Request Payment File Format – ISO 20022 Rich Data Messaging for FedNow® and RTP®

Understanding the ISO 20022 “Pain” Message Types

pain.001 – Customer Credit Transfer Initiation
This message is used to initiate credit transfers from the payer’s bank to the payee, forming the basis of a Request for Payment.

pain.002 – Payment Status Report
Used to provide feedback or status updates on previously submitted payment instructions, ensuring transparency and traceability.

pain.013 – Request for Payment Message
The key message type for generating an RfP, it instructs the payer’s bank to prompt the customer for approval, leading to instant payment.

Each message includes rich data attributes that are essential for automation, risk reduction, and reconciliation. They are designed for machine-readability and seamless integration with enterprise systems and banking infrastructure.

How Request Payment Files Are Uploaded and Processed

Payees create ISO 20022-compliant XML or HTML files that define their RfP instructions. These files are uploaded into secure payee dashboards provided by financial institutions or fintech platforms like TodayPayments.com.

Once the file is received, it is transmitted over the appropriate real-time rail—FedNow® or RTP®. The payer receives a Hosted Payment Page and can respond instantly. Payment confirmation is sent back in real time, and funds are guaranteed as “good funds,” available to the payee immediately.

The payee can then download reconciliation data, link transactions to QuickBooks® or ERP platforms, and ensure on-time delivery of goods or services with confidence.

To import Same-Day ACH, FedNow, and Real-Time Payments (RTP) Request for Payment (RfP) files in the ISO 20022 Message File Format using services like https://Same-DayACH.com, FedNow, and RTP platforms, you'll need to follow these steps to ensure proper integration and submission of payments. This guide walks you through the process of preparing, validating, and importing the ISO 20022 RfP files into these platforms.

1. Overview of Same-Day ACH, FedNow, and RTP with ISO 20022

• Same-Day ACH: Traditionally uses NACHA format, but with advanced processors and services, ISO 20022 can be used for specific use cases.
• FedNow: Requires ISO 20022 for real-time payment requests.
• RTP: Real-Time Payments (RTP) also use the ISO 20022 messaging standard.

The ISO 20022 message format is standardized and includes several key sections:

• Group Header (GrpHdr): Contains information such as the message ID and creation date.
• Payment Information (PmtInf): Holds payment details like the payer and payee information.
• Transaction Information (CdtTrfTxInf): Includes individual transaction details, such as the amount, remittance information, and payment references.

2. Creating and Formatting ISO 20022 Files

A. Structure of ISO 20022 for Request for Payment (RfP)

Here’s a basic example of an ISO 20022 XML file for an RfP message:

xml

<Document xmlns="urn:iso:std:iso:20022:tech:xsd:pacs.008.001.02">

    <FIToFICstmrCdtTrf>

        <GrpHdr>

            <MsgId>Batch001</MsgId>

            <CreDtTm>2024-09-15T12:00:00</CreDtTm>

            <NbOfTxs>2</NbOfTxs>

            <CtrlSum>3000.00</CtrlSum>

            <InitgPty>

                <Nm>MyBusinessName</Nm>

            </InitgPty>

        </GrpHdr>

        <CdtTrfTxInf>

            <PmtId>

                <InstrId>INV12345</InstrId>

                <EndToEndId>INV12345</EndToEndId>

            </PmtId>

            <Amt>

                <InstdAmt Ccy="USD">2000.00</InstdAmt>

            </Amt>

            <CdtrAgt>

                <FinInstnId>

                    <BIC>ABCDUS33XXX</BIC>

                </FinInstnId>

            </CdtrAgt>

            <CdtrAcct>

                <Id>

                    <IBAN>US12345678901234567890</IBAN>

                </Id>

            </CdtrAcct>

            <RmtInf>

                <Ustrd>Payment for Invoice INV12345</Ustrd>

            </RmtInf>

        </CdtTrfTxInf>

    </FIToFICstmrCdtTrf>

</Document>

B. Steps for Generating ISO 20022 Files

1. Export Payment Data: Export payment request data (e.g., invoices or payment details) from your accounting system (like QuickBooks, Xero, or other ERPs).
2. Convert to ISO 20022: Use third-party payment processors or conversion tools to transform the exported data into the ISO 20022 XML format.
   • You can use processors like TodayPayments, Plaid, Dwolla, Finastra, or Volante Technologies.
   • XML tools like Altova MapForce or Liquid XML Studio can be used to manually convert the data into ISO 20022 format.

