Category: News

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Supporting outdated payment methods can be a significant pain point for government service teams.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.

A Dose of Digital: How Modernizing Payments Is Revitalizing Healthcare

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Manual payment systems are hindering healthcare providers’ efficiency and impacting their revenue. Digital payments, meanwhile, are poised to revolutionize the industry, improving cash flow, reducing risk and enhancing patient satisfaction.

What Should Government Agencies Require from Their Electronic Payments Provider?

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Government agencies face both significant challenges and exciting opportunities in payment processing. Traditional methods of handling payments, including in person and by calling the agency, are increasingly considered inefficient by constituents used to myriad online payment options for most private-market transactions. Not only do processing payments through traditional methods cost more—as much as $20 per transaction compared to about 30 cents per digital transaction—they’re also prone to errors.

Processing payments manually is incredibly labor intensive. In fact, nearly four out of 10 respondents to one survey of government agencies reported their staff members spent between 10 and 20 hours per week taking in-person and phone payments. Local governments, which are typically strapped for cash, stand to lose substantial revenue each year by relying on traditional (antiquated) payment systems.

Offering a digital payments experience provides numerous benefits, including faster transaction times, increased accuracy, reduced risk of fraud and enhanced resident accessibility. By integrating modern payment solutions, government agencies can improve their operational efficiency while also fostering better constituent relationships through more convenient and secure payment options.

As we delve into the features government agencies should look for in an electronic payments provider, it’s crucial to understand the significant positive impact these digital solutions can have on both operational costs and overall revenue management. Read on to learn more.

 

Improved Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are paramount for government agencies that want to handle electronic payments. CSG Forte offers robust security measures to ensure that sensitive information is always protected. For example, CSG Forte’s BillPay offers:

  • Level 1 PCI compliance: Earning Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) certification is the highest level of security standard for payment processors, ensuring that all transactions are handled with the utmost care and protection.
  • End-to-end encryption: This technology safeguards data by encrypting it during transmission, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized parties to access or misuse the data.
  • Data tokenization: This process replaces sensitive information with unique tokens, further enhancing the data security.

By choosing CSG Forte, government agencies can confidently process electronic payments, knowing that they are backed by industry-leading security measures and compliance standards.

 

Access to a User-Friendly Interface

Government agencies must be equipped and able to serve a vast range of constituents—from the most technologically-savvy users to individuals who don’t own and barely use a computer. That is why creating an accessible, user-friendly payment interface is essential for government agencies. CSG Forte BillPay offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate platform that enhances the user experience for both residents and government agencies.

The Forte interface is designed to simplify the payment process, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. Residents can easily make payments online, and government employees can efficiently track and manage transactions, reducing the time they spend taking payments over the phone and increasing their time availability for completing more important tasks that require human intervention.

 

Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

One of the key advantages CSG Forte BillPay offers is its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing government platforms. This ensures that agencies can continue to use their current systems while benefiting from the enhanced BillPay features and capabilities.

By reducing manual processes and minimizing errors, BillPay helps streamline operations and improve efficiency. This means government agencies and their employees can focus more on serving their constituents and less on managing payment processes.

 

Customer Service and Support

CSG Forte is committed to providing exceptional customer service and support to government agencies. Their dedicated support teams are available to assist with any issues or questions that may arise, ensuring a smooth and efficient payment processing experience.

Having access to dedicated support teams means that government agencies can rely on expert assistance whenever needed. This support helps to minimize downtime and ensures that any technical issues are resolved promptly.

By choosing CSG Forte, government agencies can benefit from reliable and responsive customer service, enhancing their overall payment processing experience.

 

Get Started Today

While government agencies must take care to wisely spend taxpayer dollars, adopting and onboarding CSG Forte BillPay is a straightforward process. The easily implemented system provides a wealth of resources to assist agencies during the implementation process, ensuring a smooth transition and successful integration.

And even after the payment platform is live, your agency staff doesn’t have to navigate it alone: In addition to CSG Forte’s helpful customer service, we also offer relevant internal resources and guides to help navigate BillPay setup and customization. These resources are designed to provide comprehensive support and address any questions or concerns that may arise during the implementation phase.

One of the most pressing issues that government agencies face is the need to provide constituents with a convenient and efficient way to manage payments and billing information. CSG Forte BillPay addresses this problem by offering a digital portal where constituents can easily access one-time or recurring payment pages. This portal allows users to check amounts, payment dates and manage their payment options with ease. By utilizing this feature, agencies can significantly reduce the administrative burden on their staff and provide a seamless payment experience for the public.

From improved security and compliance to a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with existing systems, CSG Forte BillPay provides a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of modern government agencies. By adopting CSG Forte BillPay to take advantage of these benefits and improve their overall payment processing experience, agencies will be able to streamline their operations, reduce costs and provide a better experience for their constituents.

