaction processing and donation facilitation.

Ultimately, Vanco stands out for its niche focus on faith-based organizations and educational institutions, but alternatives like DonorWerx and Pushpay offer more comprehensive solutions for donor engagement and management​.

Conclusion

Vanco Payment Solutions provides tailored payment services perfect for non-profit organizations, religious groups, and schools. While it is great for being easy to use and transparent, the downsides of extra costs for certain features and limited support for high-risk businesses should be considered. In general, organizations looking for thorough donation solutions and dependable customer support can rely on Vanco.

FAQs

What types of organizations are best suited for Vanco Payment Solutions?

Vanco primarily serves faith-based organizations, non-profits, and educational institutions. It is best suited for those looking to facilitate online donations, event payments, and other community-driven transactions.

What are the main pricing plans offered by Vanco Payment Solutions?

Vanco offers two main plans: the “Start” plan at $10/month with higher transaction rates and the “Sustain” plan at $49/month with slightly lower rates. Both plans include options for additional add-ons, such as text payments and POS equipment.

Does Vanco Payment Solutions have early termination fees or setup costs?

No, Vanco does not charge any early termination fees or setup costs. It offers flexibility with month-to-month contracts that can be canceled with a 30-day notice.