Category: Education

 How Your Business Can Start Accepting ACH Payments

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Checks get lost. Cards expire. Customers find making in-person and cash payments a pain. Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, also called eCheck payments, offer a smarter, more stable way to move money—one that reduces fees, increases reliability and simplifies the entire payment process. For organizations looking to cut overhead and improve cash flow, it’s quickly becoming the go-to option. That’s especially true in sectors like property management, healthcare and utilities, where recurring payments and high transaction volumes make efficiency non-negotiable. If you’re ready to modernize and improve your overall processing cost, here’s what you need to know to get started.

The ACH network oversees transfers from one financial institution to another. When you accept ACH payments as a business, you allow your customers to transfer funds from their accounts to yours. Leveraging online ACH payments can be a valuable practice for several types of businesses. Read on to learn more.

 

How to Receive ACH Payments

To begin processing ACH payments, follow these simple steps:

 

Step 1: Set Up an ACH Merchant Account

The ACH network oversees electronic transfers from one bank account to another. To process these transactions, you must have an account with the ACH network to identify your business and access customer bank accounts for withdrawals. Typically, you’ll create this account through an e-payment platform.

When you set up your account, you must provide various information to prove your identity as a merchant. This information can include, among other items:

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Federal tax ID
  • Proof of company address
  • Valid ID for company owners

Additionally, you’ll have to provide an estimated processing volume of your electronic fund transfers.

 

Step 2: Request Customer Authorization

After verifying your company through the ACH network, you can request customer authorization, which is essential to receive ACH payments. Authorization requirements exist to protect consumers from unwarranted account withdrawals from businesses. You have a few options to retrieve valid authorization from a customer. You can:

  • Receive verbal agreement over a recorded phone message.
  • Ask your customers to submit an online payment authorization form.
  • Have your customers sign a physical confirmation form.

Online authorization forms should include specific language that clearly states that the consumer assents to the transaction terms. CSG Forte can help simplify the authorization process with an online authorization process on our platform. This allows you to send the authorization form to your customers to complete the process in a few minutes.

 

Step 3: Create the Payment

With your merchant account and customer authorization, you’re ready to set up the payment with your customer. During the authorization process, your customer will provide the following information:

  • Account number
  • Bank Routing number
  • Customer name

You’ll use this information alongside your merchant details to set up the payment. You’ll also set the amount required for transfer. In the case of recurring payments, you will only need authorization and bank account information for your initial transaction.

 

Step 4: Submit Details to ACH Network

Your final step is inputting all information into the ACH system for the transfer to take place. You’ll rely on processing software to handle this last step. When you input the payment information, the ACH network alerts both banks involved in the transfer. From there, the customer’s bank will provide the funds requested by you, the merchant.

 

How Long Does It Take to Receive an eCheck Payment?

ACH payments take about three to five business days to process through the network and appear in your bank account. The process takes a few days because the ACH network needs to verify the transaction. ACH batches only operate during the business week and close at 5 p.m. EST, so consider the payment timing when determining when it should show up in your account.

You can use Same Day ACH payments if you need a faster payment option. In these cases, ACH transactions are sent and received the same day the request is made , considering cutoff times and the time-zone of origination. You can expect these payments to be settled the next business day after submitting them.

 

The Benefits of Accepting ACH and eChecks for Your Business

When you accept eCheck payments, your business and consumers can enjoy the benefits.

Convenience: The initial authorization process for ACH payments can take as little as a few minutes for you and your customers. Once authorization is complete, your customers can send payments to you with the press of a button. These payments’ convenience is undeniable, especially for e-commerce businesses handling all transactions online. By offering convenient digital payment methods, you’ll improve the consumer experience for all types of products and services. While you can enjoy the convenience of eliminating paper checks, your customers can skip writing them out and mailing them to you. Happier customers lead to more business and a positive reputation all around.

Cost: Processing physical checks and counting out cash can be an expensive process with the manual labor involved. Additionally, credit and debit card charges can be on the pricier side. ACH payments typically come with low, flat rates per transaction, allowing your business to offer convenient payments without overextending your financial resources. You can reinvest the money you save on administrative overhead into your business and its growth. The reduced manual labor can also decrease the need for more internal team members, saving money on payroll—even as you grow.

Protection: The ACH network is highly regulated and secure to keep money safe as it transfers from one bank account to another. While many layers of security protect financial data as it moves from institution to institution, there are also clear reasons for disputing charges. Consumers want to know their bank account information is safe during authorization, and your third-party ACH provider should have that covered. With CSG Forte, tokenization replaces sensitive data with a token that is generated randomly and has no intrinsic value. Our end-to-end encryption and compliance with financial regulations provide the trust and data protection you and your consumers are looking for.

Efficiency: Online payments through the ACH network lend themselves to automation. Integrate your payments platform with financial management software to keep track of all money coming in and going out via ACH transfers. With the help of automation, your team can greatly reduce administrative responsibilities. Additionally, eChecks or ACH payments are among the most common payment types used for recurring billing. Consumers can also enjoy the efficiency of money automatically taken from their accounts each month, reducing their payment responsibilities and eliminating late fees.

 

What Types of Businesses Can Use ACH Payment Processing?

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Many small and mid-sized businesses understand the importance of offering convenient payment options for their customers. However, these businesses also have fewer resources than larger enterprises and wonder if they can afford the fees associated with electronic payments processing. ACH payments have relatively low fees compared to credit card processing and far less administrative overhead than processing checks. When you’re looking for convenient payment options at a reasonable price, ACH payments are the way to go.

Integrated Software Vendors

Integrated software vendors (ISVs) provide software as a service (SaaS) that depends on a subscription model. These businesses are ideal for ACH payments because recurring payments are simple to set up.

When ISVs collect payments from several sources in multiple formats, managing finances can be complex. These businesses also often operate with projected income rather than actual income, so staying organized and tracking the money coming in is essential. Online payments with ACH transfers unify payments from clients and make financial tracking easy.

Enterprises

Larger companies often have significant customer bases to match. With payments coming from many different sources, tracking cash flow and reconciling payments can become complex. ACH payments provide the efficiency of automation, allowing enterprises to manage their incoming payment volume.

Government Agencies

Donors, constituents and more send money to government organizations. Whether an organization is municipal, state or federal, accepting payments from multiple sources can be challenging. With ACH transfers, organizations can securely house their payments under a single system while reducing administrative strain on internal teams.

 

How Can CSG Forte Help You?

CSG Forte offers a complete, end-to-end payments solution with Dex. Our platform allows you to seamlessly and securely accept transfers from your customers, empowering your business with payment flexibility and reduced administrative responsibilities. See what CSG Forte can do for you, and get started with us today.

How Much Revenue Is Expired Data Costing Your Business?

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Every time a payment fails due to outdated customer data, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a missed opportunity.

For businesses that rely on recurring revenue, especially those with subscription models, expired credit card information and incorrect details directly impact revenue. Failed payments lead to frustrated customers, wasted resources and a growing administrative headache. Even worse, those missed payments can snowball into increased churn, lost trust and long-term damage to customer relationships. If your business hasn’t adopted a solution to proactively update this information, you’re likely leaving money on the table.

