FirstGiving Review

By Phillip ParkerMarch 29, 2026

CPO was created by business owners to help others avoid unethical and expensive merchant account providers. To support the continued operation of this website we sell advertising to ethical... processors who have earned top marks in pricing, support, and business practices. Some of the recommendations found on this website may be paid placements.

FirstGiving Overview

Founded in 2018, FirstGiving is a merchant account provider that facilitates peer-to-peer fundraising, charity auctions, corporate gift matching, and other donations to non-profits and fundraising campaigns. Its proprietary donation software, named Panorama, allows donations to be made online and through mobile devices during events. The software also features registration and event management tools. In addition to its payment processing system, the company offers a multitude of ebooks that provide non-profits with guidance on how to organize fundraising campaigns.

Location and Ownership

FirstGiving is owned by FrontStream Holdings, LLC which is a registered ISO of Elavon, Inc. Georgia, Chase Paymentech Solutions, LLC, First National Bank of Omaha, Omaha, NE, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., Chicago, IL, Deutsche Bank, USA, New York, NY, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, CA. The company is headquartered at 11480 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300, Reston, VA. William C. Wood is the president of FrontStream Holdings.

About The Author

Phillip Parker

CPO Creator & Founder

Since 2009, I have researched over 1,000 merchant services providers and published hundreds of payment education-related articles. This work has received national recognition, and my expertise in payments is regularly sought by large media outlets such as CNN, MSN, and INC Magazine, among dozens of others.

Shortly after graduating from college, I was recruited into a sales role with a credit card processor. Only later did I realize that the so-called "training" centered on selling expensive processing agreements... layered with hidden fees and long-term contracts. In my earliest transactions, I unknowingly steered friends and family into costly arrangements after they trusted my recommendation. When I fully understood the structure of what I had been selling, I resigned immediately and committed myself to exposing those practices. That commitment became the foundation of this website.

As Has Appeared In

About Us

CardPaymentOptions.com

Established 2009

This website was launched in 2009 as a modest blog dedicated to exposing questionable marketing and pricing practices within the credit card processing industry and how they negatively impact small business owners. What began as a side project has since evolved into a widely recognized platform advocating for transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in merchant services.

Our Research Methodology

Pricing & Fees

We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.

Features & Technology

Evaluation of POS systems, e-commerce integrations, mobile capabilities, reporting tools, recurring billing..., and developer resources. When possible, we directly test services and hardware. Otherwise, we rely on client feedback and public information.

You Should Also Read

Here is an illustration depicting the concept of a Merchant Account Discount Fee.

What is a Merchant Account Discount Rate?

A discount rate or fee is a percentage charged by a merchant service provider on each transaction processed through a merchant account. This fee is one of the main sources of revenue for these providers and varies based on factors like transaction type, the card used, and the terms agreed upon with the merchant.

Here is an illustration depicting the concept of the American Express Authorization Fee.

American Express Authorization Fees and Your Business

An American Express Authorization Fee is a specific charge that businesses encounter when they accept American Express credit cards as a payment method. American Express’s Authorization Fee is distinct in that it is generally a fixed cost per transaction, unlike other credit card networks that might include these fees within a broader set of charges.

Here is the abstract illustration of a cardholder using a credit card.

Merchant Account Cardholder Explained

This term refers to a person who owns and uses a credit card or debit card. The cardholder is authorized to use the card for transactions as per the agreement with the card-issuing bank. This could include buying products online, paying for services, withdrawing cash, etc.

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Location and Ownership

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