Do Girl Scouts Accept Credit Cards This Cookie Season

Girl Scouts have made it easier for customers to buy their famous cookies by accepting credit cards this cookie season. Many councils now accept digital payments, making it convenient for customers to purchase their favorite treats.

In fact, some councils have partnered with mobile payment systems to allow customers to buy cookies with just their smartphones. This is especially helpful for customers who prefer not to carry cash or have trouble using traditional credit card machines.

According to Girl Scout data, the use of digital payments has increased significantly in recent years, making up a substantial portion of cookie sales. This shift towards digital payments is a welcome change for many customers.

Girl Scouts can take credit card payments in person using a mobile device with various options available, including phone/tablet + app, phone/tablet + app + mobile reader, mobile invoicing, contactless reader, payment link, and QR code payment.

Some Girl Scout councils have reported significant increases in cookie sales after adopting mobile credit card swipers. For example, Fresno, CA-based Girl Scouts of Central California South saw an average cookie sale transaction increase from about $20 to nearly $80 for troops using Sage Mobile Payments.

Girl Scouts can also set up free or low-cost online ordering websites so people can order online with their cards. Buyers can pick orders up or get them delivered.

Thirty-two troops in 23 states have embraced mobile credit-card collecting technology from Sage Payment Solutions, allowing them to accept credit card payments at their cookie booths.

To accept credit card payments at a troop's cookie booth, an account needs to be set up with a credit card processing company. Some councils offer reduced or free processing, so it's worth checking with your local council to see if they have an agreement set up.

Here are the different ways Girl Scouts can take credit card payments in person:

By using mobile credit card swipers, Girl Scouts can increase their sales and make it more convenient for customers to buy their cookies.

Girl Scouts can take credit card payments in person using a mobile device, which has helped them quadruple their cookie sales in some cases. They can use a phone or tablet with an app, a mobile reader, or contactless reader to accept credit card payments.

With mobile credit card swipers, Girl Scouts can process credit and debit card payments as they travel to fundraisers and go door-to-door selling cookies. This has increased spontaneous purchases and impulse sales.

Some Girl Scout councils have reported significant increases in cookie sales, such as Fresno, CA-based Girl Scouts of Central California South, which saw an average cookie sale transaction increase from about $20 to nearly $80. Others, like Macedonia, Ohio-based Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, reported a 27% increase in cookie sales.

To accept credit card payments, Girl Scouts need to have an account set up with a credit card processing company, but some councils offer reduced or free processing. For example, my troop uses a free credit card processing account with Square for some cookie booths.

Here are some ways Girl Scouts can take credit card payments in person:

Girl Scouts can take credit card payments in person using a variety of methods, including phone/tablet apps, mobile readers, contactless readers, payment links, and QR code payments.

To process credit and debit card payments, Girl Scouts can use mobile credit card swipers attached to their mobile devices, which enable them to accept credit and debit card payments as they travel to fundraisers and go door-to-door selling cookies.

Some benefits of mobile payments reported by Girl Scouts include the ease and convenience, email receipts, daily reports, and the fact that money goes straight into the troops' bank accounts.

Here are some ways Girl Scouts can accept credit card payments:

If you're looking to take credit cards and mobile payments, Square is the best overall option for Girl Scout troops.

Square is a popular choice because it's fast, easy to use, and offers a seamless customer experience. Many troops have reported increased sales and customer satisfaction since switching to Square.

For troops looking for a budget-friendly option, Venmo For Business is a great choice, offering low fees and easy payment processing.

Venmo For Business allows troops to accept credit and debit card payments, making it easy to sell more cookies in-person and online.

Clover Go is the best option for troops who need to process large quantities of sales, offering a robust payment processing system.

Clover Go is ideal for troops who need to process a high volume of sales, making it a great choice for large-scale cookie sales.

Here are the top three apps for mobile payments, summarized in a table:

Girl Scouts can take credit card payments in person using a mobile device with an app and a mobile reader, or with a contactless reader that accepts tapped payments from contactless credit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches.

You can also set up a payment link or QR code payment to let customers pay online. With many mobile payment apps, customers can scan your QR code and pay using their own devices.

Some councils offer reduced or free credit card processing, so be sure to check with your local council to see if they have an agreement set up with a specific company or bank for credit card processing.

Using a credit card processor involves fees, but it can eliminate sales obstacles and provide better customer service. For example, the Girl Scouts of Central California South reported that average cookie sale transaction increased from about $20 to nearly $80 for troops using Sage Mobile Payments.

Here are some popular outside processor companies:

By using a credit card processor, your troop can take credit cards for free or at a reduced fee, and girls can reach higher reward levels and increase their aptitude for technology.