With CSG Forte’s Account Updater, businesses know their payment data is always current—helping eliminate payment failures and maximize revenue. Let’s take a closer look at how expired customer data might be quietly draining your profits, and how automating updates can stop the leak.

 

The Problem: Expired Customer Data Is Costing You More Than You Think

When a customer’s credit card expires, their payment information is no longer valid, which means failed payment attempts are inevitable. This is a frequent issue in businesses that rely on subscriptions, recurring services, or membership fees. According to a 2021 report by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, failed payments cost the global economy around $118 billion. If your business isn’t actively updating payment information, you could be contributing to this massive revenue gap.

The effects of expired customer data go beyond just revenue loss. Failed payment attempts often lead to customer frustration. The more times a payment fails, the more likely customers are to cancel their subscriptions or switch to a competitor. Additionally, businesses are forced to expend valuable resources trying to chase down updated payment details or contacting customers for manual updates. This increases operational costs and takes time away from more strategic tasks.

 

The Solution: CSG Forte’s Account Updater for Seamless Payment Continuity

CSG Forte’s Account Updater solution is a game-changer for businesses dealing with expired or incorrect customer data. By automatically updating payment methods when credit card information changes, Account Updater ensures that payments go through seamlessly. With our solution, you’re automatically notified whenever a customer’s payment data is updated, whether it’s a new expiration date, a change in account number or any other modification.

Take Hall’s Culligan Water, for example. By integrating Forte’s Account Updater to its existing Forte bill payment solution, the company was able to drastically reduce the number of failed transactions, ensuring that their customers’ services continued uninterrupted. The company also saw immediate profits: In one month of using Account Updater, Hall’s Culligan increased its collection rate by 3%, processing $258,000 more in payments than the month before.

This not only helped the company maintain consistent revenue flow, but it also led to improved customer satisfaction. Account Updater completed 4,000 cardholder updates without any Hall’s Culligan employee intervention, locating $193,000 from cards on file that simply needed their expiration date updated. With fewer payment failures and less staff time spent on collections, Hall’s Culligan was able to focus on delivering high-quality service rather than tracking down payment issues.

By using Account Updater, businesses can avoid the need for manual payment updates, ensuring that payments are processed smoothly and efficiently, meaning fewer interruptions, reduced customer friction and a more predictable revenue stream.

 

The Benefits: Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Expired Customer Data

  • Reduced revenue loss: Expired or outdated payment data is one of the leading causes of failed payments, directly impacting your bottom line. Using Forte’s Account Updater ensures that payments go through without interruption, preserving revenue and reducing churn.
  • Improved customer retention: Customers hate dealing with payment failures. Each failed transaction increases the likelihood that customers will cancel their service or switch providers. By automating the update process, Forte’s Account Updater removes this point of friction, creating a better experience for customers and encouraging long-term retention.
  • Operational efficiency: Chasing down customers to get updated payment details takes employee time and resources that could be spent on more important tasks. With Account Updater, the process is automated, freeing up your team to focus on improving customer experience and driving growth instead of resolving payment issues.
  • Better customer experience: A seamless, hassle-free payment process is one of the easiest ways to improve customer satisfaction. When customers don’t have to worry about updating their payment details or dealing with payment failures, they’re more likely to stay engaged with your business. This leads to higher satisfaction, loyalty, and lifetime value.

 

Don’t Let Expired Customer Data Impact Your Bottom Line

Expired customer data is a hidden drain on your business revenue. While it may seem like a minor issue, the impact of missed payments, lost customers and wasted time can add up quickly.

With CSG Forte’s Account Updater solution, businesses can eliminate the risks posed by outdated payment data, ensuring that payments go through smoothly, improving retention and ultimately boosting revenue.

Ready to stop letting expired customer data cost you money? Talk to an expert today and discover how CSG Forte’s Account Updater can help streamline your payment processing, reduce churn and unlock your business’s full revenue potential. Get in touch with one of our payments experts.

5 Reasons Utilities Should Embrace Online Payment Solutions

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In an era where everything from shopping to banking is happening at the speed of a click, the utility industry must keep pace or risk being left behind. For many customers, paying utility bills through traditional methods—like checks or in-person transactions—is becoming as outdated as dial-up internet. But the shift to digital payment systems isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for utilities aiming to stay relevant and serve their customers efficiently.

Online payment solutions offer a streamlined, secure, and convenient way for utilities to process payments while simultaneously improving customer experience. The digital revolution has transformed how people manage their finances, and utilities that fail to adapt to this change may find themselves struggling to meet rising expectations.

According to a 2022 report by the Federal Reserve, nearly 70% of consumers prefer making payments digitally rather than through traditional methods. That’s why now is the time for utilities to make the leap and offer their customers the convenience they expect. Here are five reasons utility providers should make the shift to accepting online payments.

 

1. Enhanced Customer Convenience and Satisfaction

Online payment platforms provide customers with the ability to pay their bills anytime, anywhere and using the method they prefer—whether that’s a mobile app, bank transfer or digital wallet. This 24/7 access makes it easier for consumers to stay on top of their bills and eliminates the need to visit a physical office or send a check by mail. In fact, a recent report by Deloitte found that 52% of U.S. consumers prefer using mobile payment apps for their utility payments, demonstrating a strong preference for digital over traditional payment methods.

Additionally, online payment solutions can be integrated with automated billing reminders, ensuring that customers are notified of due dates and reducing the risk of late payments. This not only keeps payments on track but also helps avoid penalties and service interruptions, which are key contributors to customer satisfaction.

By offering easy-to-use digital payment options, utilities are more likely to foster a positive relationship with their customers, leading to higher retention rates and improved overall satisfaction. Utilities can also take advantage of these platforms to customize user interfaces, providing a more personalized and streamlined experience.

 

2. Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction

Switching to online payment systems significantly enhances operational efficiency for utilities. Traditional methods of payment processing, like handling checks, manually reconciling payments and maintaining in-person payment facilities, are resource-intensive and prone to human error. By adopting digital payments, utilities can reduce these inefficiencies and streamline their processes, freeing up valuable time and resources.

One of the main advantages of online payment solutions is automation. With automated payment processing, utilities can eliminate the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of mistakes and cutting down on administrative workload. This leads to faster payment processing and more accurate records, which can be easily integrated into existing accounting systems for seamless reconciliation. According to a 2024 survey by the Federal Reserve, 74% of consumers prefer digital payments for their convenience, and businesses are following suit by adopting digital methods to reduce time spent on manual tasks.

Additionally, with online payments, utilities can eliminate the need for physical payment locations and costly paper-based billing, further reducing overhead. This shift to digital solutions results in savings that can be reinvested in improving infrastructure, upgrading technology, or enhancing customer service. Utilities that adopt these systems are also better positioned to handle increasing volumes of transactions without requiring additional staff or resources, ensuring scalability as their customer base grows.

For utilities looking to optimize their operations and reduce costs, CSG Forte’s payment solutions offer the efficiency and flexibility needed to stay competitive. Learn more about our approach to payment automation.

