Visa announced a pilot program with The Salvation Army and tiptap to make donations contactless at The Salvation Army?s iconic Red Kettles this holiday season. When shoppers hear those familiar bells, they?ll be able to give back by simply tapping their contactless card, phone or watch on the tiptap devices ? the same way they do in stores ? no need to carry cash, scan a QR code, or touch anything. The pilot is rolling out across the East and West Coasts, enabling tap to give? at nearly 2,000 Salvation Army Red Kettle stations in places like Washington, D.C., Southern California, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Visa data shows U.S. penetration of contactless payments has doubled from just over a year ago with 400 million contactless cards now in circulation. It?s clear that enabling people to tap to give? ? quickly, easily and securely ? has the potential to increase donation amounts and provide added support to those in need Visa, The Salvation Army and tiptap are committed to make the process of donating easier, and to providing support during what could be a challenging holiday season for many. 62% of Americans say they have been living paycheck to paycheck since the pandemic began and 63.1 million Americans report that they have had difficulty paying for usual household expenses in the last week. The Salvation Army is the nation?s large private provider of social services, and its Red Kettle campaign is a vital source of holiday giving. In 2020, the campaign generated $120 million in donations that stayed in local communities where the donations were made. This year the organization estimates it will need $175 million ? almost 50% more than raised in 2020 ? to support Americans struggling from ongoing financial challenges. Expanding this traditionally cash-based donation program has the potential to bring an increase in giving ? making every dime, dollar, and tap count.