Payment Methods
How members add cards and bank accounts for online giving, including bank account verification.
Members manage their saved payment methods from the Giving page of the web app or from the mobile app. Card and bank account numbers are stored securely by Stripe, not by Lightpost.
Cards
Members choose Add Payment Method and enter a credit or debit card. Cards can be used right away.
Bank Accounts (ACH)
Choose Add Payment Method, then Add Bank Account.
Enter the account holder's name and select Connect Bank Account (in the mobile app, Open Secure Bank Setup).
Stripe opens a secure window to connect the bank. Lightpost never receives the full account or routing number.
Review the authorization and select Authorize Bank Account.
Verification
Instant — if the member signs in to their bank in the Stripe window, the account is Verified right away.
Micro-deposits — if the member enters the account details manually, the account shows Pending Verification. Stripe sends a small deposit, which usually arrives in 1–2 business days. The member then enters the descriptor code from their bank statement (it usually starts with "SM") or, if asked, the two deposit amounts, and selects Verify.
A bank account must be verified before it can be used to give. Only a limited number of verification attempts are allowed; if they run out, the member should remove the bank account and add it again.
Failed Bank Payments
If a bank payment fails or is later returned by the bank, its transaction is recorded with a $0 amount. Failed payments are left out of member giving totals and year-end contribution statements, and returns appear as separate lines on the Payout Report.
Removing a Payment Method
Members can delete a saved payment method at any time, unless a recurring giving schedule uses it. In that case, they must delete the recurring schedule first.
Admin View
Admins can see a member's saved payment methods and their verification status on the member's profile under the Giving tab.
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