ePayables/Credit Card Payments Program
The city of St. Petersburg is pleased to announce payments via credit cards. This process will benefit vendors and the city by reducing paper, providing faster payment turn around time and reducing trips to the bank. This program is a win-win for vendors and the city.
How does the program work?
The city will issue a unique credit card number to each vendor. (There is no physical card issued.) Vendors will maintain the credit card number on file. The card has a zero balance until payments have been authorized by the city.
After goods are delivered or services rendered vendors submit invoices to the bill to department in accordance with the current process. When payments are authorized, an email notification is sent to an email address provided by the vendor. The email notification includes the invoice number, invoice date, and amount of payment. Once the vendor receives the email the credit card has been authorized to be charged for the amount listed in the email. When the vendor charges the full amount authorized in the email the card will return to a zero balance until the next payment is authorized.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
The city does not charge vendors to participate in the program; however, there may be a charge by the company that processes your credit card transactions.
Note: Transaction fees are negotiable.
What are the benefits of receiving payments by credit card?
Vendors that accept credit card payment are not subject to the city payment terms of net 30 days. This will allow vendors to:
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Receive their payments faster to use for day to day operations or investments.
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Quickly reduce outstanding accounts receivable balances.
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Reduce the cost of paper processing and employees' time spent on preparing and making deposits.
Accepting credit card payments provides a cost savings for the City. These savings are returned to the tax payers of the city.