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

6 Essential Features for a Better IVR Payment System

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Paying bills may never be customers’ favorite activity, but reducing friction points during the bill-paying process can get your invoices paid faster. In fact, Millennials report they are more likely to prioritize paying bills that are easy to pay before taking care of those that are more inconvenient.

Unfortunately, more than half (52%) of consumers report experiencing at least one pain point when paying bills, and 29% encountered multiple issues. Top bill-paying complaints include log-in frustration, authentication issues and a lack of autopay options. By creating convenient payment options for your customers, you improve their overall experience, which can lead to collecting more on-time payments.

One way to conveniently accept payments is with a thoughtfully designed interactive voice response (IVR) payment system. IVR payment systems use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to guide customers through the payment process over the phone. These systems are a convenient, efficient and secure method of taking payments that benefits both customers and merchants. However, poorly designed IVR payment solutions increase customer frustrations instead of reducing them.

So what should you look for in an IVR payment system so you can improve your business and avoid any pitfalls? Read more to learn the 6 key features the best IVR systems have that improve the payment experience for customers.

Benefits of Offering IVR for Payments

Customers expect the payment experience to be quick, convenient and secure. Quality IVR services meet all three of these expectations. Customers may also expect merchants to offer an IVR payment option; according to a 2022 survey of more than 2,100 online bill payers, 26% had paid a bill via an automated phone system within the past year.

The IVR payment process is:

  • Fast: By using an automated IVR payment system, customers don’t have to wait to speak with a live agent. The average IVR payment call takes about three minutes. This can be significantly faster than other payment processing options, such as finding the merchant’s payment portal, logging in and resetting a password after multiple failed login attempts or waiting on hold to speak to an agent to complete a payment.
  • Convenient: IVR payment solutions allow customers to pay their bills 24/7—without an internet connection. Customers are also able to enter their payment reference number (e.g., invoice/account/policy number) so they don’t have to remember a password.
  • Secure: IVR payment platforms securely process transactions and reduce the risk that sensitive payment data is exposed either via unauthorized access to internal systems or through call center agents manually accepting payment details over the phone.
    • When using an IVR system, customers can enter their credit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH) information via their phone keypad instead of reading out the information to a contact center agent. This prevents someone from overhearing the conversation and jotting down the information.
    • Merchants should select an IVR system that complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
  • Affordable: IVR payment systems benefit merchants by increasing efficiency and decreasing labor costs by reducing payment-related calls to contact center agents, which cost around $5 or more per call. While a few dollars per call may not sound like much, it adds up quickly. In contrast, IVR payment calls cost merchants about 50 cents each.

6 Must-Have IVR Payment System Features

IVR payment systems need to provide:

  1. Multiple payment options (credit card and ACH) for full or partial payments
  2. Several ways for customers to connect to the IVR system
    • Call a direct number (printed on statements or included in an email or text notification)
    • Access via the IVR menu (e.g., press 1 to pay your bill)
    • Agent transfers callers to the payment IVR
  3. A variety of menu options after the customer completes payment
    • Make another payment
    • Receive an email/text receipt
    • Speak with an agent
    • Store (or update) payment method(s) for future transactions
  4. An outbound IVR system that
    • Delivers payment reminders
    • Allows customers to schedule a convenient time to receive an automated call to make their payment
  5. The ability to easily make changes to your IVR system based on your business’ needs
  6. Integration with billing and accounting systems, allowing payments to be posted directly to your business in real time

CSG Forte offers an IVR payment system with inbound and outbound options for fast, convenient and secure payment processing. With CSG Forte’s IVR solution, live agent calls have been reduced by up to 70% for payments, on average.

Contact us to learn how CSG Forte can streamline your payment processes and reduce inbound calls to your call center. Get started today.

Power to the People: Digitized Payments Make Payments Safer and Easier

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The first electronic payment debuted way back in 1871 when Western Union used a telegraph network to “wire” money between Boston, New York City and Chicago, and we sure have come a long way since then. And while wire transfers have been commonplace for centuries, what we now call digital payments really began showing their worth with continued spectacular growth over the last several years. They present an ultra-secure, convenient way to make payments anytime, from anywhere. They’re so convenient and secure, in fact, that Forbes refers to them as “the backbone of global commerce.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic first made contactless payments the norm, overall adoption of digital payments has skyrocketed. According to a report by Statista, the total transaction value of digital payments is expected to reach $20.37 trillion by the end of 2025, and should hit $36.75 trillion by 2029. This exponential surge in growth is driven by the increasing demand for seamless and secure payment methods, which cater to consumers’ ever-increasing preference for convenience and safety.

In addition to purely digital transactions, digital payments can also be facilitated through physical means. This includes using a card number or a physical card embedded with a secure element, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip or near-field communication (NFC) technology. These technologies allow for the digital delivery of payment data through a physical medium, blending the tangible and intangible aspects of transactions. This hybrid approach ensures that even in-person payments maintain the same level of security and convenience as their fully digital counterparts, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and scenarios.