 

3. Improved Cash Flow and Revenue Collection

Online payment solutions provide utilities with the tools to enhance cash flow and improve revenue collection. The faster payments are processed, the quicker utilities can access the funds needed to maintain and grow their operations. Digital payment platforms help eliminate the delays typically associated with traditional payment methods, such as mailed checks or in-person payments. With online payments, the transaction process is faster, reducing the time between billing and revenue recognition.

One of the key benefits of digital payments is the ability to offer recurring payment options, such as direct debits or automated credit card payments. These options make it easier for customers to stay current with their utility bills, minimizing the likelihood of missed or late payments. A report from the Federal Reserve shows that nearly seven out of 10 consumers use mobile devices to send or receive payments, and nearly 80% of respondents are interested in leveraging faster payments.

In addition, automated reminders and late-fee notifications can be set up to encourage timely payments, further improving collection rates. These features help utilities avoid service disruptions due to late payments, keeping cash flow steady and predictable. By automating the billing and payment process, utilities can also reduce the cost of collections and administrative efforts, directing resources to more strategic tasks.

For utilities looking to improve cash flow and streamline collections, CSG Forte offers tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with your systems. Learn more about how our payment solutions can help your organization enhance revenue collection.

 

4. Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention

Adopting online payment systems not only improves efficiency but also enhances the security of transactions, which is crucial for utilities handling sensitive customer data. With the rise of cyber threats, ensuring that payment systems are secure is a top priority for any organization. Digital payment platforms are designed with advanced encryption protocols and security features that protect both utility providers and customers from fraud.

One of the significant advantages of online payments is the use of tokenization and encryption technologies. These methods ensure that sensitive payment information, such as credit card numbers or bank details, is securely transmitted and stored. According to a 2022 report by Cybersource, 56% of merchants utilize tokenization to protect customer data and reduce the risk of data breaches, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing payment security.

Moreover, online payment solutions often include built-in fraud detection systems, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and real-time monitoring of transactions. These features help identify suspicious activity and prevent unauthorized access before it can cause harm. By adopting these systems, utilities can maintain compliance with regulatory standards while protecting customer data and preventing costly breaches.

For utilities looking to enhance payment security, CSG Forte’s payment solutions are designed with the highest standards of encryption and fraud prevention. Discover how we can help secure your transactions and protect both your organization and your customers.

 

5. Scalability and Adaptability for Future Growth

As utilities expand their customer base and adapt to changing industry needs, having a scalable and adaptable payment system becomes crucial. Online payment solutions offer the flexibility to grow alongside a utility’s needs, allowing organizations to efficiently manage increasing transaction volumes without needing significant infrastructure changes or additional staff.

One of the key advantages of digital payment systems is their cloud-based nature. These systems are not bound by physical limitations and can easily scale to accommodate growing numbers of users and transactions. According to a 2022 report by Deloitte, 68% of utilities that adopted cloud-based payment systems have experienced greater operational flexibility and scalability, allowing them to serve more customers without sacrificing performance or service quality.

Additionally, online payment platforms are designed to integrate with emerging technologies, such as mobile wallets, as customer preferences evolve. As new payment methods become mainstream, digital platforms can adapt by incorporating these technologies, ensuring that utilities stay ahead of the curve and continue to meet customer expectations.

This adaptability is critical as utilities increasingly serve a diverse range of customers with different payment preferences. Offering multiple payment options—such as one-time payments, subscriptions, and installment plans—ensures that utilities can cater to varying customer needs while maintaining operational efficiency.

By embracing scalable and adaptable online payment systems, utilities can future proof their operations, supporting both current demands and future growth.

 

Why CSG Forte?

Incorporating online payment solutions is not just a way for utilities to keep up with customer expectations—it’s an opportunity to enhance operational efficiency, improve security and build a more sustainable and scalable future. By embracing digital payment methods, utilities can streamline their processes, improve customer satisfaction, and better position themselves for growth in an ever-evolving landscape.

To learn more about how Forte’s payment solutions can help your utility modernize its payment infrastructure and achieve these benefits, explore our resources and case studies tailored to the utility sector. Visit Forte’s Utility Solutions to get started today, download our comprehensive eBook on digital payment solutions for utilities to see how we can help you take the next step toward digital transformation or contact the CSG Forte experts to schedule a demo.

5 Reasons You Should Offer Your Constituents Installment Payment Options

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With online transactions increasingly becoming the norm, governments and municipalities that offer installment payment options to their constituents increase their chances of getting paid on time. One recent survey indicated that 63% of respondents reported making government payments through a website. It’s worth considering updating your system to provide constituents with the financial flexibility they truly want.

Offering flexible payment solutions, such as installment plans, not only facilitates easier financial management for residents but also fosters a more positive relationship between the government and its citizens. For instance, the Internal Revenue Service provides installment agreements that allow taxpayers to pay their taxes over time, helping to avoid penalties and reduce the financial burden on individuals.

Are installment payments right for your agency’s menu of fee and fine collection options? Here are five compelling reasons why installment payments should be a standard offering for your department.

 

1. Make it easier for constituents to decide what they can afford

When unexpected expenses arise, it can be challenging for people to pay large bills all at once. For example, if a resident’s water bill triples due to a malfunction in their home water system, paying the entire amount upfront can be a significant burden. By offering installment payment options, governments can create a more manageable payment experience for their constituents. This approach not only lowers the barrier to entry for municipal services but also strengthens the relationship between the government and its taxpaying residents.

 

2. Cover all service needs with one invoice

At CSG Forte, our goal is to simplify the payment process for both governments and their constituents. We can organize and present a comprehensive billing experience that includes options for utilities, recreational services, fines, fees and other one-time or recurring services. By consolidating all service needs into a single invoice, governments can streamline their billing processes and make it easier for residents to manage their payments.

 

3. Enable standardization for your service teams

Supporting outdated payment methods can be a significant pain point for government service teams. Countless service calls and unhappy constituents can create a stressful and inefficient work environment. By shifting to modern payment options including installment plans, governments can reduce the number of service calls and create a more predictable and aligned approach for their internal teams. This shift not only improves the experience for constituents but also allows government employees to focus on their core responsibilities.

 

4. Align with the industry shift in consumption

Today’s consumers are increasingly accustomed to monthly payment options for a wide range of services and products. Rather than committing to large, upfront expenses, many people prefer the convenience and affordability of spreading payments out over multiple months or years. By offering installment payment options, governments can align with this industry trend and meet the expectations of their constituents.

CSG Forte provides a convenient and easy to implement monthly payment option that can help governments stay in step with modern consumption habits.

 

5. Make it easier to upgrade to new services

Once residents become accustomed to monthly payments for services, it becomes much easier to introduce upgraded solutions near the end of the term. When new, enhanced services are recommended, they are often anticipated and welcomed by constituents because the expense is already part of their monthly budget. This approach not only benefits residents by providing them with improved services but also creates a long-term relationship between the government and its citizens.

CSG Forte is dedicated to helping governments and municipalities implement modern payment solutions that benefit both their constituents and their internal teams. Our comprehensive billing solutions are designed to simplify the payment process, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the overall experience for residents. By partnering with CSG Forte, governments can take advantage of our expertise and technology to offer flexible, convenient, and affordable payment options.

