Written by Half of UK adults now regularly use mobile payments — a clear signal that digital giving habits are accelerating. According to BBC News, 50% of adults in the UK now use mobile payment services like Apple Pay or Google Pay at least once a month, up from 34% in 2023. This shift is reshaping not just how we shop, but how we donate.
At goDonate, our own data shows that:
- 40% of all one-off donations are now made via mobile.
- 61% of monthly donations are made on mobile devices.
- 60% of mobile gifts use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal
goDonate Online Donations Insights Report 2025
This confirms what UK Finance described as a “change in consumer behaviour”: people are leaving home with just their phone, expecting seamless, secure and frictionless experiences — including when they give to charity.
The rise of digital wallets in online donations
The BBC reports a surge in mobile wallet adoption across all age groups. Younger audiences lead the way — with 78% of 16–24-year-olds using mobile payments — but even 19% of over-65s now make regular payments by phone.
This growing comfort with digital wallets translates directly to giving behaviour. goDonate’s data shows that Apple Pay is now the most popular mobile wallet for donations, followed by PayPal, and then Google Pay. These fast, secure payment methods simplify the donor journey and significantly increase conversion rates.
For charities, the takeaway is clear: if you’re not offering digital wallet payments, you’re excluding a growing share of potential donors.
Optimising your donation journey for mobile
Charities using online donation platforms must think “mobile payment first” to maximise giving potential. Common pain points – slow page load, long forms, or unclear CTAs – cause drop-offs and lost income.
How to optimise for mobile giving:
- Keep donation forms short – reduce typing and simplify the process.
- Enable Apple Pay and Google Pay – meet donor expectations for secure, one-tap giving.
- Design mobile-first donation pages – ensure they load quickly and adapt smoothly to any device.
- Use clear, action-led messaging – make calls-to-action obvious and persuasive.
A/B testing from goDonate clients has shown conversion rate improvements of 40% or more when donation forms are simplified for mobile.
Why digital wallet giving builds donor trust
Unlike traditional card forms, mobile wallets offer biometric security — face or fingerprint verification — which boosts donor confidence. It’s this combination of security and simplicity that’s driving the growth of mobile giving across demographics.
Our report found that digital wallets now account for 17% of all regular donations, and donors who use Apple Pay give higher average amounts than those using direct debit or card payments.
The bottom line: act now, optimise for mobile
As BBC News notes, cash use has now fallen below 10% of all payments, and even physical contactless card use is dipping. Charities that rely on outdated donation experiences risk falling behind.
Mobile-first, wallet-friendly donation platforms like goDonate are designed to help charities meet donors where they are — on their phones.
Mobile giving isn’t the future — it’s already here.
Charities that embrace digital wallets and optimise for mobile will raise more, faster, and with less friction.
Want to know how the goDonate online donation platform can help your organisation? Find out more here, or contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Half of UK adults now use Apple Pay or Google Pay monthly, showing a major shift toward fast and secure contactless payments, including for charity donations.
40% of one off and 61% of monthly donations now come from mobile devices, proving donors prefer simple, mobile friendly giving.
Apple Pay leads, followed by PayPal and Google Pay, accounting for 60% of mobile donations.
Without mobile wallet options, charities risk missing donors who expect one tap, phone based giving.
Keep forms short, enable Apple Pay and Google Pay, use clear CTAs, and ensure fast loading, mobile first pages for better conversions.
Yes, they use biometric verification, giving donors more trust and protection than traditional card forms.
Yes, Apple Pay users donate higher average amounts and show stronger repeat giving habits.
With cash use under 10%, mobile first donations are now standard. Charities that adapt will raise more, faster.
goDonate’s mobile optimised platform lets charities accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, improving conversion and donor trust.