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Editorial Viewpoint Stepping Forward Spotlight On First Express Remittance Processing, Inc. Spotlight On GreenPath Debt Solutions COVER STORY New Initiatives Target Faster Payments, Settlement and... NEWS REPORT Marketing Programs Boost Consumer Adoption of... CASE STUDY Custom Accounts-Receivable Solution from First Express... BUSINESS TOOLS Sign Up for MasterCard RPPS Reporting Services... NEWS REPORT Online Biller/Creditor Directory Helps Customers... NEWS REPORT New Processing Service for Collection Agencies Expands MasterCard RPPS... INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Q&A with Catherine Graeber...		NEWS REPORT Online Biller/Creditor Directory Helps Customers Maximize Electronic Volume Proficient Use of Online Tool Delivers Significant Efficiencies The MasterCard RPPS Online Biller/Creditor Directory - the central, comprehensive data resource for our customers - enables the accurate, speedy transmission of payment transactions by delivering critical billing data to our customers. By keeping that data up-to-date and taking advantage of the directory's features, our customers will reap the full benefits of this powerful tool. "The directory is the bond between billers and originators - the heart of our system, where all biller data resides. Without it, payments simply would not move because originators would not be able to see all billers," says Mike Foye, MasterCard RPPS. "With the recent upgrade, the directory offers more power, speed, versatility - and it's even easier to use," he says. "But MasterCard RPPS customers on both sides of the payment transaction can help maximize the volume and accuracy of electronic payments if they use the tool wisely." Providing updated information Billers can help maximize volume on the network very easily, just by ensuring that their data is current. "The problem is that MasterCard RPPS runs so cleanly and quietly that billers sometimes forget to update their information," says Foye. "It's not in their field of view every day, so they might not think about it." Including a complete list of remittance addresses, for example, can help increase volume. Also, if a biller introduces a new product and hires a new lockbox provider to handle payments for that product, then the provider should be added to the directory. "The more information that billers can provide to populate the data fields, the more confident originators will be about sending a payment electronically. When originators can see the specific lockbox address relating to their payment, it raises their comfort level. Then, they're more likely to send payments electronically, resulting in more transactions coming through the MasterCard RPPS network," says Foye. "It's the biller's responsibility to get the data into the directory. Once it's there, we make sure that clean, correct data gets passed on to the originators." Similarly, proficient use of account masks can help increase electronic volume on the network. (An account mask defines the account number structure. MasterCard RPPS edits according to the biller's account mask specifications.) "Using more-specific masks - that is, defining each position of the account number structure instead of simply specifying 10 numeric digits - can give the originator greater confidence that its customers' transactions will be posted," he says. Using current data Originators that wish to maximize their electronic payments volume should ensure that their biller data is up-to-date, and with the online directory, it's easy. "Originators want to send as many payments as possible via MasterCard RPPS because it's less expensive than the alternatives, and it improves the consumer's payment experience," Foye says. "By using the most current and accurate data, they're sure to get the maximum biller reach." The directory is updated on a daily basis, and originators can access it in three ways: ♦ Search the database. ♦ Download the full file. ♦ Conduct automated downloads. "Customers who use the automated download can contact MasterCard RPPS Customer Service and Operations if they need directory upgrade support," says Foye. Whatever method you choose, the Online Biller/Creditor Directory is an easy, versatile, and powerfully unique tool for maximizing your electronic payment volume. Printer Friendly Version Back to Top