Why Are Credit Cards Preferred?
Credit cards are recommended because they make fundraising easier, safer, and more efficient for Scouts, families, and leaders.
Benefits for Leaders
No manual cash counting or trips to the bank.
Reduced risk of errors, counterfeit bills, or missing payments.
Faster and simpler accounting.
Easier and quicker settlement with the Council (often no checks required).
Benefits for Scouts & Families
Higher rewards points compared to cash sales.
Less risk of losing or misplacing cash.
No need to transport large amounts of cash to a leader or treasurer.
Convenient and familiar payment method for customers.
Customer Behavior
Many customers prefer credit cards over cash.
Studies show customers often spend more when using credit cards, which can increase fundraising success.
Streamlined Accounting for Units
Credit card payments help units settle balances faster.
Councils and units benefit from quicker, more accurate payments.
What Credit Card Methods Can Scouts Use?
The Trail’s End App uses Square technology and supports four ways to accept credit card payments:
1) Tap to Pay on Phone
If your phone has NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, you can accept payments with Tap to Pay on your device.
Accept contactless payments directly on your phone.
Works with credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and digital wallets.
Learn more:
2) Manual Card Entry
Enter credit card details directly in the app during checkout.
Learn more: Manual Credit Card Entry.
3) Square Reader (Optional)
Use a Square Reader to swipe, dip, or tap cards.
Bluetooth readers also support contactless payments.
Learn more: Connecting a Bluetooth Square Reader
4) Customer Device Payments
Share a secure checkout link or QR code with the customer.
Customers can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App Pay, or credit card.
Learn more: Customer Device Payments.
✅ For all of the above methods, credit card processing fees are covered by Trail’s End when payments are made through the Trail’s End App.
Do I Need a Square Account to Accept Credit Cards?
No. You do not need a Square account to accept credit cards.
The Trail’s End App handles all credit card processing.
A Square Reader is optional.
You can accept credit cards using:
Tap to Pay
Manual entry
Customer device payments
Square Reader (optional)
Are There Credit Card Processing Fees?
No. There are never any credit card processing fees when using the Trail’s End App, including:
Tap to Pay
Manual card entry
Square Reader
Customer device payments
⚠️ Note: Fees are not covered if you use the Square app or your own Square account.