CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Electronic Transactions Systems, LLC, a processor of electronic payments, announced a new system that lets churches accept donations and offerings electronically.

According to a news release, the system, named "The Offering Machine," is a small-footprint unattended terminal is similar to an ATM but is smaller and does not require cash. Donations and offerings are made using a debit or credit card.

It offers security and convenience to the church-going public and helps cut church operating expenses related to processing cash and check payments, according to the release.

"Up to now, churches have only had the option of receiving donations and offerings through cash or checks," said Jorge Fernandez, a founding member of the company.

With the traditional method, church staff must count, sort and deposit offerings. Banks typically place a hold on checks for up to three days and some checks are not honored because of insufficient funds.

"This means that on a given year, the church is losing float on approximately 150 days worth of interest," Fernandez said. "Besides, the time spent on doing this administrative function is time that could be better spent ministering to the needy."

The system would be beneficial for people who come to church and forget their checkbook or don't bring money for their offering, or are not able to make donations to special offerings the church may have.

A receipt is provided for tax and other purposes when people use the terminal.