New Participant

Home / Local Governments / New Participant

THE NEW ePAY!

There are countless reasons to sign up for ePAY. ePAY helps you take more constituent payments electronically through our custom, safe payment solutions. Below are just some of the highlights. When you are ready, contact us for more information.

 

  • Contemporary Solutions - Allow your constituents to pay using mobile wallets at over-the-counter, or use recurring bill pay when paying online. Additionally start collecting your constituents’ contact information to allow you to send email communications and e-bills or turn on e-receipts for over-the-counter transactions.
     
  • Secure Investment and Settlement Options - Earn a greater return on your balances by having your funds automatically deposited to an Illinois Funds investment account, or elect to settle to an outside bank.
     
  • Competitive Pricing - Whether you pass the processing fee to your constituents or absorb the fee, take advantage of affordable pricing options including the bundling of equipment costs with processing fees and lower fees by funding to The Illinois Funds.
     
  • Enhanced Security - The ePAY processor is a PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider and NACHA compliant. In addition our payment solutions now offer greater security to help minimize your PCI scope! ePAY also offers PCI validation, tracking, and reporting tools at no additional cost.
     
  • First in Class Customer Support - A dedicated help desk via our toll free number available 24/7 and the online ticketing portal will allow us to resolve participant tickets as quickly as possible.

ePAY PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

Point-of-Sale (POS)

Simple and convenient over-the-counter payment solutions. Our recommended integration option is hosted, semi-integrated because it offers real-time reporting capabilities, as well as the ability to utilize text or e-receipts.

 

Comparison of Integration Options:


 Option 1 (Preferred) Hosted Semi-IntegratedOption 2 3rd Party Hosted Semi-IntegratedOption 3 Stand-Alone to NCR Payment Solutions
Process EMV Payments
End-to-end encryption to limit PCI Scope
Real time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard
X
SMS text/e-receipt
X
X
Void/credit from terminal and ePAY Dashboard
X
X
Cashier reports from terminal
X
Outbound Communications
X
X
Validation of customer account info
X
X
Hardware Model Pax S300 Pax S300 Pax S500

ePAY PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

Point-of-Sale (POS)

Simple and convenient over-the-counter payment solutions. Our recommended integration option is hosted, semi-integrated because it offers real-time reporting capabilities, as well as the ability to utilize text or e-receipts.

 

Comparison of Integration Options:


 Option 1 (Preferred) Hosted Semi-IntegratedOption 2 3rd Party Hosted Semi-IntegratedOption 3 Stand-Alone to NCR Payment Solutions
Process EMV Payments
End-to-end encryption to limit PCI Scope
Real time reporting capabilities through the ePAY Dashboard
X
SMS text/e-receipt
X
X
Void/credit from terminal and ePAY Dashboard
X
X
Cashier reports from terminal
X
Outbound Communications
X
X
Validation of customer account info
X
X
Hardware Model Pax S300 Pax S300 Pax S500

Note: Hosted Semi-Integrated payment modes of collection support Customer account validation of account information. Account validation options may vary based on availability of data and Participant configurations.

 

(POS) Equipment Options

ePAY supports and recommends EMV point-of-sale (POS) transactions using the Pax S300 (IP connectivity) and the Pax S500 (IP or WiFi connectivity). These EMV readers offer near-field communication (NFC) capabilities to allow for mobile wallet payments such as ApplePay, GooglePay and SamsungPay. The EMV readers also utilize end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in the card reader to help 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 S90 for point-of-sale EMV payments, which utilizes Verizon or T-Mobile cellular networks. A full warranty on all equipment is offered at no additional cost.


To review the benefits of the Pax S300 click here.
To review the benefits of the Pax S500 click here.
To review the benefits of the Pax S920 click here.

To review the benefits of the Poynt Smart Terminal click here.

 

Starting in September 2019, all eligible readers can be converted over to point-to-point encryption (P2PE). This enhancement allows greater card data protection and further reduces PCI scope for participants.  Combine this with the hosted, semi-integrated readers and the benefits increase dramatically.  Some of the benefits, along with a reduction in PCI scope, include outbound communication tools, real time reporting and each transaction time could be as quick as 7.4 seconds. 

To Review these benefits and more click here.

 
POS Kiosk

The kiosk solution is a dedicated, customer facing all in one device that handles payment transaction. It is designed to complement the participant’s point-of-sale service including access to view customer(s) account information, amounts due, stored payment profiles and billing information. It processes all non-cash payments and allows for full or partial payment and can deliver receipts via email or SMS text. It is secure and PCI-compliant. Kiosks offer additional convenience to the participant and their customers without any additional charges.

 

Technical specifications includes: Ethernet access and power and operates on Chrome OS.

 

Mobile

Through our over-the-counter payment solutions, accept ApplePay, SamsungPay, and GooglePay. Also, your payments webpage is optimized for mobile use so constituents can make payments from any mobile device, so 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 recreate bills for presentment on your website. If paired with customer data, it is possible to also e-mail these bills.

