So that the inevitable question of "when" is answered: I don't know for certain. I've heard some estimated release dates in internal discussions, but it's not my place to provide them.
scgallafent wrote:So that the inevitable question of "when" is answered: I don't know for certain. I've heard some estimated release dates in internal discussions, but it's not my place to provide them.
Mindreader! [grin]
I suppose we should still steer interested members toward the bank bill pay system at least until . . . nah, I shouldn't go there. hehehe
But thanks for the encouragement that it actually is coming.
I hope they don't get rid of the bill pay method. I can pay a bill much more quickly by clicking Send on a transaction in Quicken than I can logging into a different web site and setting up my transaction there.
mevans wrote:I hope they don't get rid of the bill pay method. I can pay a bill much more quickly by clicking Send on a transaction in Quicken than I can logging into a different web site and setting up my transaction there.
The reason I really hope that Bill Pay is retained is that I can set up recurring payments that require no effort at all. The new system doesn't mention recurring payments, so you have to remember to go into that system each time you want to make a donation. Hopefully the ability to set up recurring donations will be added at some point; until then, I'll stick with Bill Pay (except for Ward Missionary donations, which aren't possible with Bill Pay but will be possible with the upcoming system).
hrhneenerita wrote:any new news about WHEN it will be available to the general church members?
The beta test has been going on for several months now. Although we do not know when the system will become available to the general membership, hopefully it will not be too much longer.
russellhltn wrote:
hrhneenerita wrote:so my question is how to become a beta user
I strongly suspect you have to belong to a ward that is part of the beta.
That is correct. You have to belong to a participating stake.
There are some more details about the tithing system in the comments at a blog called "Reach Upward":
I was involved in the development of this online payment system and since it has been opened to a few stakes, I can provide a few details.
It will most likely be available to everyone sometime this year, if not by the next quarter. The beta test has been extremely successful.
All private info is retained by Zions Bank, which has the resources and compliance structure in place to mitigate identity theft.
Once a user sets up a default bank account, paying tithing is quick and easy. It would take no more than one minute of your time to initiate the payment from beginning to end at any time of the day. The Church records your payment on your record the same way as if the ward clerk had done it himself.
It has been so wonderful to see this system created and go live during the beta test. I sincerely hope that its availability will help members(and non-members alike) increase charitable donations because of how easy it will be to do so.
