Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Bill Paying Services.

Ratings

Bill Management

Bill paying services offer bill management features allowing the user to view bill details online, receive alerts when bills arrive or become due and print copies of bills for records.

Payment Features

Services pay in a variety of ways. Some only make electronic payments while others do both electronic and regular check payments. Other payment features allow you to choose from which accounts you want to pay bills and the ability to authorize a bill each month or set up recurring payments.

Ease of Use/Setup

You should have to enter your billing and paying accounts information only once. The service should be easy to navigate and efficient so you can pay bills quickly.

Help/Support

Help and support should include good telephone and online support, email forms, FAQs and user forums.

Bill Management

E-bills available

Service receives electronic copies of your bills and displays them in your billing account.

Scanned Paper Bills

Service receives your mailed bills, scans them and then displays them online in your billing account.

View Bill Details

You are able to view detailed information about each bill.

Run Reports

Reports showing financial information can be created and accessed.

Bill Arrival Alert

An alert received either online or through email that announces the arrival of a new bill.

Bill Becoming Due Alert

An alert received either online or through email that announces the upcoming due date of a bill.

Bill Not Received Alert

An alert received either online or through email warning that a bill was not received.

Payment Confirmations

Confirmation that the payment of a bill was made and received.

Print Copy of Bill

The ability to print a copy of bills received online.

Online Notes

An area where you can make notes about certain bills.

Automatic Checkbook Balancing

The balance of your checkbook is automatically calculated and displayed.

Bill Calendar

A calendar showing when your bills are due as well as scheduled payments.

Payment Features

Service Pays E-bills

Service pays e–bills through electronic means.

Service Cuts Paper Checks

Service will print checks to pay those who don’t accept electronic payments.

Pay Anyone

You can pay anyone through the bill pay service from utility companies to your babysitter.

Pay with Credit Cards

Service allows you to pay bills with your credit card.

Pay from Checking Account

Service deducts money for bills from your checking account.

Manual Authorization

Payments must be authorized and made every month by payer.

Automatic/recurring Payments

Payment will automatically be made according to amount and monthly date set by payer.

Multiple Pay Accounts Supported

Service allows you to use more than one account to pay your bills. You designate which account when you authorize payment.

Use any Bank

The bill paying service allows you to use whichever bank you like.

Late Charges Covered if Fault of Service

Service will pay late charges (sometimes only up to $50) if they are at fault for a late payment.

No Charges for Insufficent Funds

Service will not charge a fee when you do not provide sufficient funds to pay a bill.

Payment History

View your bill payment history.

Records and Xtras

Keeps Records

Service will keep records of your bill payment history for the amount of time specified.

End of Year CD-Rom

A CD–Rom containing all of your billing information for the past year.

Spending Alerts

Alerts that tell you when you are nearing your credit limit, budgeted limit and more.

Spending Analysis

The bill paying service provides an analysis of your financial spending.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

The bill paying service offers telephone support to its clients.

Email Support

The service offers support via email.

Online Help

The service offers support online.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.

User Forums

The service provides an area where you can discuss online bill pay services with other clients.

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