How do I swipe or scan credit cards at my event?

IMPORTANT: Please make sure your mobile device is compatible with the swiper. If your device is not on this list, it will not work in conjunction with the swiper. Click here to view the list.

Haven't ordered a swiper yet? Please review this article.

Once you have your swiper(s), this document will take you through:

  • Setting up your device prior to your event
  • Using your device with the swiper at your event

PLEASE NOTE: The GiveSmart Fundraise mobile app does not inherit any settings, custom fields, or configuration from the GiveSmart form(s) associated with your keyword activity. The mobile app is only intended to collect quick donations at your event. 


Setting up your device before your event

Download the GiveSmart Fundraise App

You can download the GiveSmart Fundraise credit card swiper app on your iOS phone or tablet by going to the Apple App Store.

Example screens using an iPhone 6S Plus.

App Store Badge
Apple Store


Log in to the app using your GiveSmart Fundraise username and password.


Apple Login

TIP: Create dedicated User Login for the Fundraise mobile app. Multiple users (e.g. volunteers) can log in to the app using one set of credentials. 

Select the keyword associated with the event and tap Next.

Selecting the correct keyword ensures that donations will be attributed to the correct campaign for reporting purposes, and appear on the keyword's Fundraising Thermometer. 

PLEASE NOTE: The GiveSmart Fundraise mobile app does not inherit any settings, custom fields, or configuration from the GiveSmart form(s) associated with your keyword activity. The app is only intended to collect quick donations at your event. 

If you haven't attached your swiper yet, it will ask you to do so.

Click Next. Make sure to click OK or Allow so the appropriate device permissions are enabled for the app to function.  

You are now ready to accept donations using the mobile app. 

App Settings

Select the Settings icon in the top left corner to make adjustments to the Suggested Amounts or Processing Fee %. 

Apple Settings Location

Apple Settings


Adjust the Suggested Amounts as needed. 

You can also change the processing fee percentage under Charge Processing Fee.

Apple Change Suggested AmountsApple Charge Processing Fee

PLEASE NOTE: The GiveSmart Fundraise mobile app does not inherit any settings, custom fields, or configuration from the GiveSmart form(s) associated with your keyword activity. The app is only intended to collect quick donations at your event. 


Using the swiper and mobile app at your event

Collecting Donations with the GiveSmart Fundraise App and Swiper

Attach the swiper to your mobile device and open the GiveSmart Fundraise app.

Choose or enter a custom donation amount and click Next.


Apple Enter Amount


Swipe the credit card.

Apple Swiped

Note: If the card doesn't have the donor’s name on the card, e.g. gift card, you can still swipe it or enter the details manually.

Swiper not working? Use Camera Scan instead

If the swiper is connected but not successfully reading the card, you have the additional option to scan the credit card using the device's camera. Select Scan next to the credit card field to allow the device to access the camera. 


Align the card within the brackets until it scans automatically, or, select Enter Manually. 


Apple Card Picture


Enter the donor's Email Address so they can receive a receipt for tax purposes. Click Next. 


Apple Send Receipt


The donor can check the appropriate boxes to opt in to cover the Processing Fee, or make their donation anonymous.


Apple Additional Info

Have the donor sign their name in the box under Sign here. Click Pay Now.


Apple Signature

If the payment goes through, the app will indicate Payment Successful. Select I'm Done to prepare for the next donor.


Apple Complete

PLEASE NOTE: The GiveSmart Fundraise mobile app does not inherit any settings, custom fields, or configuration from the GiveSmart form(s) associated with your keyword activity. The app is only intended to collect quick donations at your event.