C. Validate the ISO 20022 XML File

• Validation Tools: Use XML validation tools such as SWIFT MyStandards, XMLvalidation.com, or built-in tools in payment platforms like Same-DayACH.com, FedNow, or RTP platforms to ensure the file is properly formatted.
• Correct Errors: Make sure that all required fields such as payer details, payee details, amount, and remittance information are correctly populated.

3. Importing ISO 20022 Files into Same-Day ACH, FedNow, and RTP Platforms

A. Importing into Same-Day ACH (via https://Same-DayACH.com)

1. Log in to Your Account:
   • Access the https://Same-DayACH.com portal and log in with your credentials.
2. Navigate to File Upload Section:
   • Look for the File Upload or ACH Batch Upload section. Depending on your payment provider, they may allow ISO 20022 file uploads for Same-Day ACH.
3. Upload the ISO 20022 File:
   • Select the ISO 20022 XML file you created and upload it. If the platform supports it, the file will be validated upon upload.
4. Review and Submit:
   • Once the file is validated, review the batch of transactions, including the amounts, payees, and remittance information.
   • Click Submit to process the Same-Day ACH payments.

B. Importing into FedNow

1. Log in to Your Bank or Payment Processor Supporting FedNow:
   • Access your bank’s FedNow service or third-party platform (such as Finastra or Volante).
2. Navigate to the FedNow Section:
   • Look for the FedNow Services or Real-Time Payments section within your bank’s portal.
3. Upload the ISO 20022 XML File:
   • Use the file upload tool to import the ISO 20022 RfP file.
   • The system will automatically validate the structure of the file.
4. Submit the Request:
   • After validation, submit the payment request. FedNow payments are processed in real-time, meaning they should be executed instantly once submitted.

C. Importing into RTP (Real-Time Payments) Platforms

1. Access Your RTP Platform:
   • Log in to your RTP platform, such as The Clearing House’s RTP network or a third-party payment processor supporting RTP.
2. Navigate to the RTP File Upload Section:
   • Look for the RTP Services or File Upload section.
3. Upload the ISO 20022 XML File:
   • Upload the ISO 20022 XML file into the system.
   • The platform will validate the file for proper formatting and content.
4. Submit the RTP Payment:
   • Once the file passes validation, review the payment details and submit it for processing. RTP payments will also process in real-time, like FedNow.

4. Monitoring and Reconciling Payments

Once the payments are submitted, you should monitor the status of each transaction through the respective platforms.

A. Same-Day ACH

• Track Settlement: Same-Day ACH payments typically settle on the same business day, so check the portal for transaction completion statuses.

B. FedNow Payments

• Real-Time Updates: FedNow payments are processed in real-time, so the platform will provide immediate confirmation once the payment is completed.

C. RTP Payments

• Instant Confirmation: Like FedNow, RTP payments are also real-time. You can monitor transaction success, failures, or pending payments through your platform’s dashboard.

D. Reconcile with Your Accounting System

• Sync or Manually Reconcile: After processing the payments, sync the transactions with your accounting system (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) or manually reconcile them by marking the corresponding invoices as paid.

5. Best Practices for Importing ISO 20022 Files

• Validate Early: Always validate your ISO 20022 XML file before uploading to avoid rejections or processing delays.
• Use Secure Connections: Ensure that your file uploads are made over secure, encrypted channels to protect sensitive payment data.
• Automation: Consider integrating an API for automatic file generation and submission, especially if you process a high volume of payments regularly.

Conclusion

To import Same-Day ACH, FedNow, and Real-Time Payments (RTP) Request for Payment (RfP) files using the ISO 20022 XML format through platforms like https://Same-DayACH.com, FedNow, and RTP services, you'll need to prepare, validate, and upload properly formatted XML files. Once uploaded, the payments are processed based on the platform, with ACH settling the same day and FedNow and RTP executing in real-time. Using tools like TodayPayments, Finastra, Dwolla, and Plaid can streamline this process, ensuring seamless and accurate payment handling across these methods.

Upload, Get Paid, Reconcile in Real Time at TodayPayments.com

Are you ready to move from outdated ACH files to ISO 20022 real-time payments?

✅ Create pain.001, pain.002, or pain.013 RfP files in XML or HTML
✅ Upload through secure payee dashboards, 24/7
✅ Trigger payments over FedNow® or RTP® rails
✅ Get good funds instantly—no chargebacks or settlement delays
✅ Reconcile every transaction with full audit trail and QuickBooks® sync
✅ Support recurring billing, batch uploads, and multi-state payment flows

Start uploading your Request Payment File Format today at https://www.TodayPayments.com
Request Payment File Format – Structured. Secure. Settled Instantly.