Offering installment payment options is a smart move for governments looking to improve their financial interactions with constituents. By making it easier for residents to manage their payments, covering all service needs with one invoice, enabling standardization for service teams, aligning with industry consumption trends, and facilitating upgrades to new services, governments can create a more positive and efficient payment experience. With the support of CSG Forte, implementing these solutions has never been easier.

Ready to get started? Get in touch today by contacting our team of experts.

Going Digital: Understanding Merchant Services Providers

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Cash has long been king, but its reign is quickly winding down.

Today, customers increasingly prefer electronic or digital payment methods for several reasons: ease of transfer, remote purchase capabilities and security, to name a few.

If your business doesn’t already accept accept credit cards, debit cards and other electronic payments, you’ll want to rethink that strategy before falling further behind—digital transactions accounted for 30% of all point-of-sale (POS) transactions and 50% of all online sales in 2023, and those shares are only expected to increase.

To get your company online, able to accept digital payments, you’ll need to partner with a merchant services provider (MSP). And, especially if you’re new to the online payments world, with all its regulations, compliance requirements and data protection laws, you’ll need to make sure and choose the right payments partner.

 

What Is a Merchant Services Provider?

A merchant services provider is a go-between company that acts as a mediator between your business and credit card companies and/or banks. If your company wants to accept multiple forms of payment beyond cash, it needs to work with a partner that offers secure merchant services.

The goal of most MSPs is to facilitate and secure the payment process for companies and their customers. Along with acting as the intermediary between banks and your company, an MSP may also allow you to connect your online and physical stores’ payment systems, ensure you stay compliant with security regulations and offer customer support.

Depending on your needs, your MSP may provide services such as payment processing, payment gateways, POS devices and merchant accounts.

 

Merchant Account Provider vs. Payment Gateway

Payment gateways and merchant account providers fall under the merchant services provider umbrella. In some cases, an MSP may provide both payment gateway and merchant account services.

Merchant account provider: Your company will need a merchant account to accept credit and debit cards. The merchant account provider holds funds for you while bank authorization occurs. Once the authorization is complete, the money is transferred from the merchant account to your bank account.

A merchant account isn’t the same as a typical bank account. While the money in the account technically belongs to your business (provided the credit or debit card company approves the transaction), you can’t directly access the money and withdraw it as you would funds in your savings or checking account.

Instead, you must rely on the account provider to transfer the money from the merchant account to your business bank account. The merchant account provider subtracts any fees related to the transactions from the balance before transferring the funds to your bank.

You need to have a merchant account before you can accept credit and debit cards. Some merchant account providers also offer payment processing services and products such as card readers, point-of-sale systems and mobile payments.

Payment gateway: This merchant service allows your company to process credit and debit cards, as well as other types of electronic payments. Online shopping, in-store shopping and paying with a credit or debit card in-store wouldn’t be possible without payment gateways.

Payment gateways provide software that transfers data about a transaction between parties. When customers provide their credit card information online, that information travels along the payment gateway to the issuing and acquiring banks. The payment gateway encrypts the card information, protecting it from third-party interception.

 

How Does a Merchant Services Provider Work?

As the go-between for a business and a bank, the merchant services provider facilitates payment transactions. While a lot goes on behind the scenes when a customer makes an electronic payment, the process itself typically lasts just a few seconds. A merchant services provider goes to work once a customer provides payment information:

  1. The MSP sends the payment information to the acquiring bank.
  2. The acquiring bank passes on the payment details to the issuing bank to get authentication and approval.
  3. The issuing bank either approves or denies the payment.
  4. The approval or denial gets sent to the acquiring bank, which sends the information to the MSP.
  5. If the payment is approved, the merchant account receives approval and confirmation of the transaction.
  6. The money is transferred from the customer’s bank account or credit card to the merchant account.

 

Merchant Services Pricing

Several pricing models are available for merchant services. The exact pricing structure can vary based on your agreement with your MSP and based on the volume of your transactions, historical risk and claims in your sector and specifics of your operation.

 

How Quickly Can You Get Started With a Merchant Services Provider?

If you’re ready to work with an MSP, the first step is to gather the information the provider will need to review your company and confirm you’re eligible to receive its service. Providing as much information as possible on your application helps streamline the process, meaning you can start more quickly.

Some of the documents you’ll want to include with your MSP application are:

  • Your business tax ID
  • Your website
  • Your mailing address
  • Your business’s bank account information

 

What Types of Businesses Can CSG Forte Help?

If your business wants to accept more forms of payment, the team at CSG Forte can help. We offer merchant services for small- and medium-sized businesses. We’ll help your company accept electronic payments, including credit and debit cards, in-person payments, online payments and over-the-phone payments. You’ll get peace of mind that your transactions are secure, and your customers’ payment data is safe. If you have any issues with our merchant or payment processing services, our customer service representatives will assist. We help you with troubleshooting issues and provide tools to support you with customer disputes.

 

FAQs

Have questions about working with a merchant services provider? Check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Do I Need a Merchant Services Provider?

If your business wants to accept credit and debit cards or other forms of electronic payments, you’ll need to work with a merchant services provider. While you’ll need an MSP, the type of MSP your business requires can vary depending on the services and the type of payments you want to accept.

What’s the Difference Between a Merchant Services Provider and Merchant Account Provider?

A merchant account provider is a type of merchant services provider. A merchant account provider can give your company access to a merchant account. Some merchant account providers also handle payment processing, but not all do.

What’s the Difference Between a Payment Service Provider and Merchant Account Provider?

A merchant account provider gives your company access to its own merchant account. Payment service providers can also provide access to a merchant account, but the account won’t exclusively belong to your business. Instead, a payment service provider groups businesses together and uses the same merchant account for them. Working with either a payment service provider or merchant account provider allows your company to accept electronic payments, although it typically takes longer to receive an account from a merchant account provider than to be approved by a payment service provider.

How Can I Know My Payment Platform Is Secure?

Security is critical. Customers want to feel confident their payment information is safe from hackers, and companies want to know that the MSPs they work with prioritize security. To ensure payment security, all payment details should be encrypted during transmission and when the system is at rest. Fraud management tools are also important, and the MSP should comply with all industry standards.

How Do I Choose a Merchant Services Provider?

Choosing an MSP can be a straightforward process. You need to assess your organization’s needs and determine which types of payments you wish to accept, then do your research and look for a provider that fits your needs. Also, consider how you want to accept payments, such as online, in person or over the phone. Pay attention to the security measures the provider has put in place, the fee schedule and the amount of customer support the MSP provides. It is useful to look for an MSP that can integrate with your existing systems or provide ample support to help you migrate over.

 

Choose CSG Forte for Merchant Services

Take the steps toward achieving a simpler payment process by choosing CSG Forte as your merchant services provider. Contact us today to start your application or learn more.

 What Are the Economic Impacts of the Federal Government Going All-Digital?

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As the adoption of digital payment methods continues to increase, the long-held phrase “cash is king” isn’t as true as it once was. In fact, consumer usage of cash at point-of-sale (POS) locations in the United States dropped by 13% between 2018 and 2024. And paper checks are also used less frequently: From 2000 to 2015, the number of checks written by U.S. consumers plummeted by 63%, from 19.3 billion to 7.1 billion. As of 2022, U.S. consumers wrote an average of just 15 checks per year.

