Enhancing Court Payments by Simplifying Them

Posted on May 21, 2025

County and municipal court systems across the United States are increasingly adopting digital payment solutions to streamline processes and improve revenue collection. Traditionally, the process of paying fines, court fees and tickets has been cumbersome, often involving long lines, complex web portals and inefficient communication methods. This is often due to resource constraints and shrinking budgets, which impede payment modernization efforts. These payment obstacles can lead to missed payments, which, in turn, contribute to additional costs and administrative burdens. By adopting user-friendly solutions such as text-to-pay systems, court systems can simplify the payment process, ensuring timely payments and better service for all residents.

But how can implementing text-to-pay systems transform payment collection processes for municipalities? Read on to learn how by enhancing accessibility and improving financial efficiency, your department can also save employees time and save taxpayers money.

The Challenge: Inefficiencies in Traditional Payment Systems

Many municipalities and counties rely heavily on fines and fees from court systems as a significant revenue stream. However, a substantial portion of these revenues remain uncollected due to outdated or inefficient payment methods, leading to a significant loss of funds each year. For example, in Ohio, the state’s court systems spend more than 41 cents of every dollar collected on enforcement costs, including in-court hearings, issuing warrants, and even jail costs. These enforcement efforts are costly and resource-draining, and the administrative costs to process fines, fees and tickets often exceed the expected revenue.

A 2021 report from the Fines and Fees Justice Center found that national court debt in the U.S. totals $276 billion. In fact, in some cities, it has been reported that up to 50% of court-ordered fines remain unpaid, contributing to a significant gap in local government revenue.

These inefficiencies can be attributed to several factors:

Outdated payment portals: Many court systems still rely on outdated, difficult-to-use websites or in-person payment methods that cause friction for residents.
Long delays: The manual processing of payments and payment reminders leads to slow collection cycles.
Lack of flexibility: Traditional payment methods often do not accommodate the diverse needs of residents, especially those with limited access to the internet or those who are non-English speakers.

The Solution: Implementing Text-to-Pay Systems

A proven solution to these challenges is the integration of text-to-pay systems into the payment process. Text-to-pay allows residents to receive a simple, secure payment link via SMS (text message), providing them with a straightforward way to pay their court fines, tickets or other fees directly from their mobile devices. This solution eliminates the need for complicated web addresses, reduces administrative burden and increases the likelihood of timely payments.

One of the most compelling benefits of text-to-pay solutions is their ability to engage people through mobile devices, which have become a central communication tool for many Americans. According to a 2022 report from Statista, 97% of Americans own a mobile phone, and 85% own a smartphone. This makes text-to-pay a particularly effective way to reach residents who may not have access to reliable internet or who find it difficult to navigate complicated online portals.

Studies have shown that using SMS-based reminders and payment options can have a dramatic impact on payment collection. For example, research by the Behavioural Insights Team in the UK found that personalized text messages sent to individuals with overdue court fines increased payment rates by 189%, from an average payment of £4.46 to £12.87 (Behavioural Insights Team). While this study was conducted in the UK, it suggests that similar results could be achieved in U.S. jurisdictions, leading to higher collection rates and improved revenue for local governments.

Benefits of Simplified Payment Methods

The adoption of text-to-pay systems brings a multitude of benefits, both for residents and municipalities.

Increased Revenue Collection: Simplified payment methods directly contribute to higher collection rates. Text-to-pay systems reduce friction in the payment process, ensuring that residents can pay their fines and fees quickly and easily. This results in fewer missed payments and reduced collection costs. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City estimated that for every $1 spent on improving payment collection systems, governments could expect a $6 return in increased revenue. This ROI highlights the efficiency of adopting digital solutions for payment processing.
Improved Accessibility: Text-to-pay systems are inherently accessible because they reach residents directly through their mobile phones. By sending a secure payment link via text, courts can ensure that individuals—regardless of whether they have a computer, reliable internet or proficiency in English—can complete their payments with minimal effort. Additionally, text messages can send to customized checkout pages in multiple languages to ensure that non-English-speaking residents can understand and act on the payment instructions.
Reduced Administrative Burden: One of the most significant advantages of text-to-pay is the automation of payment reminders and follow-ups. Rather than relying on court staff to manually send payment reminders or field phone calls from residents, the text-to-pay system can automatically send timely reminders to those with outstanding balances. This reduces the workload for court staff and frees up their time to focus on other critical tasks, such as handling cases and assisting residents with more complex issues.
Enhanced Efficiency: Text-to-pay systems improve the overall efficiency of payment processing. With automated payment systems in place, court staff no longer need to deal with long lines or manual data entry, which can lead to costly delays. Moreover, residents can make payments from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to take time off work or wait in line at a courthouse.
Long-Term Benefits: In the long run, a text-to-pay system can lead to sustained improvements in payment collection, which in turn helps municipalities avoid budget shortfalls. Government agencies that implemented digital payment solutions consistently report an increase in overall payment collection rates within the first year of adoption.

