President Barack Obama's campaign is taking donations via text message.

Both Obama and rival Mitt Romney as are accepting text contributions as a way to tap small-dollar donors. The Federal Election Commission has given the practice a green light.

To give to Obama, mobile users on most cell carriers can text "GIVE" to 62262 and give up to $50, and the charge will appear on the user's phone bill.

Campaign manager Jim Messina says text donations will help the campaign engage more grassroots supporters "who want to play a role by donating whatever they can afford to the campaign."

Supporters can contribute a maximum of $200 via text per election cycle.