Four steps from purchase to payment
The whole process takes under two minutes. No forms, no spreadsheets, no chasing.
Photograph your receipt
When you buy something on behalf of the church, open the app and take a photo of your receipt. You can also upload a PDF. If the receipt covers multiple items, you can exclude anything that should not be claimed.
Add a description and submit
Add a short note about what you bought and why. The app detects the amount and currency automatically. Confirm the total and submit — your finance administrator is notified immediately.
Get notified of the decision
You will receive a notification when your claim is approved, declined, or returned for changes. If changes are requested, you will see the feedback and can edit and resubmit directly in the app.
Receive your payment
Once approved and paid, you will be notified with the payment method and any proof of payment attached. If payment has not arrived after the expected window, you can raise a query through the app.
Spend limits are guidance, not barriers
Your finance administrator sets a spend limit and a brief description of what you are authorised to spend on. These are there to help you spend responsibly — not to catch you out.
If you are unsure whether something qualifies, submit it with a clear description — your finance administrator can approve it or ask for more information.
Common questions
Do I need to create an account?
You sign in with your mobile number — that is it. No email address, no password to remember. If your finance administrator has already added you to the group, you will be connected automatically when you first sign in.
What if I lose my receipt?
You can upload a PDF or photograph a digital receipt on your phone screen. If you genuinely have no receipt, speak to your finance administrator — they can make a judgment call on a case-by-case basis.
Can I claim in a different currency?
Yes. The app detects your currency based on your locale, but you can adjust it manually if you are claiming for a purchase made abroad or in a different currency.
What happens if my claim is declined?
You will receive a notification with the reason for the decline. If you think it was declined in error, you can raise a query through the app and your finance administrator will be notified.
How long will it take to get paid?
That depends on your church's payment schedule, which your finance administrator sets. When your expense is approved, you will be told the expected payment window. If it passes without payment, you can raise a query through the app.
Can I see the status of my claims?
Yes. The app shows you the current status of every claim you have submitted — pending, approved, changes requested, declined, or paid. You always know exactly where things stand.
Stop being out of pocket.
Download Church Expenses App and start claiming back what you spend in under two minutes. Simple, fast, and built for people who give their time.