 

Comparison of Integration Options:


 Option 1 Fully HostedOption 2 Participant or Third Party site with payment re-direct
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
Posting of transaction back to Info System
Outbound Communications
No Participant programming required
X
e-Bill presentment
X

Note: Fully Hosted payment modes of collection support Customer account validation of account information. Account validation options may vary based on availability of data and Participant configurations.

 

Telephone

A hosted IVR (Interactive Voice Response) solution is available to accept convenient, self-service, telephone payments from your constituents 24 hours a day.

 

Comparison of Integration Options:


 Option 1 (Preferred) Fully HostedOption 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
Posting of Transaction back to info system
X
Voice/credit from ePAY Dashboard
X
Outbound Communications
X
No Participant programming required
X

Note: Fully Hosted payment modes of collection support Customer account validation of account information. Account validation options may vary based on availability of data 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 it works:

Settlement Bank Options

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 to a locally held account.

 

Benefits with The Illinois Funds:


 Direct funding to The Illinois FundsOutside 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 to 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 to a locally held account.
*ePAY processor will credit the Participant $10 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 to your Illinois Funds investment account or go outside and use your own settlement bank.

 

Credit Card Processing Fees

 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

*Contractor will credit the Participant $10 every month to offset monthly Settlement Bank account maintenance fees.  **Processing Fee includes the cost of any Supported Device, selected by the participant, which shall be provided based upon Participant volume: $1 = 1 Supported Device per $300,000 in processing volume.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contractor reserve the right to offer Participants free supported Devices, regardless of processing volume.

 

 

e-Check Processing Fees

 Processing Fee
e-Check $0.50 per transaction
e-Check with verification $0.75 per transaction

 

 

Absorbing

Under absorb pricing you have the option to automatically deposit your funds into your Illinois Funds investment account or to your own settlement bank for higher pricing. Also, you have the option to include the cost of your POS equipment within your processing fees or pay for your equipment upfront.  You will also benefit from a low American Express rate of 2.15% plus 3 basis points and $.03/transaction fee.

 

Please note under this scenario the ePAY processor will auto debit your settlement account on the fifth day of the subsequent month or the next business day if the fifth day is a weekend or a holiday. However, state agencies will be invoiced by the fifth day of the subsequent month with payment due at fifty (50) days of receipt of an invoice.

 

Credit Card Processing 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 8 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

 Processing Fee
e-Check $0.08 per transaction
e-Check with verification $0.33 per transaction
Fees That Apply to Both Passing and Absorbing

In addition to Settlement Bank options, ePAY offers affordable pricing options with a full warranty on all equipment at no additional cost.

 

Supported Devices Fees

P2PE/EMV DevicesPurchaseMonthly Rental Fee - Short TermMonthly Rental Fee - Long TermData Fee
Pax S300 $300 $75 $15 N/A
Pax S500 $300 $75 $15 N/A
Pax S920 $500 $75 $25 $19/mo
Poynt Terminal* $700 $75 $30 N/A

P2PE and EMV Devices:

• Long-term rentals (life of Participant agreement).
• Each device comes with a lifetime warranty.


Other EquipmentPurchaseMonthly Rental Fee - Short TermMonthly Rental Fee - Long TermData Fee
Pax S300 Swivel Stand $110 N/A N/A N/A
Pax S500 Swivel Stand $120 N/A N/A N/A
Check scanner $400 $75 $15 N/A
POS Kiosk $500 $75 $15 N/A

*All Poynt terminals will have an additional fee of $10.00 per month. Standard shipping at no cost. Expedited shipping, if requested will be billed to participant. The Poynt Terminal is not currently a P2PE certified device.

 


Chargeback and Return Fees 
Chargeback fee when EMV device utilized $5/chargeback, fee paid by Participant
Chargeback fee when non-EMV device utilized $15/chargeback, fee paid by Participant
Chargeback fee when non-EMV device utilized (includes Web/IVR) $15/chargeback, fee paid by Participant
e-Check return fee $30 charged to End-User

INB Cost Schedule  
Account Maintenance w/Direct Debit $10 per month w/Invoice $12 per month
OnlineBanking First User Included Additional Users $5.00 each

Credits to the Account: $0.10 per item
Earnings Credit Rate: 0.17% APY
Insufficient Funds (NSF) Fee: $30/item

A target balance of at least $1000 should be maintained to cover potential chargebacks and account debits to prevent NSF items.

 


PARTICIPANT RESOURCES

Enrollment Checklist

To help make your enrollment as seamless as possible we have created a enrollment checklist and workflow for you to follow and share with your stakeholders.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please take a moment to review our answers to frequently asked questions.

 

Glossary of Electronic Payments Industry Terms

To help you navigate through our website and product information we have prepared a glossary of common industry terms for your reference.

 

Glossary of ePAY Terms

To help you complete our enrollment materials please review our glossary of ePAY terms.

 

Training

For current ePAY participants, please review our training videos for more information about ePAY services and reporting.