What Are Digital Payments?

Consumers are increasingly growing accustomed to all types of digitized experiences. With a few taps on your smartphone, a pizza can arrive within minutes—no phone call, cash or even answering the door, in some cases. This convenience offered through digital experiences also creates an added layer of safety, allowing transactions without any needed human interaction. And as digital experiences have become more ubiquitous, consumers have come to expect them to be available anytime, on any channel—especially when it comes to making payments.

The payments process plays a pivotal role in each customer’s experience. According to  CSG’s 2025 State of the Customer Experience report, personalization was the biggest driver of customer loyalty in 2024. In terms of staying competitive, digital payments are no longer a nice-to-have—they are a must.

Benefits of Digital Payments

There are several benefits for both merchants and customers when it comes to digital and contactless payments.

  1. Convenience: When asked why they wanted contactless options, 2% of respondents cited convenience as their primary reason for using contactless payments. Contactless payments remove the need for signatures.
  2. Enhanced experience: Digital payments offer a more seamless customer experience while cutting operational costs for merchants.
  3. Security: Contactless payments featuring RFID- and NFC-enhanced technologies are secure, especially when paired with an enterprise-grade point-of-sale (POS) terminal with advanced security.

Choose CSG Forte for Digital Payment Solutions

From managing employees to balancing the books to creating an exceptional customer experience, merchants have more than enough to worry about—partnering with a payments provider with the right solution helps.  At CSG Forte, we offer a full suite of solutions to make digitizing payments scalable, secure and convenient.

Our V400C Plus device makes contactless payments easy. The device was designed with merchants and their customers in mind by offering enhanced features like a color touchscreen interface, wi-fi connectivity and thermal printing. This technology allows merchants to smoothly conduct transactions, providing an exceptional customer experience. Alternately, for merchants that require flexibility or portability, the Magtek Dynaflex II Go card reader can help you accept EMV cards and digital wallets while either located at a fixed setting or on the move.

The V400C Plus can be used as a standalone device, be connected to a point-of-sale application or seamlessly integrate with CSG Forte products. Merchants can accept every major credit card, as well as mobile wallet payments, like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Combined with our cloud-based platform Dex, merchants can gain insights into what payments customers prefer and allow them to easily manage the entire transaction lifecycle. Reach out today to learn more about how offering secure and convenient contactless payment payments powered by the right technology can get your company more satisfied customers and increase your revenue.

How Integrating Payments Enhances User Engagement and Drives Revenue: Insights from CSG Forte and Rentec Direct

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Seamless payment integration is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for software companies. By embedding payment capabilities directly into their platforms, businesses can offer a more streamlined and efficient user experience, ultimately driving engagement and revenue.

In a recent podcast featured in Payments Journal, Jessica Tate from CSG Forte chatted with Nathan Miller, president and founder of Rentec Direct, and Don Apgar, director of merchant payments at Javelin Strategy & Research, about the transformative power of integrating payments into software platforms. The podcast, titled “How Integrating Payments Enhances User Engagement, Drives Revenue,” highlighted the numerous benefits of payment integration and why CSG Forte is the ideal partner for software companies looking to enhance their offerings.

Jessica, Nathan and Don shared their insights on how payment integration can revolutionize software platforms and why partnering with a reliable payment processor like CSG Forte is crucial for success.

 

Enhanced User Experience

One of the primary benefits of integrating payments into software platforms is the enhanced user experience. As Jessica explained, “There are a multitude of benefits for software businesses to work with a partner in integrating payments into their business, one of them being the enhanced user experience seamless transactions, where the capabilities are embedded directly into their software and allows users to make payments without leaving the platform a one stop shop improving the user experience.”

By offering multiple payment options—such as Automated Clearing House (ACH), credit card and debit card—software companies can accommodate diverse customer preferences, making it easier for users to complete transactions.

Nathan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and ease of use. “One of the challenges we’ve had is, how do we make this technology and make it easy for someone to make a rent payment, or, better yet, schedule a rent payment online without having to learn a system or learn a payment processing system, and just make it a couple clicks—really, really easy.” By integrating payments, software companies can provide a seamless and intuitive payment experience, reducing friction and enhancing user satisfaction.

“Especially in the software space, when we talk about customer experience, there are really two layers of the customer experience—the merchant … and the end user,” Don said. “And this is pretty typical in the software space. The software provider has a double-pronged challenge: to make it easier for the merchant, who is their direct customer, and also easier for the end user, who is their indirect customer.”

 

Increased Revenue Opportunities

Integrating payments into software platforms also creates new revenue opportunities. Jessica highlighted the potential for revenue sharing models and upselling additional products or services. “Some payment partners offer revenue sharing models while others were billing the merchant directly,” she explained. “Or we can build a partner, and the partner will, in turn, build their merchants. That also comes into upselling and cross selling, whether there are different opportunities offering additional products or services.”

