MuniciPAY Question and Answers
What is a convenience fee?
Answer: Major Credit Card Association rules now allow Government entities to assess a “convenience fee” on transactions paid via credit card. The Card Associations require the convenience fee amount to be processed as a separate transaction so the fee amount is clearly identified to the cardholder. Once the fee amount is disclosed, the cardholder has the option to decline the fee and pay with cash.
Are there are any processing fees to the municipality?
Answer: No. All convenience fees are paid by the individual consumer who chooses to use their credit card for payment. There are no set-up fees, monthly fees or processing fees assessed to the municipality.
Who is eligible to participate in this program?
Answer:
- Local Government Services - Auto (DMV), Property Taxes, Utilities, Parks & Recreation, Fish & Game, Court & Bond Fees, and many more
- Local, state and federal courts of law that administer and process court fees, alimony and child support payments
- Government entities that administer and process local, state and federal fines
- Local, state and federal entities that engage in financial administration and taxation
- State elementary and secondary schools for tuition & related fees and school-maintained room and board
- State colleges and universities, professional schools, junior colleges for tuition and related fees and school-maintained room and board
Is this a secure solution?
Answer: Yes! NPS is a certified Level 1 PCI-DSS service provider. Nationwide Payment Solutions and MuniciPAY meet all PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standards) guidelines and requirements. This program eliminates any exposure to municipality from the storage and/or transmission of cardholder holder data.
What cards can be accepted for payment?
Answer: Discover, American Express and MasterCard may be accepted for all government transactions. Currently, VISA may only be accepted for tax payments. The Card Associations continually update their regulations and should VISA expand their government program, they will automatically be included. NPS will notify our existing municipalities when changes like this occur.
How long does it take to receive funds?
Answer: Funds will be deposited into the municipality account(s) within 2 business days and can be automated to include multiple depository accounts for various departments.
What type of reporting is available?
Answer: MuniciPAY offers real time, detailed reporting. Municipalities are able to view reports separated by user, departments, payment items, and daily settlement reconciliation. MuniciPAY can also handle cash and check reporting options, and can be integrated with the municipality’s current accounting software.
How long does it take to implement MuniciPAY?
Answer: Depending on the individual needs of the municipality, the number of depository accounts, and complexity of their inventory list and/or fee schedule, this time frame may vary. NPS is committed to completing implementation as quickly as possible. Typical implementation takes 1-2 weeks.
