Credit Card Processing in CharityAuctions
Credit card and wallet checkout for your auction comes from the payment methods already set up on your connected Stripe account. CharityAuctions does not keep a separate card or wallet menu.
Connect Stripe on the Payments tab. In the left sidebar, under CAMPAIGN, click Campaign Settings. Then open Payments.
Connect Stripe to collect card payments
- Go to your dashboard.
- Click Manage auction on the auction card. That opens Campaign Hub.
- In the left sidebar, under CAMPAIGN, click Campaign Settings.
- Open the Payments tab.
- Find Your Stripe account (direct payments).
- The heading is Collect payments in your own Stripe account.
- Click Connect Stripe.
The helper text is:
Connect your Stripe account to receive bidder payments directly. When connected, 100% of payments go to your account (no platform processing) and refunds are handled from your account.
When that account is connected, bidders pay with the methods it already has. Stripe accounts often have methods such as credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Those are examples of what a Stripe account may already have. They are not a CharityAuctions checklist.
For the full payment-methods path, see What Payment Methods Are Supported?.
How bidder card checkout works
- Invoices after the close. When bidding ends, invoices are created and sent to winning bidders.
- Pay from the invoice link. Bidders open the payment link and complete checkout with a method available on your connected Stripe account.
- Secure processing. Card data is handled by Stripe through secure, tokenized systems. Raw card numbers are not stored on CharityAuctions.
- Where the money goes. When you use Connect Stripe for direct payments, funds go to your Stripe account. If CharityAuctions collected the money instead, you use Payouts. See How Payouts Work in CharityAuctions.
Payment security
Checkout uses Stripe and industry-standard protections:
- PCI-oriented processing through Stripe and compliant providers
- Tokenization so raw card numbers are not stored on CharityAuctions
- HTTPS encryption for data in transit
Processing fees
Standard card processing fees from Stripe apply to bidder payments. Platform fees for CharityAuctions are separate.
For platform plan fees, see What Is the Difference Between the Free Plan and the Organization Paid Plan.
Declines and unpaid invoices
If a bidder's card is declined, they can update their payment method and try again from the invoice link. CharityAuctions can send payment reminders on unpaid invoices.
You can monitor invoice status from the auction dashboard and follow up with anyone still unpaid.
Best practices
- Tell bidders they will get an invoice email with a payment link after the auction ends
- Ask winners to pay promptly from that link
- Confirm Connect Stripe is done before go-live on the Payments tab
- Contact support if you see unexpected declines or payment errors
Need help with payments? See How to Contact CharityAuctions Support. Email support@charityauctions.com.
Frequently asked questions
Does CharityAuctions store card numbers?
No. Card data is processed through Stripe and secure, tokenized payment systems. Raw card numbers are never stored on the CharityAuctions platform.
Are credit card payments secure?
Yes. Checkout uses Stripe and industry-standard security, including encryption and PCI-compliant processing, to protect transaction data.
Do I need to set up a payment processor?
Yes. Connect your Stripe account on the Payments tab. From the dashboard, click Manage auction. In the left sidebar, under CAMPAIGN, click Campaign Settings. Open the Payments tab. Under Your Stripe account (direct payments), click Connect Stripe.
Can bidders use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Often yes, when those methods are already enabled on your connected Stripe account. CharityAuctions does not list wallets in a separate menu. Stripe accounts often have methods such as credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Those are examples from Stripe, not a CharityAuctions checklist.
When are credit cards charged?
Bidders pay their invoices when the auction ends, using the payment link in the invoice. Payments go through your connected Stripe account as they complete checkout.
Related articles
- Can Bidders Pay Right Away?
Yes. Invoices are generated as soon as bidding ends. Bidders receive email and SMS with a payment link and can pay immediately. Most invoices are paid within minutes.
- How do I set up direct deposit?
This is for when CharityAuctions collected the money. From the dashboard, click Manage auction. In the left sidebar, under TOOLS, click Invoices & Payouts. Open the Payouts tab. After you request a payout, the CharityAuctions team reviews it. After approval, usually 24 to 48 hours, they send a Stripe secure link so you can connect ACH banking info.
- How Payouts Work in CharityAuctions
The Payouts tab is only there if CharityAuctions collected the money. There is a 7 to 14 day hold before funds are available to send. Then Request Payout on TOOLS, Invoices & Payouts, then Payouts. After Request Payout, a 24 to 48 hour review, then the Stripe ACH link. If you connected your own Stripe, there is no Payouts tab. Funds are available in 48 to 72 hours.
- How to Issue a Refund to a Bidder
Refunds are processed by CharityAuctions support—not from the admin dashboard. Contact support with auction name, bidder info, invoice number, amount, and reason. Full or partial refunds available.