Don reported that Javelin research indicates that more software companies are realizing accepting payments online can be a revenue driver for their business. By working with a reliable payment partner, software companies can unlock new revenue streams and drive growth. Nathan shared how Rentec Direct has experienced significant growth by integrating payments into their platform. Companies like Rentec, which handles all aspects of property management between landlords and tenants, are able to scale rapidly by beginning to accept payments, Nathan explained. “The number one reason [property managers] come to us is to accept online payments. We have more people signing up for the Payment Capabilities than anything else.”

By offering integrated payment capabilities, Rentec Direct has not only attracted new customers but also helped their existing customers grow.

 

Improved Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are critical considerations when integrating payments into software platforms. Jessica Tate emphasized the importance of data encryption and compliance with industry standards. “We also have data encryption, and compliance ensures secure handling of sensitive payment data, and it helps maintain trust with the users as well.” By partnering with a payment processor like CSG Forte, software companies can ensure that their payment solutions adhere to all necessary security and compliance requirements, protecting both their business and their customers.

Don agreed with Jessica that businesses, such as Rentec Direct, benefit from partnering with an existing payments provider, and he says he’s seeing more and more businesses request payments capabilities be included in their software “because it’s such a critical part of the workflow.”

“There’s so much good payments capability in the market today that it very rarely if ever pays for a software company to build its own payments interface,” Don said. “It’s better to find a partner that already has the right connectivity through the right payment links and the right technology.”

Nathan Miller also highlighted the importance of fraud detection and prevention. “It’s really comforting to know that we’ve got our filters and our checks, and then forte has a whole different level of experience with the payment processing, and they’re catching everything that we might miss.” By leveraging the expertise of a trusted payment partner, software companies can enhance their fraud detection capabilities and provide a safer payment experience for their users.

 

Why CSG Forte?

Integrating payments into software platforms is a game-changer for businesses looking to enhance user engagement and drive revenue. By offering a seamless and intuitive payment experience, unlocking new revenue opportunities, and ensuring robust security and compliance, software companies can stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of their customers. CSG Forte, with its comprehensive payment solutions and industry expertise, is the ideal partner for software companies looking to integrate payments into their platforms.

To gain more valuable industry insights from Jessica, Nathan and Don, listen to the segment in its entirety on the PaymentsJournal Podcast. To learn more about how CSG Forte can help your business enhance user engagement and drive revenue through integrated payments, contact us today. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in implementing a seamless and secure payment solution tailored to your needs.

The Future of Digital Payments for Governments

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Digital payments are quickly becoming the norm for nearly all types of consumers. In fact, you would be hard-pressed in today’s world to find a retailer that does not offer at least one form of digital payment. And while government agencies haven’t always kept up with the private sector in adopting the latest technologies, more and more public entities are joining the digital payments revolution.

And it’s no wonder why. Digital payments are widely trusted and have become firmly embedded in customers’ habits. They’re going to continue gaining popularity—nearly half (43%) of all payments in the U.S. and Canada in 2025 will be cashless—and use among all industries is expected to explode in the coming years. In fact, a recent study from Juniper Research determined that the number of unique digital wallet users will exceed 4.4 billion globally in 2025. That’s a nearly 52% increase from 2.6 billion unique users in 2020.

And while digital payments primarily improve the customer experience by providing a convenient and secure way to pay, they also provide the departments and agencies that offer digital payment services the opportunity to convert in-person users to more convenient and inexpensive channels. What’s more, the right digital payments platform can help governments mitigate the risk of fraud and cyberattacks. It’s a win for everyone.

On the other hand, public entities have historically been slower on the uptake. As of 2024, just 4.9% of local governments had implemented online payments. Between concerns with personnel resources, budget, compliance and cybersecurity, governments have historically been skeptical of the value that digital payment options would bring to their constituents.

 

Government Digital Payment Solutions

Fast forward to now, as government leaders become increasingly excited to explore digital payment options. Many cities have begun exploring digital payment options, while others have already gone digital and are even looking for expansion options within their newly adopted platforms. Let’s take a closer look at the roadblocks to adoption and what’s at stake for elected officials and their constituents.

For a while, concerns about credit card fees and integrating digital platforms with existing, older processing infrastructure slowed local and regional governments’ embrace of government digital payment options. But that landscape has changed, and digital payments options will continue to become less cost prohibitive—especially as government entities tally the cost savings they can realize by automating payments and reducing in-office employee hours dedicated to check processing.

In addition to opening opportunities for more payment receipt methods, taking digital payments generates data that government agencies can analyze to help them form a holistic view of all constituent transactions. This data tracking and analytics enables departments to create a more seamless experience for paying constituents. For example, account owners can log in to one portal and see all account balances and schedule payments. They can also opt in to receiving automated text reminders about payment dates.

