People making payments through companies' retail apps can now make donations at the same time, using a service set up by microdonations organisation Pennies.

Pennies offer a "digital donation box" which they have combined with the Judo Payments platform, which is used by companies to allow people to make playments via apps. When people use these retailers' apps they will not have the option to donate to charity at the same time.

Pennies uses a model which allows donors to round up their payment to make a donation.

Alison Hutchinson, chief executive at Pennies, said: “With more people shopping online and through apps we’re focused on ensuring they too are still offered an easy way to give to charity. By working with Judo we can provide more retailers and merchants with the digital donation box.  Together we can help make a bigger impact on charities and those they help.”

Dennis Jones, chief executive at Judo, said: “As consumers increasingly move to mobile devices for purchasing goods and services, it’s a key channel for Pennies. Our mobile-first approach offers retailers and merchants the opportunity to encourage small but significant acts of generosity without disrupting the customer journey.”

Retailers that use the Judo system include, KFC, coffee shop Harris & Hoole and Levantine kitchen chain Hummus Bros.

Since launching its digital donation box in 2010 Pennies has raised more than £4m for charity through people rounding up their credit or debit card payments to make a donation.