Today, most checks are written by businesses or the government, according to data from the Atlanta Federal Reserve. And that’s about to change.

On March 25, the President signed an executive order mandating all federal departments and agencies end their use of paper checks for all disbursements and switch to electronic payments by September 30, 2025. This significant move aims to modernize how the government handles money, transitioning from outdated paper-based payments to fast, secure electronic payments. The potential economic benefits of this transition are substantial, with officials promising the transition will reduce costs, enhance efficiency and improve financial management across government operations.

 

Cost Savings

The shift from paper checks to electronic payments is expected to yield considerable cost savings for the federal government. Paper-based payments impose unnecessary costs and delays, and increase the likelihood of fraud, lost payments and theft. Processing payments through traditional methods can cost as much as $20 per transaction, compared to about 30 cents per digital transaction. By eliminating the need for paper checks, the government can significantly reduce administrative overhead and operational expenses. Additionally, automated workflows free up government staff for higher-value tasks, further contributing to cost savings.

In addition to the considerable cost savings, the transition to electronic payments promises significant time savings opportunities for the federal government. By replacing paper-based processes with digital solutions, government operations can be streamlined and modernized, reducing manual handling, minimizing errors and speeding up transaction times—while not directly related to saving money, these changes will provide cost savings over time.

 

Efficiency Gains

Digital payments offer numerous efficiency gains that can transform government operations. Electronic payments streamline processes, reduce manual handling and improve cash flow management. Faster transaction times and increased accuracy are among the key benefits, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing resident accessibility. For example, agencies with automated workflows receive fewer payment-related inquiries. By integrating modern payment solutions, government agencies can improve their operational efficiency while fostering better constituent relationships through more convenient and secure payment options.

To facilitate this significant transition, it is crucial for government agencies to adopt innovative payment solutions that can seamlessly integrate with existing platforms and streamline operations. Implementing such digital payment systems requires robust security measures to protect sensitive information, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with industry standards. By leveraging modern technology, agencies can accelerate the shift to electronic payments, enhance efficiency and provide residents with more secure and convenient services.

 

Easier Management

Switching from paper checks to digital payments brings transformative advantages for managing accounts and reducing fraud and overhead costs. Digital payments simplify account management by automating processes, reducing the need for manual data entry, and enabling real-time tracking of transactions. This shift minimizes errors and enhances accuracy, ensuring that financial records are always up-to-date and easily accessible.

Fraud reduction is another critical benefit of digital payments. Paper checks are susceptible to theft, forgery, and other fraudulent activities. In contrast, electronic payments offer robust security measures such as encryption and authentication protocols that protect sensitive information and mitigate fraud risks. This transition reduces the likelihood of lost payments and unauthorized access to financial data, safeguarding both government funds and constituent information.

 

Let CSG Forte Help Your Agency Go Digital Now

CSG Forte’s modular payment solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of government agencies, ensuring a smooth transition to digital payments. Forte offers robust security measures, including Level 1 PCI compliance and end-to-end encryption, to protect sensitive information during transactions. Their payment processing solutions are fully integrated into platforms like CivicPlus Pay and WasteWORKS, reducing manual processes and errors. Forte’s APIs and responsive design ensure easy integration across departments, accelerating the time to market for new payment solutions. By partnering with Forte, government agencies can leverage their expertise to implement secure, reliable, and efficient digital payment systems tailored to their unique requirements.

The recently issued executive order mandating the switch to electronic payments presents a significant opportunity for the federal government to modernize its payment systems, reduce costs and enhance efficiency. CSG Forte’s payment solutions provide the necessary tools and support to ensure a successful transition, helping government agencies achieve their goals while improving constituent services.

Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for the federal government’s all-digital shift, and check back here soon to get an update from Forte leadership on how the change will affect companies like yours.

What Is ACH Prefunding?

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Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions are booming. In 2024 alone, the ACH network transferred 8.6 billion commercial and government direct deposit payments (totaling $15.8 trillion) for things like payroll, retirement distributions, Social Security and tax refunds. Imagine what would happen if the money wasn’t there to back those payments. Banks, who are ultimately on the hook, would be in hot water.

That’s where ACH prefunding comes in. Prefunding ACH transactions guarantees there’s enough money in the payer’s account before the payments are approved—reducing the credit risk and keeping the system running smoothly.

Keep reading to learn how ACH prefunding works and why it matters for banks, businesses and payees.

 

What Is ACH Prefunding?

ACH transactions refer to the electronic transfer of money between bank accounts. ACH transactions move funds electronically through the ACH network to cover a range of payments, such as direct deposit of paychecks, recurring bill payments and online purchases.

ACH pre-funding is a financial practice used primarily when processing ACH credit payments (when money is “pushed” from one bank account to another through the ACH network). To prefund ACH transactions, the financial institution debits the funds from the originator’s (the party sending the money) account in advance, guaranteeing sufficient funds are available to cover the outgoing payments.

 

How ACH Prefunding Works:

  1. Initiation of ACH credit transaction: A company, agency or individual (the originator) initiates an ACH credit transaction to send funds to another party. This could be for payroll, vendor payments, Social Security payments or other large disbursements. The payer or the payer’s processing partner provides an originating depository financial institution (ODFI) with the payee’s account information, the amount to be sent, a categorization code and a target settlement date.
  2. Funds verification: The ODFI verifies that the originator’s account has enough funds to cover the total amount of the ACH credit transaction.
  3. Prefunding process: Instead of immediately sending the ACH transaction, the ODFI prefunds the transaction. This means:
    1. The ODFI debits the originator’s account for the total amount of the ACH credit transaction—usually one or two days before the effective date of the ACH transaction (when the funds are intended to be available to the recipient).
    2. The funds are then held in the ODFI’s settlement account until the credit file is released by the ODFI.
  4. Settlement: On the effective date, the ACH network processes the transaction, transferring the funds to the receiving depository financial institution (RDFI), which then credits the recipient’s account.

 

What Are the Benefits of ACH Prefunding?

ACH pre-funding is a safety measure that adds a step in the ACH credit process to guarantee the availability of funds by debiting funds from the originator’s account prior to releasing ACH credits.  Prefunding ACH transactions decreases the bank’s credit risk associated with ACH origination by reducing the risk of the originator’s account having insufficient funds at the time of ACH prefunding settlement. If the originator doesn’t have sufficient funds in its bank account on the effective date, the ODFI is responsible for those transactions.

Prefunding ACH transactions offers several other advantages for financial institutions, businesses and recipients:

  • Guaranteed settlement: Funds are verified and secured before processing, eliminating the risk of rejected payments due to insufficient balances.
  • Lower return rates: Prefunding guarantees that the originator (sender) has the necessary liquidity, reducing ACH returns.
  • Faster settlement times: Prefunding ACH transactions supports smooth and timely settlement. Prefunded ACH credits often qualify for same-day or next-day availability of funds.
  • Better cash flow predictability: Businesses can accurately forecast outgoing payments without surprises.
  • Improved vendor and payee trust: Employees, suppliers and contractors get paid on time, strengthening business relationships.

 

What Are the ACH Originator’s Responsibilities?