While governments offering digital payments might promise a seamless experience and a path to modernization, there is one obstacle government agencies need to overcome: the security of personal information.

 

Overcoming Security Issues with the Right Digital Government Payments Platform

Governments collect and store some of the country’s most sensitive data and are visible targets for cybercriminals both domestic and abroad. That’s why protecting sensitive information is easily government agencies’ top priority: ensuring this information is kept safe is a matter of national security. Concerns about cybersecurity and damaging data leaks have made many local and regional governments ultra cautious about adopting digital payment options. But despite these challenges, government agencies must find a secure solution.

Most importantly, they need to pay attention so they:

  • Ensure adherence to compliance measures. Payment Card Industry (PCI) and National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) standards dictate how businesses collect, store, and work with sensitive constituent information. Any digital payment solution will have to check off these boxes.
  • Uphold the public’s trust. Constituent confidence is directly related to the feeling of safety when making digital payment transactions. Attention to security will fortify defenses and help to develop and retain constituent confidence.

To navigate this concern with caution, government entities should partner with a trusted payments provider who can protect constituent data while ensuring seamless digital payment offerings. Fortunately, there are many technologies available to prevent hacks and provide secure payments. Governments should ensure the digital solutions they adopt include cybersecurity protections like end-to-end encryption, multifactor authentication and tokenization.

From there, the digital solutions provider establishes clear lines of communication with constituents to help them understand the measures in place that ensure the security of their data. Not only does this bolster constituent trust, but two-way communication can allow constituents to flag phishing schemes and scams they receive from fraudsters. Scammers that pose as government entities to gather payments are common, unfortunately. With an open line of communication and these security must-haves in mind, governments can act against fraudsters and stop them from doing more damage.

 

Resource Allocation: Digital Payments Payoff

Resource allocation is a significant concern for most government agencies, especially in volatile election years. Adopting cutting-edge technologies that prevent hacks may be an obvious expense for a large e-commerce brand, but government purchasers are under extreme scrutiny and the consideration and purchase processes necessitate a longer and more detailed approval procedure. However, there are clear benefits to adopting digital payments capabilities. In many cases, the technology pays for itself in the long term.

With more digital integrations, like a user-friendly customer portal and automated text messages to remind residents of upcoming payments, constituents are more likely to pay their bills on time. As a result, your department can limit constituent frustration around late fee charges, save resources on resolving complaints and reduce the time it takes to issue late notices.

The COVID-19 pandemic made digital and touchless experiences vital for immunocompromised residents and critical for the health of all. It’s important to note, however, that maintaining traditional payment methods is also crucial to accommodating all demographics and needs. With more tech-savvy consumers and a younger, digitally fluent population, offering the option of digital payments while still accepting more traditional forms of payment helps create a more seamless and positive experience for more people from more walks of life.

Increased digitalization also reduces the need for personnel to manage payments, allowing governments to reallocate staff to more strategic and impactful departments and missions. Government leaders can even reduce manual processes and simplify reporting activities, allowing the department employees to focus their attention and resources on activities that positively impact their communities and improve the constituent experience and bridge a closer and more fluid connection with residents.

All said, elected officials have a real motive to meet this demand from constituents, and the reasons for government entities to hesitate to adopt the latest and greatest in digital payments solutions are quickly vaporizing. The ability to implement and carefully manage these solutions will be important to maintain constituent goodwill, generate revenue, and provide greater accessibility now and into the future.

Are you ready to offer your constituents the payment experience they expect on their channel of choice? Contact one of our experts to take the first steps toward implementing CSG Forte’s multichannel payment solutions to transform your payment processing.

‘Tis the Season for Secure Payments: Protecting Your Business from Holiday Fraud

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With shoppers feeling the pinch of inflation over the last year, the holiday spending outlook is a mix of cheer and bah, humbug. Just more than one-quarter (27%) of consumers plan to spend less this year than last, but slightly more (28%) plan to spend more, according to Boston Consulting Group research.

And a large portion of those consumers will be doing their holiday shopping online. In 2023, global online retail sales reached an estimated $5.8 trillion U.S. dollars globally, and projections show an expected 39% growth rate, with the global totals to exceed $8 trillion by 2027. And despite high inflation in 2024, holiday sales are expected to increase between 2.5% to 3.5% this year, bringing the total to between $979.5 billion and $989 billion, according to National Retail Federation information. E-commerce holiday sales will reach between $289 billion and $294 billion in 2024, according to research by Deloitte, compared to $252 billion in 2023.

