Information for New ePAY Participants
ePAY Payment Solutions
Point-of-Sale (POS)
Simple and convenient over-the-counter payment solutions. Our recommended integration option is Hosted, Semi-Integrated, as it offers real-time reporting and the ability to use text or e-receipts.
ePAY supports and recommends EMV point-of-sale (POS) transactions using the PAX and Verifone suite of POS devices offered. These devices were chosen to provide IP, Wi-Fi, and Dial-Up connectivity.
The PAX A80 offers (IP or Wi-Fi connectivity), and Verifone V200c offers (IP, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Dial-Up). These EMV-capable point-of-sale devices also support near-field communication (NFC) for mobile wallet payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The EMV readers also utilize point-to-point encryption (P2PE) to minimize PCI scope and protect card data. For a POS option where internet access and/or power is not available, the ePAY processor supports the PAX A920 and Verifone V400m for Wireless/Wi-Fi point-of-sale EMV payments, which utilizes the AT&T cellular data network. ePAY offers an Equipment Replacement Program for all equipment. Should your POS device(s) become defective at any time, while participating in the ePAY Program and processing transactions, your device will be replaced at no additional cost to you. *^*
*^* Equipment Replacement Program excludes the CX5, CX7 and Aloha Silver POS Point-of-Sale solutions. These devices are covered by a separate warranty program.
Review the benefits of each type of equipment:
- NCR CX5 terminals
- NCR CX7 terminals
- PAX A35
- PAX A77
- PAX A80
- PAX A920
- PAX IM20
- PAX Q25
- Verifone P200
- Verifone V200c
- Verifone V400c
POS Kiosk
The CX7 Kiosk Solution is a dedicated, customer-facing, all-in-one device that can manage payment transactions. The device is a purpose-built, browser-based, secure Kiosk environment. For pricing or to learn more about the Kiosk solution, please reach out to your ePAY representative at ePAYCustomerService@illinoistreasurer.gov
Mobile
Through our over-the-counter payment solutions, we accept Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. Also, your payments webpage is optimized for mobile use, so constituents can make payments from any mobile device. No need to develop a custom application to take mobile payments.
Online
Constituents can make their payment online through your customized payments webpage. Your payments webpage is optimized for mobile use so constituents can make payments from any mobile device. Our recommended integration method is fully hosted. With a fully hosted webpage, you can simply send us your billing data, and we will recreate bills for presentation on your website. If paired with customer data, these bills can also be emailed.
Comparison of Integration Options:
| Feature | Option 1 Fully Hosted | Real-time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard |
|---|---|---|
| Accept cards & e-checks | ✔ | ✔ |
| Real time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard | ✔ | ✔ |
| SMS text/e-receipt | ✔ | X |
| Void/credit from ePAY Dashboard | ✔ | ✔ |
| Validation of Customer account info | ✔ | ✔ |
| Outbound Communications | ✔ | ✔ |
| No Participant programming required | ✔ | X |
| e-Bill presentment | ✔ | X |
Note: Hosted Semi-Integrated payment modes of collection support Customer account validation of account information. Account validation options may vary depending on data availability and Participant configurations.
Telephone
ePAY provides a free local or toll-free phone number for IVR payments. The script can be in English or Spanish, and the hosted IVR system lets people make self-service phone payments 24/7.
Comparison of Integration Options:
| Real-time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard | Option 1 (Preferred) Fully Hosted | Option 2 3rd Party Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Accept cards & e-checks | ✔ | ✔ |
| Real time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard | ✔ | ✔ |
| SMS text/e-receipt | ✔ | X |
| Validation of Customer info | ✔ | X |
| Real-time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard | ✔ | X |
| Voice/credit from ePAY Dashboard | ✔ | X |
| Outbound Communications | ✔ | X |
| No Participant programming required | ✔ | X |
Note: Fully Hosted payment collection modes support Customer account validation. Account validation options may vary depending on data availability and Participant configurations.
Settlement Bank Options
With ePAY, government agencies have the opportunity to earn greater returns as part of The Illinois Funds, a AAAm rated fund recognized for its safety, liquidity, and return capabilities. ePAY funds are deposited directly into your Illinois Funds investment account(s)1, or you can elect to fund to a settlement account at a bank of your choosing.2
How Illinois Funds works:
1Illinois National Bank (INB) is the custodian for ePAY settlement account(s). INB automatically transfers any funds over your target balance to your Illinois Funds investment account(s) at US Bank at 8:30 a.m. daily.
2Unless a state agency has the option to fund a locally held account.
