Fiserv Upgrades the CheckFree Online Bill Pay Service

Fiserv (Brookfield, Wis.) is enhancing its CheckFree RXP online bill pay platform with features it says will drive more consumer usage of the service.

The new features, which include a bill pay widget, a tool for managing fee-based payments, and enhanced electronic bill activation and storage are being deployed via "Feature Packs." Feature Pack updates are deployed centrally and enable the implementation of new functions in a more seamless manner to help ensure the Fiserv network of financial institutions, billers and their customers have access to the most up-to-date online bill payment capabilities.

The bill pay widget makes it easy for consumers to schedule bill payments from their financial institution's online banking page. The widget is a condensed display of key criteria, including the biller to be paid, the pay date and the amount, which allows users to make payments quickly to any biller they have previously paid. The widget can be integrated into any page within the online banking service, enabling consumers to schedule a payment through the widget directly rather than visiting a dedicated bill payment page. Fiserv claims this kind of prominent placement will keep bill pay top of mind for consumers. The widget will be available in February.

CheckFree RXP also features an expedited payment service. Consumers can select the overnight check option to quickly pay billers not directly connected to Fiserv's system, such as landlords. Once the payment is delivered, a receipt is sent via e-mail to the consumer.

A final enhancement prompts consumers to sign up for electronic bills each time they add a new biller. In addition, consumers are now able to view 18 months of their payment histories.