When creating a Rate Plan, partners are given the flexibility to tailor the services they offer to merchants based on their business model, payment needs, and customer engagement strategies. Each checkbox in the Rate Plan configuration represents a distinct product or feature within the CSG Forte ecosystem, designed to enhance payment processing, increase operational efficiency, and provide a secure and seamless payment experience for end users.
This document provides a comprehensive explanation of each service option available in the Rate Plan creation process. You will find:
- What each service represents — A clear overview of the service and how it works.
- When to select it — Guidance on the business scenarios, merchant types, and circumstances under which the service should be offered.
- Special conditions or requirements — Information on prerequisites, approvals, pricing considerations, and integration needs.
1. eCheck Acquired
What it is:
eCheck (ACH) processing allows merchants to accept electronic checks or direct bank transfers for payments. These transactions can be one-time or recurring, and they’re processed using the customer’s routing and account numbers. Forte acts as the Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI), moving funds from the customer’s bank (RDFI) to the merchant’s account.
When to select:
- Merchants who need to collect payments via direct bank transfers.
- Common for utilities, government entities, property managers, and businesses with large invoices.
- Merchants who want to avoid credit card fees or offer ACH as a lower-cost alternative.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Requires underwriting approval and business documentation.
- Pricing structures depend on transaction volume and risk assessment.
- Forte offers ACH processing online (via BillPay, Checkout), in-person (integrated readers), and by phone (IVR).
2. Cards Acquired
What it is:
Credit and debit card processing fully managed by Forte. This means the merchant doesn’t need a separate bank processor — Forte handles the end-to-end process, from authorization to settlement.
When to select:
- For merchants that do not have existing processor relationships and want a fully managed solution.
- Ideal for subscription-based businesses, e-commerce merchants, and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Merchant must pass underwriting and KYC processes.
- Pricing includes interchange rates plus margin.
- Supports Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
3. Cards Gateway
What it is:
Forte serves only as the payment gateway, handling authorizations. The merchant’s processor or acquirer handles the funds movement. The current processors that Forte supports for the Gateway model are: FISERV (formerly First Data) - Elavon - TSYS - Worldpay - Global Payments
When to select:
- For merchants who already have a processor relationship and need a gateway solution for online or in-person transactions.
- Often chosen by larger merchants with complex banking setups.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Requires merchant processor credentials and integration approval.
- Pricing based on volume and complexity of implementation.
4. Verification Bank Account Status (Validate / Validate+)
What it is:
- Validate: Entry-level verification to confirm that the routing and account number exist and are correctly formatted.
- Validate+: Advanced verification that also checks for stop payments, NSF (non-sufficient funds), closed accounts, and account age.
When to select:
- Validate: For low-risk merchants or simple compliance with NACHA mandate.
- Validate+: For merchants with recurring billing or subscription models where failed transactions can be costly.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Access through REST API, Forte Checkout, BillPay, or DEX.
- Suggested pricing: Validate $0.10–$0.15/transaction; Validate+ around $0.29/transaction with optional monthly fees.
5. Verification Bank Owner Verification (Authenticate)
What it is:
Verifies the actual ownership of a bank account by matching the customer’s name and account details against a secure database.
When to select:
- Merchants disbursing funds to customers (insurance reimbursements, refunds, payroll disbursements).
- Merchants who want to minimize fraud and ensure legitimate account ownership.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Setup fees apply.
- Pricing varies by merchant type (Standard, Enterprise, or Partner Channel).
- Accessed via REST API or AGI calls.
- Works well in combination with Validate or Validate+ for layered security.
6. Account Updater
What it is:
An automated service that updates stored credit card information (account numbers, expiration dates, closures) if the card is replaced, reported lost, or updated by the issuing bank.
When to select:
- For merchants that rely on recurring billing, memberships, or subscription services.
- Essential for reducing declines due to outdated card information.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Must use CSG Forte tokenization for card data storage.
- Merchant must be pre-approved by Forte and comply with Visa, MasterCard, and Discover rules.
- Automatic monthly updates with reporting and invoicing.
7. Alternative Methods of Payment
What it is:
Supports cashless and cardless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo (U.S. only).
When to select:
- For merchants offering e-commerce and mobile checkout options to stay competitive.
- Merchants wanting to reduce cart abandonment with faster, secure checkout experiences.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Available via Forte’s systems and enabled in Dex under product and services settings.
- Requires merchant approval and setup assistance.
8. Bill Payment: Pay By Phone (IVR)
What it is:
An Interactive Voice Response system that allows end customers to make secure phone payments using credit cards or eChecks.
When to select:
- For merchants with large call volumes or those offering phone-based payment channels (utilities, municipal services).
- Merchants that want to reduce live agent costs while improving self-service.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Custom scripts required (provided and approved by merchant).
- Supports English and Spanish.
- Multi-channel reporting available via FTP and browser tools.
9. Bill Payment: Text To Pay (Text Reminders)
What it is:
Merchants can send SMS messages with a link to a mobile-friendly payment page, allowing customers to quickly and conveniently pay their bills.
When to select:
- For merchants that want to reduce late payments and increase on-time collection.
- Best for service providers with recurring billing (utilities, phone services, gyms).
Special conditions/requirements:
- Must be enabled in Dex under BillPay Services.
- Merchants schedule messages and manage reminder frequency with implementation support.
10. Bill Payment: Web Pay (Billpay Portal)
What it is:
A branded web portal hosted by Forte that allows merchants’ customers to make self-service online payments.
When to select:
- For merchants looking for an online bill pay solution that integrates with their systems.
- Ideal for recurring bills, invoices, or pay-as-you-go services.
Special conditions/requirements:
- Includes automated monthly invoicing and reporting.
- Custom pricing structures and commission setups available.
- Invoices accessible via Webtools; automated and manual billing adjustments supported.