In the ACH payment process, the originator is the individual, business or entity that initiates the ACH transaction. Originators have several responsibilities within the ACH process, including:

  • Authorizations: Obtain the proper authorizations from the transaction recipient to originate one or more entries to the recipient’s account. Provide authorization to the bank within a specified time, if requested to do so. Retain proper authorizations for at least two years following the termination of the authorization.
  • Security: Protect the recipient’s banking information. Protect sensitive financial data, including employees’ identities and credentials.
  • Account updates: Make necessary changes to the payee’s account information within a specified time frame or prior to the next origination, when notified.
  • Transactions: Send ACH entries on the correct date and cease entries when notified. Notify the recipient regarding changes in transaction amounts or dates. Prefunding ACH transactions minimizes changes in transaction dates.

 

What Happens if Prefunding Fails?

If the originator’s account doesn’t have sufficient funds for the ACH credit payment during prefunding, the bank sends a notification indicating the ACH transaction failed funding attempts. This notification will also indicate a specific date/time by which the originator must fund the account. If funding doesn’t occur before the cutoff, the ACH payment will fail and the originator must reinitiate the payment. If sufficient collected funds are still not available before processing begins on the evening before the file settlement date, the file may not be processed.

 

How to Reduce ACH Fraud Risk

ACH credits are becoming a prime target for business email compromise (BEC), a scam where fraudsters posing as executives or (more commonly) vendors send emails to trick employees into making unauthorized payments. According to the 2025 Association for Financial Professionals’ Payments Fraud and Control Survey Report, 63% of respondents cited BEC as the number one avenue for attempted and actual payments fraud, with ACH credits the second most vulnerable payment target (reported by 50% of respondents, behind wire transfers at 63%).

While ACH prefunding doesn’t prevent fraudulent transactions (it just makes sure the money is available for transfer), originators and financial institutions can take these steps to reduce ACH fraud risk:

  • Perform an internal risk assessment and controls evaluation: What types of controls are in place to combat ACH origination fraud?
  • Strengthen identify verification before sending payments: Know to whom the money is going before sending payments.
  • Implement security measures: It’s imperative that you protect employees’ computers and credentials.
    • Regularly update firewalls and anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-spam protections.
    • Protect and keep confidential all user IDs, passwords and authentication methods.
  • Send alerts: Do this when an employee’s password has been changed, or when an ACH credit transaction has been generated.
  • Monitor accounts online daily: Review the balances and account transactions so you are aware of all ACH transactions, even when they have not yet posted to your account. Early detection of fraud is critical to minimize the damage.
  • Use dual-approval procedures: One bank employee generates the ACH batch and a second employee logs in and approves the batch.

 

Send and Receive ACH Secure, Reliable Payments With CSG Forte

CSG Forte makes it simple to disburse funds and collect payments instantly and reliably via ACH transfer. You can make payments to a supplier, to your employees or as a refund to a consumer just as easily as you accept customer payments.

CSG Forte supports same-day payment options to make ACH transfers even more convenient. Our payment platform protects financial data and provides payment confirmation, offering account status validation and account ownership solution, as well. These features reassure users that payments reached the right recipient.

With CSG Forte, it’s easy to accept—and make—digital payments. Ready to get started?  Contact us today.

Real-Time Payments: How Can Your Businesses Use Them?

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Although traditional payment options are still around, consumers and businesses want improved payment methods to send and receive money faster. Real-time payments are a popular solution that have been available to consumers for nearly a decade, offering payments that are transferred and settled almost instantly. Since the real-time payment network is expected to grow domestically and internationally, businesses must understand what it is and how to leverage it to improve operations. Explore our guide for everything you need to know about real-time payments.

 

What Are Real-Time Payments?

A real-time payment is a near-instantaneous payment between two parties. Its name comes from the fact that initiating, clearing and settling a payment occurs in real time, taking only a matter of seconds to complete.

All real-time payments follow International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 20022, a global financial messaging and payment systems standard. Its consistent, data-rich messaging format allows real-time payments to process quickly, which reduces errors, prevents processing delays and enhances security.

Real-time transfers operate on an open-loop system, meaning payments are withdrawn from the payer’s account directly instead of relying on a prepaid balance.

The real-time payments rail is the network that makes these payments possible. The network processes orders all day, every day, year-round, so you can send and receive real-time payments at any time.

 

Faster Payments vs. Real-Time Payments

Though faster and real-time payments seem similar, these terms are distinct with key differences. Real-time payments are a form of faster payments, but not all faster payments are real-time payments.

Faster payment solutions are options that use an accelerated payment rail to post payments quicker than traditional payment rails but are not instantaneous. They are faster because they message transactions quickly but do not settle them in real time.

Examples of faster payments include:

  • Same-day ACH payments by the National Automated Clearing House Association (Nacha)
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like PayPal, Venmo and Zelle
  • Debit push payments like those by Mastercard and Visa

Real-time payments are posted and settled in real time, so the payee can receive money almost instantly. Examples of real-time payments include the RTP network and FedNow.

 

Benefits of a Real-Time Transfer

Real-time payments offer several advantages, including:

  • Almost instantaneous credit: Real-time payments are one of the fastest options available, with payments received and settled almost instantly. The real-time payment network is also available outside standard business hours and on weekends and holidays. People and businesses can send payments anytime and receive money right away without waiting for the money to be credited to the account.
  • Better liquidity management: For businesses, near-instant payments support their cash flow. Instead of funds locked in processing between accounts, funds are credited to the receiving account immediately. This factor is especially beneficial for small businesses with a smaller cash flow.
  • Cost savings: Real-time transfers save businesses money because this method is more cost-effective than traditional payment options. Printing and mailing a paper check takes more time and risks printing errors that delay payment. Transactions that fail to post and need to be fixed manually can become costly. The real-time transfer network eliminates these drawbacks.
  • Improved communication: With traditional payment methods, communication flows in one direction—from payer to payee—and any further communication about the payment has to happen outside the platform. As a result, issues with the payment can take longer to resolve. Real-time transfers allow both payer and payee to communicate, and quick payments improve payment efficiency.
  • Irrefutable payments: Real-time payments are irrefutable or irrevocable. Once the payer sends money, they cannot take it back or reclaim it. This factor is important in business because they can send and receive payments on delivery of a product or service. Instant payments also make it more difficult for parties in a contract to go back on the agreed terms.

 

Merchants Using Real-Time Payments

In the business-to-business (B2B) market, banks, merchants and companies across industries recognize these benefits of real-time transfers. Customer demand for real-time payments has increased, and governments around the world support this payment solution. As a result, more and more businesses are using this network for their payments.

In 2024, the U.S. real-time payments market saw significant growth, with the RTP network experiencing a surge in both volume and value. Specifically, the RTP network logged 343 million transactions valued at $246 billion. The Federal Reserve’s FedNow Service also contributed to this growth, with 1.5 million settled payments in 2024, according to American Banker.

The retail and e-commerce industry accounted for 30% of global revenue from real-time payments in 2024, the biggest share of any market. The desire for quick payment settlements from merchants and the growth of mobile-based shopping have contributed to this growth. Banking, financial services and insurance will likely increase their share in the coming years as they work to adopt real-time transfer options for their customers.