Benefits with The Illinois Funds:
| Feature | Direct funding to The Illinois Funds | Outside Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0* | Varies by Bank |
| Credit Fee | $0.10 per credit | Varies by Bank |
| Settlement Account Earnings Credit Rate | 0.17% APY | Varies by Bank |
| Online Banking | 1 user free ($5 per additional user) | Varies by Bank |
| Minimum Target Balance | $1,000-$250,000 | Varies by Bank |
| Fee for Insufficient Funds | $30 | Varies by Bank |
| Interest Earnings | Yes | None |
| Fees for Transfers | $0** | None |
| Funding/Settlement Customer Service Support | Assistance from ePAY Relationship Management Team | None |
1Illinois National Bank (INB) is the custodian for ePAY settlement account(s) that fund the Illinois Funds. INB automatically transfers any funds over your target balance to your Illinois Funds investment account(s) at US Bank at 8:30 a.m. daily. 2State agencies do not have this option available per the Deposit of Statement Monies Act (15ILCS520), unless a state agency has the option to fund a locally held account.
*ePAY and its processor will credit the Participant $12 every month to offset Settlement Bank account maintenance fees. **No fee for daily transfers from Illinois National Bank to Illinois Funds investment accounts at US Bank Fund Services. No fee for ACH or wire transfers from Illinois Funds investment accounts to banks on file.
Multiple Pricing Options
In addition to settlement bank options, ePAY offers affordable pricing options with a full warranty on all equipment at no additional cost.
Passing
Passing allows you to pass on the processing fees to your constituent. In addition, all passing pricing includes the cost of POS equipment. The only decision you are asked to make is whether you will fund your Illinois Funds investment account or go outside and use your own settlement bank.
Credit Card Processing Fees
| Feature | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| Use ePAY’s Settlement Bank | 2.25% minimum of $1.00 |
| Use Participant’s own Settlement Bank | 2.30% minimum of $1.00 |
ePAY and its processor will credit the Participant $12 every month to offset monthly Settlement Bank account maintenance fees.
e-Check Processing Fees
| Feature | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| e-Check with gVerify* – Basic | Free |
| e-Check with gVerify* | $0.85 per transaction |
*gVerify is a third-party account verification service. Using an ACH routing number and an account number, gVerify references multiple data sources to determine whether the account is open and active, reflects a positive balance, and has the account holder’s name matching the payor name on file. gVerify Basic performs ACH account validation referencing fewer data sources to determine the account is currently open and able to receive debit transactions. Each account lookup constitutes a gVerify or gVerify-Basic transaction (as applicable).
Absorbing
Under absorb pricing, you can automatically deposit your funds into your Illinois Funds investment account or to your own settlement bank for higher pricing. Also, you can include the cost of your POS equipment in your processing fees or pay for it upfront. You will also benefit from a low American Express rate of 2.15% plus 3 basis points, plus a $0.03 per-transaction fee.
Please note that, under this scenario, the ePAY processor will auto-debit your settlement account on the fifth day of the subsequent month, or on the next business day if the fifth day is a weekend or holiday. However, state agencies will be invoiced on the fifth day of the subsequent month, with payment due fifty (50) days from receipt of the invoice.
Credit Card Processing Fees
| Absorbing Participant Fees | Fees with no Supported Device (Participant purchases or rents) | Fees with Supported Device*** |
|---|---|---|
| Use ePAY’s Settlement Bank* | Cost^ plus 3 basis points and $0.03 per transaction | Cost^ plus 8 basis points and $0.03 per transaction |
| Use Participant’s own Settlement Bank** | Cost^ plus 3 basis points and $0.03 per transaction. $15/mos. | Cost^ plus 3 basis points and $0.03 per transaction. $15/mos. |
*Contractor will credit the Participant $10 every month to offset monthly Settlement Bank account maintenance fees. **Contractor will assess the Participant $15 every month, regardless of the number of accounts held by such Participant. ^Interchange rates, dues, assessments, and other pass-through fees from the Card Brands or third-party gateways.
e-Check Processing Fees
| Feature | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| e-Check with gVerify* – Basic | $0.08 per transaction |
| e-Check with gVerify* | $0.43 per transaction |
*gVerify is a third-party account verification service. Using an ACH routing number and an account number, gVerify references multiple data sources to determine whether the account is open and active, reflects a positive balance, and has the account holder’s name matching the payor name on file. gVerify Basic performs ACH account validation referencing fewer data sources to determine the account is currently open and able to receive debit transactions. Each account lookup constitutes a gVerify or gVerify-Basic transaction (as applicable).
Fees That Apply to Both Passing and Absorbing
| INB Cost Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Account Maintenance | With Direct Debit, $12 per month | With Invoice, $12 per month |
| Online Banking | First two users are included | The first two users are included |
| Credits to the Account: | $0.12 per item |
| Earnings Credit Rate: | 0.25% |
| Insufficient Funds (NSF) Fee: | $30/item |
A target balance of at least $1,000 should be maintained to cover potential chargebacks and account debits, preventing NSF items.