The Future of Court Payments with CSG Forte

As municipalities continue to explore ways to streamline operations and improve financial efficiency, the need for a reliable, secure and experienced payments platform has never been greater. Implementing simplified payment methods like text-to-pay is an essential step toward modernizing the court payment process, but choosing the right partner to deliver those solutions is equally important.

CSG Forte is a long-trusted payments provider for government agencies and businesses alike, offering a suite of features designed to ensure seamless and compliant payment processing. Our platform is built with the unique needs of government entities in mind, offering high levels of security, scalability and adherence to regulatory standards. With Forte, government agencies can confidently handle sensitive financial transactions while remaining in full compliance with state and federal regulations.

Among our many features, Forte provides:

Text-to-pay: Allowing residents to pay their court fees or fines quickly and easily via SMS, improving payment collection rates.
Omnichannel payment solutions: Supporting payments across mobile, web and in-person channels, ensuring flexibility for residents and ease of access.
Robust security and compliance: Ensuring all transactions meet the strictest security standards, including PCI-DSS compliance, while adhering to government regulations.
Seamless integration: Our platform integrates effortlessly with existing court management systems, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption.

Choosing the right payments partner is essential to ensuring a smooth, reliable and efficient payment experience. With Forte, local governments can not only modernize their payment systems but also provide residents with an intuitive, secure and accessible way to settle their dues.

Ready to explore how Forte can help your office streamline payment processing? Download our ebook to learn more about the advantages of partnering with a trusted payments provider like Forte. Then contact our experts to find out how our solutions can transform your payment systems.

 How Your Business Can Start Accepting ACH Payments

Posted on May 15, 2025

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.

5 Reasons Utilities Should Embrace Online Payment Solutions

Posted on May 12, 2025

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.

Your Guide to POS Debit and POS Charges

Posted on May 12, 2025

When you accept credit or debit card payments, your business and customers need an easy way to distinguish between different types of transactions to separate the real ones from fraudulent ones. This is where merchant descriptors come in. Merchant descriptions explain various transaction types on a customer’s bank account or credit card statements.

Two common descriptors are point of sale (POS) and POS debits. Learning the difference between various descriptors will allow your business to create accurate and easy-to-understand descriptors for various transactions your customers make.

POS vs. POS Debit

Though the terms POS and POS debit may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings. Take a deeper look at each of these common terms:

What Is Point of Sale?

In general, POS refers to the place where the sale is consummated. A POS transaction is any transaction where a customer uses a card to purchase an item on a store’s POS system, including at a cash register or similar payment area at the front of a store. It may also include online sources. Payment methods in this category consist of several types, from debit and credit cards to gift cards.

What Does POS Debit Mean?

POS debits are a more specific category within point-of-sale transactions. A transaction appears as a POS debit in a customer’s account when the buyer uses a debit card to purchase merchandise at a cash register or other point of sale using a personal identification number (PIN).

This transaction differs from a direct benefit transfer (DBT) because DBTs don’t require a PIN entry. The DBT designation often appears for transactions such as contactless payment or e-commerce sales. When customers make purchases, the transaction posts to their account immediately, though it may process at the end of a business day or later.

Transactions with debit cards have consistently increased in popularity in the decades since this payment method’s adoption. Today, debit cards account for about 55% of non-cash transactions. Their popularity means businesses and customers need a reliable and transparent way to record debit card payments. One way is through a POS debit classification.