While that’s overall good news for businesses, it also means competition for buyers’ attention (and cash) is fiercer than ever. To make sure your business stands out among other companies vying for consumers’ holiday purchases, focus on keeping your company and your customers safe from that ever-present Grinch: holiday fraud. Here are three ways you can keep your customers’ (and therefore your own) holiday merry and bright:

 

1. Hosted Payment Pages Are Your Digital Shield

The global community continues to adopt online payments at breakneck speed—65% of adults reported using a digital wallet at least once a month. And all that money moving around means cybercriminals are eager to find ways in. That’s why safeguarding your customers’ payment data on securely hosted payment pages with a reliable payments provider should be top of your holiday to-do list. By directing your online payments through secure pages, you’re ensuring that sensitive payment data doesn’t linger in your system like a misplaced ornament.

What’s so special about securely hosted payment pages? Both your company and your customers are safe, and transactions are seamless. Customers enter their payment details on a page hosted by the payments provider, keeping the crucial data away from your servers and reducing your PCI (Payment Card Industry) Data Security Standard scope. This ensures a worry-free experience for both you and your customers that leaves would-be fraudsters out in the cold.

 

2. Digital Wallets: Secure, Convenient—and Gaining Popularity

There’s no better gift to offer your customers than secure and convenient digital payment methods. That’s why offering your customers payment options using their preferred digital wallet is guaranteed to put you on their “nice” lists. With enhanced security features, digital wallets provide a seamless, hassle-free and speedy checkout experience.

By offering popular digital wallets at your checkout, you’re not just embracing the holiday spirit—you’re also aligning with what consumers trust. Because digital wallets have such a robust safety record, consumers are trusting their services more and more. In fact, more than half (57%) of respondents to a National Retail Federation survey say they plan to use digital channels for their 2024 holiday purchases, and more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents to a Bain & Company survey said they planned to buy at least half of their holiday purchases online, creating more opportunities for bad actors’ schemes to steal valuable data. That’s because digital wallets safely store payment credentials and employ advanced encryption techniques to keep them protected. It’s a win-win—customers get a seamless payment experience, and you get the peace of mind that their data is protected.

 

3. Use Tokenization to Thwart Fraudsters

While fraudsters will always try and bring a little Grinch to the holidays, you can keep them off your payments platform (and on the “naughty” list) by replacing actual card and ACH payment data with generated randomized tokens. This “tokenization” converts your customers’ sensitive personal information into tokens that have no intrinsic value and provide no value to fraudsters—you can think of it as the equivalent of leaving fake presents under the tree for anyone attempting to snatch them. A reputable payments provider can assist you in implementing this robust layer of security, ensuring that even if a Grinch manages to sneak into your system, they leave empty-handed.

Don’t let the fear of fraud steal your joy this holiday season. By following these three tips—utilizing hosted payment pages, offering secure digital payment methods and embracing tokenization—you can ensure your online business stays secure while shoppers stuff their carts.

CSG Forte is here to protect your payments this holiday season. Contact us to get started today.

How To Choose a Payments Partner for ISVs

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Need to add a payments partner to your existing ecosystem? Or introduce the first one to your platform? There are plenty of options out there. But to keep it easy and keep costs down, you’ll have to find a reliable payments partner for easy integration.

Choosing the right payments partner is an important decision for independent software vendors (ISVs) aiming to improve the user experience and keep customers happy. A strong partnership leads to smoother transactions, fewer risks and greater trust. A weak one may breed confusion and frustration.

When selecting an integrated payments partner, there are many factors ISVs must weigh in their decision-making. We’ll focus on the most critical considerations to prioritize, and we’ll recommend four questions to ask any potential payments partner.

 

What Should ISVs Look for in a Payments Partner?

The payments partner you choose can be the difference between a streamlined integration and a protracted headache. Given the complexities involved, ISVs must carefully consider whether or not a partner aligns with their business needs. From APIs to developer support, ISVs should start by looking for these essential criteria when assessing potential payments partners.

 

Comprehensive Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

One of the most critical aspects ISVs should evaluate is the quality and functionality of the payment partner’s APIs. A well-documented and flexible API means fewer roadblocks during implementation and a better ability to customize the user interface (UI). Presenting an intuitive UI becomes particularly useful in industries like government or healthcare, where there is a broad range of technological savvy amongst users.

ISVs should look for APIs that are fully controlled and fully developed, with the ability to capture information quickly and support the full lifecycle of the merchant journey—from onboarding to processing and refunding to disputing transactions. Having a robust API gives ISVs faster speed to market, freeing you up to focus on your core product.

Equally important is the availability and clarity of developer documentation.

Comprehensive, easy-to-understand documentation is essential for an ISV’s developers to implement and troubleshoot the new payment solution effectively. Detailed guides, code samples and FAQs can accelerate the integration process and minimize errors. When documentation is regularly updated, ISVs are always aware of new features, updates and best practices, keeping payment systems current and efficient.

 

Innovation Roadmap

Payment systems need to keep pace with changes in regulation, security and technology, That’s why you’ll want to know the development and innovation track the provider follows.

