Payments Services Website. Two-factor authentication being added
Pay.UK have announced that they are adding two-factor authentication (TFA) to Payments Services Website (PSW) from 17 November 2025. Most of us will already be using TFA on various sites so it should be familiar, but are you using PSW?
What is the Payment Services Website?
The Payment Services website is an online resource operated by Bacs (Part of Pay.UK). Organisations who collect income by Direct Debit or make payments via Bacs Direct Credit can access this resource. Nominated contacts within the organisation can use this website to do the following…
- Access Bacs Processing Reports for their Service User Numbers
- View information about Payment Submissions
- View and maintain information about the organisation and contacts.
How do Nominated Contacts Access Payment Services Website?
Both Primary Security Contacts and Additional Security Contacts can access PSW. To connect to PSW, contacts will need a compatible web browser, a connection method (normally the Internet) and their Security Credentials.
Compatible web browsers include Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Internet Explorer in Edge will not be compatible. 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. This log-in method remains unchanged.
- Contact ID and password security, called Alternative Security Method (ASM). This is where TFA will be added.
How will it change with Two-Factor Authentication?
From 17 November 2025 ASM users will have the option to use two-factor authentication when accessing Payment Services Website. This has been implemented to add an extra layer of protection and reduce the risk of unauthorised access, phishing, and password theft. Users will need their password and will then add a code from an authentication app on their phone or device.
Will this become mandatory?
It is planned that this will be mandatory going forward but the date for this has not yet been communicated.
What help will be given to Users?
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. In addition, the Bacs service desk will be able to deal with queries. The telephone number for this is: 0370 165 0018.
Questions?
Further information about TFA and how to access PSW will be sent out in due course, or you can always contact us (by email or give us a call) – we are happy to answer any questions you may have.