 

How Businesses Use the Real-Time Network

As real-time payment adoption has increased, businesses have found ways to take advantage of the network for B2B transactions. P2P payment apps are integrated with the real-time payment network to make transfers nearly instantaneous. Companies can use this network on P2P apps to make B2B payments, which is easier and quicker than manual processes.

Companies can also use real-time payments for B2B uses like:

  • Confirming payments
  • Adjusting the timing of payments
  • Managing liquid funds
  • Paying bills
  • Reviewing payment data

 

The Future of Real-Time Payments

Given that real-time payments are increasingly adopted by businesses and expected by consumers, this payment method will continue to improve and become the norm for digital payments. In the U.S., the RTP network—and FedNow soon—will encourage developments in real-time payments and support more users and transactions.

As more companies and people use the real-time payment network, security will become increasingly important. Financial technology is a popular target for hackers, but appropriate safeguards can keep payments secure. Fraud detection software like behavioral analytics and machine learning identify fraudulent transactions. Some governments have mandated or are considering legislation for real-time payment security.

As the use of real-time payments becomes more popular, traditional payment methods like paper checks have decreased. Checks are common in B2B transactions, but their processing costs and timeline are prompting more companies to consider electronic payments. In consumer transactions, the use of paper checks has been diminishing for decades.

 

Choose the Real-Time Payments Platform From CSG Forte

Manage your company’s payments with CSG Forte’s cloud-based payments platform. You can unify all your company’s transactions onto one platform and use APIs to integrate its functionalities with your platforms. As a result, you can manage your entire transaction life cycle with:

  • Simplified payment operations by managing transactions and disputes
  • Informed customer insights backed by data
  • Enhanced reporting and analytics
  • Reduced payment platforms and logins

With Forte, you’ll have more time to spend on your business because our platform will monitor and manage your payment data for you. See how our platform works by scheduling a demo with our team. Sign up today for your payment platform solution.

Debunking ACH Payment Myths: What You Should Know

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What’s the most valuable non-cash payment channel in the United States? Most people would say credit cards—and most people would be wrong. It turns out  Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments are the most valuable non-cash payment channel. Even though more credit and debit card than ACH payments are transacted each year, ACH payments are worth much more on average.

While debit cards account for 81% of non-cash payments, ACH payments totaled $86.2 trillion in 2024. So, why don’t ACH payments get the (ahem) credit they deserve? Despite existing for half a century, there are still some persistent ACH myths. These include ACH payments taking too long or being too hard to set up.

Here, we’ll explore three popular misconceptions about ACH and explain both why they persist and the truth about ACH processing.

Let’s dig into each of these myths in more detail.

 

ACH Myth 1: ACH Payments Aren’t Viable for One-Time Payments

Consumers don’t know what ACH is, but they know how it affects their lives. It’s often how they receive their paychecks (via direct deposit) or how they make recurring utilities or government payments.

Businesses are much more familiar with ACH payments, which can be made over credit or debit. But what they may not be aware of is how to use ACH for one-time payments—and how it can save them money. Given that bank account information is saved and high fees can add up over repeated transactions, the appeal of ACH for recurring payments is clear.

Consider large transactions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. No one wants to pay a 2.5% processing fee when that amount climbs to five figures. If businesses choose to use ACH processing on the backend, that means lower fees for the end customer.

Whether for real estate purchases, medical billing, bulk supply orders, or other large purchases, the fee difference between ACH and other types of payment processing can be sufficient reason even if it is only once.

Myth: Busted

ACH payments are viable for both recurring and one-time payments, especially when dealing with large transactions.

 

ACH Myth 2: Customers Don’t Want to Connect to Their Bank Accounts

You may have heard that most consumers are unwilling to enter bank account information and prefer to provide their credit card. This may be true for some, but given the growing adoption of digital wallets, making payments online can be much less work than writing a paper check. Instead of having to track and write out specific information each time, customers can choose a saved account to make a payment from.

While storing bank data can be a concern, more of your customers have their bank account information available than ever before. From a payee perspective, this simply looks like an automatic withdrawal from their account. When you choose to use ACH for your payment processing, you can benefit from the cost benefit of ACH processing without causing extra hassle for your customers. But convenience isn’t the only factor at play.

Even though consumers have become accustomed to processing and convenience fees, everyone likes saving money. When using ACH to power your payments, you can make transactions more profitable without passing the hidden fees associated with credit card payments onto them.

According to Jeff Kump, Head of Payments at CSG Forte, “We’ve heard from a number of clients that customers were happy to link their bank accounts, especially when it let them save money on fees for big purchases.”

Myth: Busted

Customers are happy to connect their bank accounts for ACH payments, even when the benefits are hidden in the backend.

 

ACH Myth 3: ACH Payments Always Take Between Three and Five Days to Process

ACH payments have a reputation for taking several days to process. Depending on the vendor, that can sometimes be the case, but it doesn’t have to be.

While many ACH processors do offer overnight and multi-day ACH processing, they can also process payments on the day they were made. According to Nacha, the organization that oversees all ACH payments, there were more than 1.2 billion same-day ACH transactions processed in 2024.

To account for the growing volumes and values, Nacha in 2022 increased the same-day ACH payment limit to $1 million. It seems likely that this trend will continue as the security and ease of same-day ACH payments are proven time and again.

Despite the convenience, only one vendor (CSG Forte) offers in-house same-day ACH capabilities. This isn’t to say that no other vendor offers same-day ACH capabilities, but only CSG Forte builds, maintains, and delivers this capability within the same organization.

Myth: Busted

While some ACH payments can still take several days, including those over $1 million or processed by certain vendors, it is possible to process ACH payments on the same day.

 

Confirmed: The Truth About ACH

ACH is a topic that can still be confusing, even for payments experts. We hope that this blog has cleared up a few of the most common myths about ACH payments. To recap:

ACH is great for one-time and recurring payments alike.

Customers have a low-effort way to connect their bank accounts for ACH payments.

With the right vendor, ACH payments of up to $1 million can be transacted on the same day.

At CSG Forte, we believe the payments experience can be simpler and more secure. Do you want to learn more about ACH and how it can help organizations like yours? Collect ACH payments cost-efficiently with CSG Forte.

Understanding Electronic Bill Payments: A Comprehensive Guide for Governments

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Government entities are entrusted with the responsibility of managing taxpayer money wisely, so any investment in new technology must demonstrate a clear value proposition. Electronic bill payments offer a modern solution that can streamline operations, enhance efficiency and save money. By adopting digital payment methods, governments can improve the way they collect revenue, reduce manual handling and paperwork and provide a convenient and accessible way for residents and businesses to pay their bills.

But many government entities and departments remain largely reliant on outdated payment methods, such as mailing and processing paper checks, accepting in-person payments and conducting phone transactions—all of which are inefficient and inconvenient. And while up-front investments in expensive tools, like an online payments platform, must be carefully considered, keeping the status quo could be even more costly: According to recent data, government employees spend 10 to 20 hours per week fielding payment-related calls—that’s valuable employee time that could be spent on more complex, meaningful tasks.