Make sure your payment partner’s product roadmap aligns with your industry-specific needs and emerging trends. A partner that demonstrates a clear understanding of your sector and is proactive in addressing future challenges will ensure long-term compatibility and success.

Look for payment providers that have consistently attained their roadmap goals, showcasing their ability to deliver on promises and keep pace with innovation. Strong customer testimonials are also key evidence of their effectiveness in real-world applications. Industry recognition and awards from respected payment research firms, too, can point to their reliability and forward-thinking approach.

 

Dedicated Technical Payment Expertise

Even with excellent APIs and documentation, having access to technical payments experts maximizes the benefits of a new payment solution for ISVs. It also ensures ISVs are adhering to industry standards and best practices, compliance regulations and niche functionality of the processing platform. A payments partner that provides personalized support can help resolve issues faster, minimize wasted time, tailor solutions to your specific needs, and inform you of new releases and their impact on your integration.

ISVs should look for a payments partner that solicits input from their clients and makes its experts accessible, helping them understand best practices for the platform. Dedicated support optimizes integration and reduces downtime, which helps ISVs and their users get the most value from the payments platform.

 

Flexible processing models

Finally, ISVs must consider the flexibility of a potential payment processing model. Can their partner support a quick, easy and hands-free referral partnership? Or equip them to support an embedded payments model that provides a great user experience and financial benefits? Your business needs will evolve over time, and your payments partner should be able to scale with you. Look for partners that offer scalable solutions, transparent pricing, robust partner-level research, and the ability to automate transaction and account management.

Flexibility in processing models ensures that as an ISV’s business grows, their payment solutions remain efficient and cost-effective, supporting expansion without unnecessary—or costly—complications.

 

4 Key Questions ISVs Should Ask When Choosing a Payments Partner

How can ISVs determine whether a payment service provider will check all the boxes?

Here are four essential questions ISVs should ask before signing on the dotted line:

 

1. What does the contractual agreement entail?

When you sign up with a new payments partner, is what you see what you get?

Understanding the complete terms of the contractual agreement is the first question to ask a provider. ISVs should inquire about the length of the contract, any automatic renewals and the flexibility to adjust terms as their business evolves.

 

2. What is the pricing structure?

Likewise, ISVs need to know a potential partner’s pricing and fee structure. What are the commission rates? Are there any additional fees or hidden costs that could impact the overall profitability of the partnership?

Compare the effective revenue share after accounting for all associated fees. This helps ISVs guarantee they are getting a fair deal and accurately predict the costs involved.

 

3. Do ISVs gain visibility into the onboarding process?

Efficient onboarding means faster speed to market and less stress for ISVs. Transparency expedites the process. How much visibility will the payment service provider offer?

ISVs should ask potential partners about the steps involved in onboarding new merchants and how long it typically takes. When an application is pending approval, will you know what’s going on behind the scenes? Or will miscommunication drag out the process, leaving money on the table and frustrating customers?

It’s important to understand how the payment service provider manages these stages to stand up new merchants with minimal delay. If an ISV can stay informed each step of the way, then can intervene when necessary to catch errors early and keep things moving.

 

4. How will ISVs realize their revenue?

ISVs need to understand the functional differences in the transaction processing offered by a payments partner. Ask to model scenarios based on how you intend to use the provider’s platform. Then you can determine how you can fully realize the revenue you expect.

 

Choose a Payments Partner You Can Trust

The payments partner you choose carries serious implications for your long-term business efficiency and growth. Transparency is the foundation of trust: Do you know if the provider will keep you informed every step of the way? When things go wrong, are you right on the front line, or the last to know? ISVs need to have confidence that the provider they choose will be a true partner.

Use an experienced payments partner that is not only easy to integrate with, but also easy to do business with. CSG Forte’s flexible processing models, comprehensive support and transparent pricing give ISVs a reliable partner that can adapt to your future needs.

Contact us to learn how we can help you achieve an easy integration and support your business growth.

Understanding 3 Types of Payment Processing Partners

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“Partners” can mean a lot of things in commerce and software. That’s certainly true of payment processing partners, and for businesses, it can get confusing exactly what a payment partnership is. What’s the difference between an ISO vs. ISV, for example?

Let’s say you want to offer ACH or credit/debit card processing to your customers, but you don’t have a payments solution of your own. You’ll likely need to enter into a partnership with a payment facilitator who does. A payment facilitator, or PayFac, is a vendor that provides the payment processing software and handles other services such as onboarding and underwriting merchants on the payment platform. The type of partnership you have with that provider, however, makes a huge difference in what you control and how it affects your revenue.

We’ll explain three main types of partnerships in payments: integrated partnerships, reseller partnerships and referral programs.

 

What Are Integrated Partnerships?

An integrated partnership is when you plug a payment processing provider’s software directly into the platform you offer merchants. This allows the merchants’ end-users to make payments within the partner’s solution without needing to leave your platform or application. This is the type of partnership we offer independent software vendors (ISVs), with CSG Forte as the embedded payment solution within their platform.

