Tithing has never been easier thanks to Woori Bank

A staffer uses a signboard to explain a service launched by Woori Bank that helps people transfer money to churches via smartphones. [WOORI BANK]

Woori Bank launched a service to make offerings to churches easier through smartphones, the bank said Thursday.

The service allows the devout to send money without downloading a separate mobile app. A URL or QR code on the webpage of churches or shared through text messages can bring up Woori Bank's transfer service on smartphones.

Many churches have moved their services online due to the coronavirus.

Once a churchgoer subscribes to the service and registers a bank account, he or she can send offerings by simply typing in a six-digit personal identification number, or PIN. With standard bank transfers, it is hard for churches to identify the purpose of money being sent — whether it's a tithe or an offering for a particular purpose such as for an overseas mission. Woori's service makes the distinction easier.

Accounts from all banks can be linked to the service.

For churches, Woori Bank will offer a digital management system for free so they can manage offerings.

The system will also make tax reporting easier too, the bank said. Offerings to churches qualify for tax deductions.

"We developed the service to support religious services in the time of social distancing," an Woori Bank spokesperson said. "We plan to expand the service to include more religious groups as well as social organizations."

The app was released earlier this week. No church is using the service yet.

BY KIM JEE-HEE [kim.jeehee@joongang.co.kr]