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 

1. Confirmation emails must be sent after each time a donor's credit card is charged 

2. This includes the first charge when the recurring gift is initially set up 

3. The emails serve as receipts and reminders of the ongoing commitment 

Step 2: Configure confirmation emails for online forms 

1. When setting up your contribution form: 

   1. Look for the checkbox option "Send an additional confirmation receipt when each recurring payment processes" 

   2. Ensure this box is checked (it should be checked by default) 

2. This setting applies to both: 

   1. Existing recurring commitments 

   2. New recurring commitments created through the form 

Step 3: Set up confirmations for manually created commitments 

1. For recurring gifts set up directly in the application: 

   1. Create an automation to send confirmation emails after each charge 

   2. Include a link to a self-service page in these emails 

2. The automation should trigger when a recurring payment processes successfully 

Step 4: Ensure confirmation emails include required information 

Confirm that all emails sent include: 

1. Gift amount 

2. Frequency of the recurring gift 

3. Cancellation instructions or link to self-service page 

4. Any other gift details like designation or tribute information 

What else do you need help with? 

• Understanding Mastercard Requirements for Recurring Billing 
• How do I set up an Automation? 
• How can donors confirm gift details before finalizing? 
• What must be included in confirmation emails?