En résumé
This descriptor indicates a charitable donation made to The Salvation Army. It could be a one-time digital contribution, a recurring monthly pledge, or a payment processed at one of their physical thrift stores.
Identifying your Salvation Army transaction
A charge from The Salvation Army on your bank statement generally stems from a direct financial contribution to their social services programs. During the holiday season, their iconic Red Kettle campaigns often utilize digital payment terminals, allowing donors to tap their credit cards or smartphones instead of dropping cash. If the charge occurred in November or December, it is highly likely related to this seasonal fundraising effort.
Alternatively, this descriptor is also used when you make a purchase at a Salvation Army Family Store. If the amount corresponds to a recent thrift store shopping trip, the transaction is simply a retail purchase rather than a direct charitable pledge. Reviewing the transaction amount and date can usually clarify whether the charge was a donation or a retail transaction.
- Review your recent activities Consider if you recently shopped at a Salvation Army Family Store or tapped your card at a Red Kettle donation stand.
- Check for recurring patterns Review past statements to see if this is a recurring monthly deduction, which would indicate an ongoing donor pledge rather than a retail purchase.
Can I cancel a recurring Salvation Army donation?
Yes, you can manage or cancel your recurring pledge by contacting The Salvation Army's donor relations department directly.
Why does the charge look like a retail purchase?
If you bought items at a Salvation Army thrift store, the payment processor will often use the same corporate descriptor as their donation portals.
Handling unexpected Salvation Army charges
If you do not recognize the charge and you have not visited a thrift store or made a donation, verify the transaction with other members of your household. Charitable donations and thrift store purchases are common activities that a spouse or family member might make using a shared account.
In the rare instance that the charge is genuinely unauthorized, it could be a sign of card testing. Fraudsters sometimes use small transactions with recognizable charities to verify stolen credit card numbers. If you confirm the charge is fraudulent, contact your bank immediately to secure your account and initiate a dispute.
- Consult authorized users Ask family members if they recently made a donation or shopped at a Salvation Army location.
- Report potential fraud If the charge is completely unauthorized, call your bank's fraud line immediately to secure your account.
Are Salvation Army purchases tax-deductible?
Purchases made at their thrift stores are not tax-deductible. However, direct financial donations and donations of physical goods to the stores are deductible.
Will my bank refund an unauthorized donation?
If you report the transaction as fraud, your bank will investigate and typically issue a chargeback to refund the unauthorized amount.
Répertoire indépendant non affilié à The Salvation Army. Les libellés varient selon les banques.
Sources vérifiées
- Salvation Army Ways to Give https://www.salvationarmyusa.org
- Charity Navigator Salvation Army https://www.charitynavigator.org