Request for Payment Import File Formats

To import ACH, FedNow Instant, and Real-Time Payments (RTP) Request for Payment (RfP) files using Text, SMS, and Email formats, the workflow will rely on generating and sharing payment request information through communication channels, allowing customers or recipients to act upon those requests through secure links or direct payment instructions. Here’s a guide on how to set up and manage this process using different formats.

1. Understanding the Request for Payment Process

When requesting payments via ACH, FedNow, or RTP, you usually provide the payer with key payment details, including:

• Payment amount
• Invoice or payment reference
• Payment due date
• Instructions or links to complete the payment

Depending on the payment method (ACH, FedNow, or RTP), the file format for backend systems may vary (NACHA or ISO 20022 XML), but the communication with the payer via Text, SMS, or Email can follow a simple format with embedded payment instructions.

2. ACH Request for Payment via Text, SMS, and Email

ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments typically involve exchanging bank details, but for customer-facing RfP communications, you can streamline the process with secure links to payment gateways or third-party platforms.

A. Using Email for ACH Requests

1. Create an Invoice in QuickBooks or Other Accounting Software:
   • Include the customer’s details, payment amount, and payment due date.
2. Generate Payment Link:
   • Use a payment provider (e.g., Plaid, Dwolla, Stripe, Bill.com) to generate a secure ACH payment link. This link will guide the payer to a secure page where they can input their bank details and authorize the ACH payment.
3. Send Email Payment Request:
   • Compose an email with the subject line: "ACH Payment Request: [Invoice Number]".
   • In the email body, include:
     • Payment amount.
     • Invoice reference number.
     • Due date.
     • A secure payment link (provided by the payment processor).

Sample Email Format:

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4. Monitor and Reconcile the Payment:
   • Once the payment is made through the provided link, the system will update the payment status, and the invoice will be marked as paid in your accounting system.

B. Using SMS/Text for ACH Requests

1. Generate ACH Payment Link:
   • Similar to the email process, generate a secure ACH payment link using your payment provider.
2. Send SMS with Payment Request:
   • Use a service like Twilio, TextMagic, or your payment provider’s SMS API to send an SMS message containing the payment details and the secure payment link.

Sample SMS Format:

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ACH Payment Request: Please pay $1,000 for Invoice #12345. Due on [Date].

Complete your payment securely here: [Secure Payment Link]

3. Track Payment Status:
   • After the customer completes the payment via the link, the transaction status will update in your system.

3. FedNow Instant Payments via Text, SMS, and Email

FedNow enables real-time payments, meaning you can request immediate payment through secure links or instructions shared via email or SMS.

A. Using Email for FedNow Requests

1. Create Payment Details:
   • Use a payment provider that supports FedNow (e.g., Finix Payments, Finastra, Volante Technologies) to generate the payment request.
2. Send Email with Payment Instructions:
   • Compose an email with the subject: "FedNow Instant Payment Request: [Invoice Number]".
   • Include the invoice details and a link to the payment gateway where the customer can authorize the real-time payment.

Sample Email Format:

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B. Using SMS/Text for FedNow Payments

1. Generate FedNow Payment Link:
   • Generate the secure FedNow payment link using your provider.
2. Send SMS with Payment Request:
   • Use SMS services to send the FedNow payment request to the customer’s mobile device.

Sample SMS Format:

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3. Receive Real-Time Updates:
   • Once the customer completes the payment via FedNow, the payment status will instantly update in your system.

4. Real-Time Payments (RTP) via Text, SMS, and Email

Real-Time Payments (RTP), like FedNow, offer real-time settlement, allowing for instant payment requests.

A. Using Email for RTP Requests

1. Generate RTP Payment Request:
   • Use an RTP payment provider (e.g., The Clearing House, Finastra) to create a payment link or request.
2. Send Email with Payment Instructions:
   • Draft an email with the subject: "RTP Payment Request: [Invoice Number]".
   • Include the secure RTP link or payment instructions.

Sample Email Format:

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B. Using SMS/Text for RTP Payments

1. Generate RTP Payment Link:
   • Generate a secure RTP payment link using your payment provider.
2. Send SMS with RTP Payment Request:
   • Send an SMS to the customer with the payment link.

Sample SMS Format:

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RTP Payment Request: Pay $750 for Invoice #98765. Complete your real-time payment here: [Secure RTP Link]

3. Receive Real-Time Payment Confirmation:
   • The RTP system will update the payment status as soon as the transaction is completed.

5. Reconciliation and Payment Tracking

Regardless of the payment method (ACH, FedNow, or RTP), all payment requests will be tracked in your payment processor’s dashboard. The system will:

• Automatically update the status of the payment (e.g., Pending, Paid, Failed).
• Sync with your accounting software (like QuickBooks Online) to mark the corresponding invoice as paid.
• Send confirmation emails or SMS notifications to both the payer and your business when the payment is completed.

Conclusion

Using Text, SMS, and Email formats to request ACH, FedNow Instant, and Real-Time Payments (RTP) is a highly effective and convenient method to streamline the payment collection process. With secure links embedded in messages, customers can quickly and safely complete payments, and you receive real-time status updates. Payment processors like TodayPayments.com, Plaid, Dwolla, Finix Payments, and others make it easy to integrate this functionality with your business workflows.