Overview
Frequently asked questions about the PaymentPlus virtual credit card supplier payment method.
Q: Why has UC San Francisco decided to expand our Payment Plus program adoption?
A: We have focused on optimizing our procure-to-pay process with an emphasis on cost reduction, streamlining operations and reducing check payments; a key part of this effort has been working to grow our Payment Plus program.
Q: Are all UCSF suppliers being contacted for this program?
- Our goal is to pay as many of our suppliers as possible using Payment Plus.
- This program is currently only available for U.S.-based suppliers.
- A prioritized list of suppliers that meet a number of criteria which appear to make them a good fit for this program (e.g., commercial card acceptors, regularly used, currently paid by check and/or EFT) is being targeted.
Q: How does this shift in payment strategy change our current purchasing and payment process?
- The current processes for purchase requisitions and invoices will remain the same. The only change will be to the payment method.
- With Payment Plus our suppliers will receive an email notification from U.S. Bank for each payment instructing them how to obtain the card account, the amount to process using their point-of-sale device/software, and other pertinent details of the transaction.
Q: Why should we change the current process when it is already working well?
- Incorporating new technology gives us leading-edge procure-to-pay capabilities.
- The Payment Plus process is simpler, more streamlined, and can provide us with additional benefits from controls and working capital.
Q: What quantifiable benefits does the Payment Plus program provide?
- Compared to checks, our Payment Plus program can generate cost savings by:
- Removing risk of late payment to suppliers
- Eliminating material costs such as check production, paper and postage
Q: What are the benefits to our suppliers of receiving payment by Payment Plus instead of checks?
- Process Efficiency: Suppliers can reduce internal processing and transaction costs by eliminating paper-based processes, including check processing and associated reconciliation efforts.
- Working Capital Management: As an incentive, UCSF is agreeing to pay card-accepting suppliers on approval of invoices, which may result in a significant acceleration of payment.
Q: Are there any fees to our suppliers for receiving payment by Payment Plus virtual card instead of a check?
A: Yes, the standard processing fees administered by the supplier’s acquiring bank will apply. We encourage suppliers to review their merchant acquirer agreement and discuss ways to achieve the most favorable rates with their acquirer.
Q: What do suppliers need to do to accept Visa card payments?
A: For suppliers who are not currently set up with a merchant account, have the supplier call their corporate banking service provider or contact U.S. Bank’s preferred credit card service provider, Elavon. Elavon is a bank card acquirer that specializes in business-to-business transaction processing. Suppliers can reach Elavon Account Manager Jon Gersh at (952) 975-0284 #0285 or by email at [email protected].
Q: Where can suppliers find more information about accepting Visa card payments?
A: Comprehensive information is available on Visa.com. Merchants will find materials related to card-acceptance guidelines, Visa operating regulations and Visa interchange fees.
Q: What can suppliers expect once they are enrolled in Payment Plus?
A: The supplier will receive an automated email notification from U.S. Bank for each payment. These emails will contain a link to a secure web portal where the supplier will obtain a unique Visa credit card account number, the amount to charge and the other pertinent details of the transaction needed to process and reconcile the payments. The credit card account number will change with each payment so suppliers will not be required to keep this information on file.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
- For questions about the UCSF Payment Plus initiative, please create a service ticket.
- For general Payment Plus questions and enrollment support, please contact:
[email protected]