Debit Card vs. Credit Card Transactions

Although the physical process of paying with a debit card is quite similar to that of a credit card, these payment types have several differences that create a need for different descriptors in your system. These differences include:

1. Where the Money Comes From

With a debit card transaction, the money comes directly from a customer’s checking account. When customers pay with credit cards, the money comes from a credit card network and the customer will pay the card association back later for charges incurred.

2. The Risk Involved

The risk involved is a significant reason for the distinction between the two payment types. Credit cards charge higher fees because customers are not directly accessing money they have available in their checking accounts. Different classifications ensure that merchants pay the proper fees for each credit or debit card transaction.

3. The Card Issuer

Debit cards come from banks where customers have checking accounts. Usually, the card falls under a central issuer, like Mastercard or Visa. These larger issuers typically offer credit cards, too. Most people access credit cards through either their financial institution or directly from an issuer.

How Do Merchant Descriptions Work?

Merchant descriptors appear on bank or credit card statements to inform customers about their transactions. Customers know these descriptors as the bank statement description. There are three types of descriptors:

Static: These descriptors never change and are also known as default or hard descriptors. Your business will likely set this descriptor once and leave it as is. Whether a customer pays with a debit card, mobile payment or credit card, they will see the same descriptor.
Dynamic: This descriptor will change depending on the purchase method and other factors. This category includes POS debit and POS transactions. Some payment processors also allow for changes based on the type of purchase made, like those for a particular service.
Soft: These descriptors often appear in a different portion of a customer’s bank account after a customer authorizes a transaction but before it settles. In many cases, it looks the same as the static descriptor. In some cases, it may appear under the payment service provider’s name instead of the merchant’s name, which can confuse some

Best Practices for Merchant Descriptors

Merchant descriptors inform customers about the purchases they make so they can determine whether any may be fraudulent. Customers who cannot identify a transaction’s origin from the descriptor might dispute the charges, even when they are legitimate, costing your business money. This situation is known as a chargeback or friendly fraud, and causes significant losses for businesses.

To avoid confusion, you can follow a few standard practices for displaying transactions on a bank statement:

Set up your payment system: When you get a new payment system for the first time, establish understandable descriptors from the beginning. If you have had the same processing system for some time, go back and ensure descriptors make sense.
Include the necessary information: Make your business easily identifiable by including a shortened name, state and ZIP code. You could also add a phone number or a URL.
Think of the customer: You may want to set descriptors that work well for your payment processing needs. Instead, determine what would be most useful for the customer to know.
Shorten the information: Most bank or credit card statements only display about 20 to 30 characters. Ensure you fit all necessary information in that count and test different banks or credit card companies to see how each shows your description.

Adhering to best practices is crucial for your business and customer satisfaction. Poor descriptors are a common indicator of fraudulent transactions for customers. Creating worthwhile descriptors can ensure your customers feel comfortable making purchases at your business, minimize fraud reports for your business and highlight your business as trustworthy.

Protecting Your Business With Reconciliation

Your business likely manages many transactions every day. Like your customers, you want to ensure that the amounts your POS system records match those recorded by your bank. Reconciliation empowers businesses to obtain greater consistency and higher accuracy in financial records, guiding decisions and resource allocation.

POS transactions appear in your accounts with merchant descriptors in the same way they do for customers. Here’s how you can reconcile them:

Review sales and refunds in your POS system.
Compare this list to bank statements to check for differences.
Identify transactions that don’t match.
Contact your bank to resolve any issues.

Depending on the number of transactions you handle, you might perform reconciliations as often as every day to as little as once a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information about POS and debit POS? Take a look at these frequently asked questions:

1. What Is the Difference Between Debit Cards and POS on Bank Statements?

There are a few aspects to note regarding bank statements. POS transactions allow customers to use various payment methods, meaning the transaction could show up in several locations, depending on the customer’s settings, card usage and similar aspects. Additionally, each transaction type appearing on a bank statement may differ, depending on the customer’s financial institution or card issuer and their policies.

2. Is POS or Debit POS Better for Businesses?

POS and debit POS both offer convenience and unique benefits. Generally, a customer using a credit card will cause a business to pay more in fees for the transaction. This reason may make debit POS more convenient for some companies. However, whether one is better for your business than the other will mostly depend on customer preference. After all, if your customers are unhappy, your business will feel the difference.

