When do recurring gift email confirmations need to be sent?
Overview
Mastercard requires that organizations send confirmation emails after each recurring gift charge, including the very first charge when the gift is set up.
Step 1: Understand the confirmation email requirement
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Confirmation emails must be sent after each time a donor's credit card is charged
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This includes the first charge when the recurring gift is initially set up
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The emails serve as receipts and reminders of the ongoing commitment
Step 2: Configure confirmation emails for online forms
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When setting up your custom contribution form:
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Look for the checkbox option "Send an additional confirmation receipt when each recurring payment processes"
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Ensure this box is checked (it should be checked by default)
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Note: The "Send an additional confirmation receipt when each recurring payment processes" option is not available in smart contribution forms.
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This setting applies to both:
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Existing recurring commitments
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New recurring commitments created through the form
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Step 3: Set up confirmations for manually created commitments
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For recurring gifts set up directly in the application:
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Create an automation to send confirmation emails after each charge
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Include a link to a self-service page in these emails
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The automation should trigger when a recurring payment processes successfully
Step 4: Ensure confirmation emails include required information
Confirm that all emails sent include:
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Gift amount
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Frequency of the recurring gift
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Cancellation instructions or link to self-service page
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Any other gift details like designation or tribute information
Not quite what you were searching for?
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Navigate back to the Recurring Giving Resource Index.