Not only that, but without a robust digital payment infrastructure, governments risk missing out on collecting revenue altogether, or may experience collection delays. So, while the up-front investment in a digital payments platform can seem hefty, adopting electronic bill payments streamlines the way government agencies operate, making the process smoother and more efficient for constituents and employees while also saving money.

 

What Are Electronic Bill Payments?

Electronic bill payments involve transferring funds or exchanging money through digital channels, eliminating the need for physical methods like cash or checks. These transactions are facilitated by electronic systems that require collaboration between banks, financial institutions, payment processors and digital platforms.

Completing an electronic bill payment transaction typically involves several steps. After receiving the bill, the customer initiates the payment by providing the necessary payment information, such as bank account details, credit card number or digital wallet credentials. The payment gateway then verifies these details, checking for available funds and other authorization factors. Once the payment is authorized, the payment processor orchestrates the transfer of funds between the payer’s and payee’s accounts. Finally, both the payer and the payee receive a notification or receipt confirming the successful completion of the transaction.

Electronic bill payments offer numerous advantages over traditional payment methods. They are faster, more secure and cost-effective, making them an attractive option for both consumers and businesses. For government agencies, adopting electronic bill payments can lead to increased efficiency in processing payments, reduced manual handling and paperwork and improved cash flow management, plus ease of reconciliation and auditing, which improves visibility and makes transparency much easier to achieve. Additionally, electronic bill payments provide a convenient and accessible way for residents and businesses to pay their bills, which can help reduce late payments and improve overall satisfaction with government services.

By leveraging digital channels and secure systems, electronic payments streamline collections and offer a convenient alternative to traditional payment methods. As we move forward, it’s essential for government agencies to embrace these technologies to enhance their operations and better serve their constituents, who are largely accustomed to paying online—and want to be able to do more of it, In fact, 93% of consumers believe “all governments, including municipal governments,” should offer a digital payment option for constituents, according to data from PayPal/Logica Research.

 

Why Electronic Bill Payments Are Essential for Governments

  • Increased efficiency in processing payments: Electronic bill payments streamline the payment process, reducing the need for manual handling and paperwork. This leads to faster processing times and fewer errors, allowing government agencies to allocate resources more effectively and focus on other critical tasks.
  • Convenience for residents and businesses: Electronic bill payments provide a convenient and accessible way for residents and businesses to pay their bills. They can make payments anytime and anywhere, using various digital channels such as online portals, mobile-friendly pages and automated phone systems. This flexibility helps reduce late payments and improves overall satisfaction with government services.
  • Improved cash flow management for government authorities: By adopting electronic bill payments, government authorities can benefit from faster payment processing and more predictable cash flow. This enables better financial planning and management, ensuring that funds are available when needed for essential services and projects.

 

Introducing CSG Forte BillPay

With decades of experience in the industry, CSG Forte knows payments. Our comprehensive BillPay platform is designed to streamline and enhance the payment process, focusing on efficiency, security and user experience.

CSG Forte BillPay offers a range of features that can be configured to cater to each customer’s unique needs and is scalable as your company grows. Here are some of the standout features that make CSG Forte BillPay a game-changer for government payment systems.

  • Flexible payment options: CSG Forte BillPay supports a variety of payment methods, including online, in-person, over the phone, text-to-pay and via digital wallets. This flexibility ensures that constituents can choose the payment method that best suits their needs, leading to higher satisfaction and on-time payments.
  • Recurring payments: Our platform allows for easy scheduling and maintenance of recurring payments. This feature is particularly beneficial for offices that handle regular payments, such as taxes, utility bills and licensing fees. By automating these payments, agencies can reduce administrative burdens and improve cash flow.
  • Bill presentment: CSG Forte BillPay offers digital invoice access and a guest checkout option, making it easy for constituents to view and pay their bills online. The platform supports custom file formats and easy user interface (UI) customization, ensuring that the bill presentment process aligns with the agency’s branding and operational needs.
  • Fast and flexible integration: The platform is designed for quick and seamless integration with existing systems. With support for custom file formats and easy UI customization, government agencies can implement CSG Forte BillPay without significant disruptions to their current operations.
  • Enhanced security and compliance: BillPay prioritizes security and compliance, offering features such as account ownership verification, fraud prevention tools and secure point-of-sale (POS) devices. These measures help protect sensitive information and ensure that government agencies remain compliant with industry standards and regulations.
  • Centralized payments hub: The platform provides a centralized hub for managing all payment operations, including reconciliation, reporting and chargeback management. This centralization simplifies administrative tasks and reduces the risk of errors, allowing government agencies to focus on their core responsibilities.

CSG Forte’s comprehensive payment solutions extend beyond just streamlining bill payments. Our decades of experience in processing millions of transactions and managing billions of dollars in payments allows our team to offer reliable and scalable solutions for government agencies, ensuring adaptability to changing needs while maintaining cost efficiency. Here are some of Forte’s key features:

  • Seamless integration with government platforms: Easily manage payments collected through CSG Forte’s flagship programs. The integration capabilities reduce manual processes and errors, providing a seamless experience for both the agency and the residents.
  • Comprehensive payment solutions: Accept Automatic Clearing Housing (ACH) payments, debit and credit cards, digital wallet payments and in-person cards through our point-of-sale (POS) devices. This flexibility allows government agencies to offer constituents multiple convenient payment options, enhancing overall efficiency and satisfaction.
  • Proven reliability and scalability: We process more than 214 million transactions annually and manage $98 billion-plus in payments for more than 130,000 merchants across various industries, including government. This experience and capacity allow CSG Forte to scale alongside government agencies, adapting to their changing needs while reducing complexity and cutting costs.

 

How Forte Delivers for the City of Kinston

CSG Forte’s partnership with the city of Kinston, North Carolina, has produced amazing results for the municipality. City leadership wanted to offer residents electronic payment options for utility bills, civil service fees, recreational activities and other city services. After integrating electronic payment processing options, Kinston saw 41% year-over-year growth in the number of transactions processed. The city also received positive feedback from residents who appreciated the ease of making payments through the online portal.

How did Forte produce such dramatic results? Our development team created programming to bridge the gap between Kinston’s enterprise resource planning system and its payment interface. CSG Forte’s Secure Web Pay (SWP) Checkout tool now redirects payers from the city’s website to a secure third-party webpage to complete their transactions, allowing the city to begin accepting online card and eCheck payments without spending money or committing technical resources to developing their own webpage to process payments.

CSG Forte also launched an online and interactive voice response (IVR) utilities billing solution for Kinston using a convenience fee model and provided comprehensive technical support following implementation. By processing more payments electronically, Kinston staff now handle less cash and fewer checks, reducing bank fees and saving time.

As you can see, adopting electronic bill payments is a game-changer for government agencies. By streamlining the payment process, governments can boost efficiency, cut down on manual handling and paperwork and improve cash flow management. This not only saves valuable employee time but also makes life easier for constituents who expect to be able to pay their bills conveniently and securely through their preferred digital channels. And while the upfront investment in a digital payments platform might seem significant, the long-term savings and improved operational efficiency make it a smart move.

To learn more about how CSG Forte BillPay can help your government agency transition to electronic bill payments, download our government-specific eBook or sign up for a demo to learn more about CSG Forte’s comprehensive features designed to cater to your unique needs.