Pre-Authorized Debit
The most efficient and cost-effective way for
you to partner financially.
A Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) is the most efficient and cost-effective way for you to partner financially with an Ethnos missionary or project. To learn more, read the PAD frequently asked questions below.
The Benefits of Automatic Transfers
- Increased safety: No cheque is in the mail and your transfer is secure.
- More efficient: Your missionary can stay focused on ministry because your contributions are regular and reliable.
- More effective: In the time it takes to process a few cheques, your PAD and hundreds of others can be processed, helping free missionaries for other ministries.
- Less expensive: Your PAD contributions cost less in bank fees than contributions by cheque or credit card, so your giving goes farther.
- More for your missionary: If you give by PAD instead of making recurring credit card gifts, more of your gift goes to your missionary. The credit card transaction fee — 2.2% plus $0.30 per transaction — is paid by your missionary unless you choose to add to your gift.
Pre-Authorized Debit Questions
How do I change my PAD giving?
Please contact our Finance Team at 519-369-2622 or finance@ethnos.ca. Please let us know if you change banks, so you can continue your partnership. You can also make changes such as adding a missionary’s ministry or a project, or increasing or decreasing the amount you give.
Can I give quarterly or annually by PAD?
Automatic contributions are available only for monthly gifts. You may choose to have contributions deducted on the 1st or 15th of the month.
When will monthly contributions be deducted from my account?
You may choose to have contributions deducted on the 1st or 15th of the month. They will never be deducted before those dates. They may be deducted a few days later if the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, or if the bank delays in debiting your account.
What if you make a mistake?
Please contact our Finance Team at 519-369-2622 or finance@ethnos.ca and we will promptly correct any error.
How do I find out my financial institution number?
The most reliable way to find out the correct information (transit number and institution number) is to contact your financial institution and ask. You can also log into your bank’s website and find this information there.
How will I keep track of my gifts if you’re deducting them automatically?
You will receive a year-end receipt for tax purposes in February for the previous calendar year.
Why should I choose PAD over recurring credit card gifts?
You should choose the method for giving that best serves you. Many donors choose PAD when they learn that credit card transaction fees — 2.2 percent of each gift plus $0.30— are charged to missionary accounts. (Partners still receive a tax-deductible receipt for the full amount of the gift.)
What if I have other questions?
Our Finance Team will be glad to help you with any other questions you have about Pre-Authorized Debit or the form, or clarifications to any of the information on this page. Please call 519-369-2622 or e-mail finance@ethnos.ca.