An ISV is a software company that builds a CRM (customer relationship management) platform, usually for a specific industry like property management or medical office management. When the ISV wants to enable their platform to take payments within the application, the ISV often integrates a payments platform. The ISV could select from different types of payment gateways to integrate, or it can hard-code to a payment gateway (like CSG Forte) in an exclusive partner relationship. 

Advantages of Integrated Partnerships

  • Seamless user experience: End-users enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted workflow. How they make payments feels like how they handle other tasks on your platform—they don’t have to shift to a different site, application or channel.
  • Increased revenue: Independent software vendors who offer payments through their platforms have a marked revenue advantage over those that don’t. A PYMNTs.com survey found that 83% of ISVs said they’ll see an increased revenue share from payment acceptance over the next 12 months–a sign that ISVs show a high degree of trust toward the results they can get from partnering with payment providers.
  • Strong merchant retention: When ISVs can offer integrated payments, it bolsters their platform’s value and increases its “stickiness” for vendors.

Not all integrated partnerships are created equal, and ISVs that work with them have clear ideas on what makes them successful. In a survey by the Strawhecker Group (TSG), the three payment processer attributes that ISVs most often cited as important were:

  • Competitive economic split
  • Easy merchant onboarding
  • Quality customer support

 

What Are Reseller Partnerships?

In a reseller partnership, a company (the reseller) buys payment processing services from a payments provider and resells them to its customers. The reseller usually rebrands the services as its own, providing a turnkey solution to its customer base it wouldn’t otherwise offer. The reseller is often referred to as an independent sales organization (ISO).

The ISO model is a common starting point for businesses entering the payments space. These organizations may even begin as a small group of sales reps who join to sell point-of-sale devices for brick-and-mortar stores to use (which may or may not be integrated into a checkout application). 

Advantages of Reseller Partnerships

  • Brand control: The reseller, or ISO, can market the payment services under its own brand, so it maintains direct control over the customer relationship.
  • Revenue generation: ISOs can set their own prices and margins, giving them more control over the potential profits they’d see from offering the payment services.
  • Turnkey solutions: It’s relatively quick to launch these capabilities once the business has selected the provider and then branded the solution.

With reseller partnerships, it’s important to note which aspects your business can control and which it can’t. ISOs are responsible for branding and marketing the payment services, for example. While they benefit from the payment provider’s product support, they have little to no influence over the product itself—its functionality, its user interface and other qualities of the actual payments software.

 

What Are Referral Partnership Programs?

Referral partnership programs involve referring potential customers to a payment processing provider in exchange for a commission or fee. The referring business doesn’t handle the payment processing directly. Instead, it leverages its network to bring new business to the provider.

Advantages of Referral Partnerships

  • Low overhead: Since there’s no need to manage the payment processing infrastructure, the referring partner bypasses the operational costs associated with that.
  • Commissions: Earning referral fees or commissions can be a lucrative revenue stream without the complexities of direct sales.
  • Focus on core business: Referral partners can keep focusing on their primary business while benefiting from additional income.

Entering a referral partnership program with a payments provider can be advantageous when you have a strong network of businesses that need payment solutions, but you don’t want to take on the cost and complexity of offering those solutions yourself.

 

Comparing the Payment Processing Partnerships

Another way to distinguish among partnership models is comparing how they leverage different strengths and fulfill different needs. We can look at three categories: the integration depth of the partner’s software, the revenue potential the partnership provides, and the nature of the relationship the business maintains with the end customer.

Integration Depth

  • Integrated partnerships: High degree of technical integration—embedded within the partner’s software
  • Reseller partnerships: Moderate level of integration—with rebranded services
  • Referral partnerships: Low to no integration—primarily based on lead generation

Revenue Potential

  • Integrated partnerships: High revenue potential through value-added services
  • Reseller partnerships: High revenue potential through markup on resold services
  • Referral partnerships: Moderate revenue potential through referral commissions

Customer Relationship

  • Integrated partnerships: Direct relationship with end-users, maintaining long-term engagement
  • Reseller partnerships: Direct relationship with customers, with control over branding and support
  • Referral partnerships: Indirect relationship, with the primary interaction handled by the payment provider

 

Choosing the Right Payment Processing Partner

Hopefully this clears up the (all too common) ISO vs. ISV confusion of terms. One thing to keep in mind: Businesses often start off with one type of partnership and mature into another one over time. They might begin by referring payment solutions, and then they eventually decide to offer them directly to customers in a white-label reseller model. ISVs might start off by integrating a payment provider’s software, then eventually embark on the journey toward becoming payment facilitators themselves to increase their revenue.

CSG Forte helps organizations of all kinds provide payment solutions in ways that meet their individual goals. Get a trusted vendor in your corner. Become a partner today.