3. Can You Trace a POS Transaction?

You can trace a POS transaction. Your POS system will store information such as payment methods, sold items, sales data and prices, allowing you to report and access data when necessary. Customers can also trace purchases they made at your business by providing your receipt, ensuring you and your customers can stay up to date on financial information.

4. What Is Point of Sale Withdrawal?

A POS withdrawal refers to a unique POS debit transaction. Some merchants use this feature to allow customers to pull funds at checkout, like they would at an ATM. Many people refer to this process as “getting cash back”. Customers must input their PIN to complete their purchase and request a POS withdrawal. Locations like grocery stores and convenience stores often implement this feature.

5. What Is a POS Refund?

When a customer returns a purchased product or if a cashier corrects input errors, a POS refund occurs. POS refunds reflect the original transaction amount. Generally, it will take between seven and 10 business days for customers to receive a debit refund, but some businesses and financial institutions can process these transactions in around three days.

Choose CSG Forte for Payment Processing

Whether you handle POS transactions online or in person, CSG Forte’s payment processing system allows you to feel confident about your purchase management for both customers and businesses. Learn more about how our reliable payment solution lets you accept point-of-sale transactions and maintain logical merchant descriptors for debits and other payment types. Get even more information about our solutions when you get started today.

 Pay Later: Why Allowing Installment Payments Is Good for Healthcare Providers

Posted on May 2, 2025

Not long ago, a patient in Austin, Texas, walked out of a specialist’s office without getting the care she needed—not because she lacked insurance, but because the $1,100 out-of-pocket cost for a procedure wasn’t something she could afford that day. The front desk offered a credit card form and a sympathetic shrug. That provider likely lost more than just a payment—they may have lost a patient for good.

Stories like this are increasingly common. As deductibles climb and insurers shift more costs to patients, Americans are struggling to pay medical bills on time—and providers are feeling the consequences. According to a 2024 report from the Commonwealth Fund, 38% of U.S. adults said they or a family member had postponed or skipped needed care due to cost in the year leading up to the study. This means that providers that don’t offer flexible ways to pay may be watching revenue slip through the cracks.

That’s where installment payments come in. By offering patients the option to split medical bills into manageable chunks, providers reduce friction at the point of payment—and increase their chances of getting paid, in full and on time. More importantly, they meet patients where they are.

At CSG Forte, we’ve made installment flexibility a core part of our payments solutions. It’s one of the features that sets us apart—along with 9.99% uptime reliability, robust authentication rates and a network of over 20 top-tier processing partners. Our goal isn’t just to process payments. It’s to help healthcare organizations improve the entire patient financial experience, from the first invoice to the last payment.

Read on to explore why installment payments are becoming a must-have—and how providers can implement them without adding operational complexity.

Why Patients Want (and Expect) Installment Options

Healthcare costs in the U.S. have been climbing for years—but the way we pay for care hasn’t kept pace with patient needs. With the rise of high-deductible health plans, even insured patients are routinely hit with four-figure bills. That financial pressure is changing expectations.

Patients today expect the same flexibility from their healthcare providers that they get from retailers and utility companies. According to a 2023 report from PYMNTS and Experian Health, 61% of consumers would switch healthcare providers to one that offers more appealing payment experiences—and installment plans top the list of features they want.

For many patients, installment payments aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the only way to move forward with care. Offering a “pay later” option can mean the difference between a patient booking a follow-up or delaying treatment altogether. This is especially true for younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z, who are now the largest segments of the workforce, are more likely to expect digital-first, financially flexible payment experiences—and less likely to tolerate rigid systems.

At the same time, providers are navigating new pressures of their own. Offering installment payments is a practical way to reduce the number of bills that go unpaid or get sent to collections. It also sends a clear message to patients: we’re working with you, not against you.

CSG Forte Checkout is designed to meet this moment. By integrating customizable payment plans into your payment process, you can accommodate a wider range of patient financial situations without sacrificing control or compliance. Installments help reduce friction, build trustand ultimately boost retention.

And in a world where care quality is often judged as much by the billing experience as by clinical outcomes, that matters more than ever.

