On our training courses we always recommend Service Users ensure they can access the Payment Services Website (PSW). It’s a useful resource for organisations running a Direct Debit scheme (to collect income). It’s also useful for organisations making payments via Bacs Direct Credit.
What is the Payment Services Website?
The Payment Services website is an online resource operated by Bacs (Part of Pay.UK). Organisations sponsored to use the Direct Debit or Bacs Direct Credit Schemes by their PSP (Payment Service provider / Bank), nominate ‘contacts’ within their organisation. These contacts can then be given access to Payment Services Website. The type of access contacts have will depend on their status and permissions (or ‘privileges’). Contacts can…
- Access Bacs Processing Reports for their Service User Numbers
- View information about Payment Submissions
- View and maintain information about the organisation and contacts.
Who can access Payment Services?
Service Users will nominate two different types of contacts: Primary Security Contacts (PSCs) and Additional Contacts (ASCs). Each will be given a unique contact ID to enable them to access PSW.
- Primary Security Contacts (PSCs): Organisations that use software to send payment files to Bacs must have a minimum of two Primary Security Contacts. These can only be added by the sponsoring bank / PSP. They act as Administrators for the Service User and can add and maintain additional contacts for the organisation.
- Additional Security Contacts (ASCs): These can be added as required. They can be given different ‘privileges’ depending on their roles i.e. to only access certain reports.
How do Nominated Contacts Access Payment Services?
To connect to PSW, contacts will need a compatible web browser, a connection method (normally the Internet) and their Security Credentials. There are two types of Security Credentials that can be used:
- Public key infrastructure (PKI) credentials. This is where an electronic certificate is loaded onto a ‘smartcard’. This card (similar to a credit card) is inserted into a smartcard reader and the user enters a PIN to validate their identity.
- Contact ID and password security, called Alternative Security Method (ASM).
What Information can be accessed via PSW?
Any urgent system notices will be displayed on the initial dashboard presented at log-in. Contacts can then select various options via the menu. These options include:
1. Accessing Bacs reports
A great advantage of the Bacs Direct Debit and Bacs Direct Credit Schemes is the feedback that Service Users receive in the form of Bacs reports. These reports can confirm the payment submissions made; provide advice about why payments might have failed; and also provide information about any changes (for example to the bank account details of payers).
It is the Service Users responsibility to action these Bacs reports which are available in either XHTML or XML format. Reports can be obtained via Bacs software or from a Bacs bureau but they are also accessible from PSW. Contacts can set-up email notifications to alert them when new reports are available and these reports are retained on PSW for 37 calendar days, (or 60 days for ADDACS and AWACS reports).
2. View information about Payment submissions. (Live or test)
Contacts can view details of recent submissions made via Bacstel-IP software. It is possible to see this information in Bacs Approved submission software, but it is also possible to see it on PSW. Accessing this information via PSW can be a useful check to show what payments have been received / actioned by Bacs. The information includes the contact that sent the submission and any errors or warnings that were generated when the submission was received.
3. View and maintain Service User and Contact information.
Details about the Service User and nominated contacts can be viewed via PSW. Details include the nominated primary and additional contacts, linked software packages and other information. Service Users should review this information and update it regularly; especially if this is not done as part of an offboarding process for departing staff. If files submitted to Bacs, for example, need to be withdrawn, instruction must come from a nominated contact – i.e. a current member of staff. It is vital therefore to know who the nominated contacts are – and to ensure their contact details are up to date. Using PSW, contacts can be added, suspended and reinstated if required and email addresses and phone numbers updated.
When can you access Payment Services Website?
PSW is available during the payment services window. This window normally opens at 07:00 hours on a Monday and closes at 23:00 hours on a Friday. English bank/public holidays also affect the opening times.
Questions?
There are a number of documents that contain information about how to navigate the Payment Services Website – these include the Bacstel-IP Guide and the Service User Guides – OR, you can contact us (by email or give us a call) – we are happy to answer any questions you may have.