How Offering Installments Helps Providers Get Paid Faster and More Reliably

In healthcare, delayed payments don’t just affect the finance team—they affect the entire organization. Revenue that doesn’t come in on time puts pressure on staff, interrupts cash flow and can even hinder a provider’s ability to expand services or invest in new technology.

Offering installment payments helps solve this problem. By making bills more manageable for patients, providers increase the likelihood of on-time—and in-full—payments. That means fewer accounts sent to collections, less staff time spent chasing balances and more predictable revenue.

At CSG Forte, we’ve designed our payment solutions to turn flexibility into a financial advantage. Our platform supports installment options that are easy to set up, automate and track, so providers don’t have to worry about losing control over the billing cycle. And with 99.99% uptime reliability, your systems are always ready to take payments—day or night.

Benefits of Offering Installment Payments with CSG Forte:

Faster payment cycles: Less friction means patients pay sooner.
Higher collection rates: Smaller, automated payments are easier to manage.
Improved patient experience: Reduces stress and builds loyalty.
Lower administrative burden: Fewer follow-ups, less manual processing.
Better forecasting: More consistent cash flow makes planning easier.

Beyond the technology, Forte’s white-glove service ensures that implementation is seamless and support is ongoing. Whether you’re a large health system or a mid-size practice, we work with you to make payment flexibility a sustainable part of your operations.

And as industry consolidation and competition ramp up, providers who offer a smoother, more empathetic payment experience will have a clear edge. Today’s patients aren’t just choosing where to get care—they’re choosing how they want to be treated after the visit ends.

Operational Simplicity: Integrating Installments into Your Existing Systems

Healthcare organizations often hesitate to add new billing features out of concern for operational disruption—but offering installment payments doesn’t have to mean overhauling your tech stack. With the right partner, it can be fast, flexible, and seamless.

Forte’s installment capabilities are built to plug into your existing workflows with minimal friction. That’s possible because of our strength across gateway orchestration and payment processing. We’ve built a robust network that connects to more than 20 top-tier processors, allowing you to route transactions intelligently, maximize uptime, and avoid vendor lock-in. This flexibility is a major differentiator, especially in an industry where every second of system downtime can delay revenue collection.

Our gateway’s uptime (99.99%) ensures that your payment infrastructure is always ready—no matter the day or hour. Whether patients are making payments at the front desk, online, or via mobile devices, Forte ensures the transaction is processed quickly and securely.

CSG Forte is more than just a plug-and-play solution; it becomes an extension of your team. Our implementation specialists and account support ensure your system is tailored to your specific needs and optimized from day one.

When payment technology aligns with your workflows instead of interrupting them, everybody wins—especially your patients and your bottom line.

Security, Compliance and Trust—Backed by Forte Reliability

When healthcare providers introduce new payment options like installments, they’re not just adjusting how revenue comes in—they’re also taking on new responsibilities around data security, fraud prevention and regulatory compliance. Patients are entrusting you with both their health and their financial information. You need a payments partner that takes that responsibility as seriously as you do.

Forte’s infrastructure is built for that trust. Our payment authentication rates exceed 90%, helping to ensure that transactions are secure from the moment they’re initiated. We’re compliant with all major industry standards, including PCI DSS and HIPAA, and we provide detailed audit trails for every transaction. That means peace of mind for both your finance team and your compliance officers.

Security isn’t just a back-end concern—it directly impacts patient confidence. According to the 2024 Healthcare Consumer Payment Survey, nearly 70% of younger patients say they are more likely to complete a digital payment if the process feels secure and professional. That trust translates to better payment rates, fewer abandoned transactions and a stronger relationship with your patient base.

Just as important: Forte’s platform is built with resiliency at its core. We ensure that patients can pay whenever it’s convenient for them—whether that’s during lunch, after work or in the middle of the night. No downtime means no revenue gaps. Our real-time alerts and transparent reporting also give you visibility into every dollar moving through your operations.

Ready to empower your patients—and your bottom line? Forte’s installment-ready payment solutions gives providers the tools to offer smarter payment options without compromising on compliance, security, or service. Whether you’re part of a growing health system or a regional clinic looking to modernize, we’ll help you move fast, stay safe, and keep your revenue flowing.

Let’s talk about what that could look like for your organization. Schedule a conversation with our payments experts today.