Mass Payment: What It Is, How It Works, Execution And Benefits

What Is Mass Payment?

Mass payment is a method of paying multiple recipients online simultaneously. Instead of typing in each recipient’s payment information separately, users can upload a spreadsheet containing all the relevant data or use a mass payments application programming interface. Mass payments can be set up as one-time transactions or as recurring automatic payments. Mass payments may also be referred to as "mass payouts."

Key Takeaways

• Mass payments refer to transactions involving several recipients sent simultaneously by a single sender, saving time and expense in sending payments.
• Mass payments are facilitated through technological platforms and payments services companies.
• Mass payments are commonly used for accounts payables, payroll, and batch processing.

Understanding Mass Payment

Mass payments are a faster, easier, and potentially more cost-effective solution to sending out checks. Recipients appreciate receiving their money faster and more securely, helping boost the payer’s reputation.

Recipients receive a link via email or mobile phone to claim their payment through a secure online account. They can then transfer the money to their bank account, receive it on a payment card, collect it at a cash pickup location, or use it to make online purchases, depending on the options the mass payments provider offers. Mass payment services are typically available from money transfer companies like PayPal.

Mass Payments in Practice

Payment logs allow senders to track their complete payment history, and data can easily be exported to spreadsheets or accounting applications. Payments can be sent to recipients in different countries and currencies, allowing businesses to expand their scope without creating a drag on accounts payable.

Situations where mass payments can be a huge time saver include paying affiliate commissions, customer rebates, survey incentives, and employee benefits.

Batch processing is a common form of mass payment, involving the processing of transactions in a group or batch. This is different from transaction processing, which involves processing transactions one at a time and requires user interaction. Batch processing is particularly suited to end-of-cycle processing, such as generating reports or processing payrolls.

Mass Payment: Execution and Benefits

Mass payments shift the payment model from sender directed to receiver directed. The recipient can choose how to get paid and exercise greater control over the payment process. Organizations can save money, especially with international payments, which often incur significant fees.

Mass payments can also save senders time and resources by allowing recipients to provide personal information to the mass payment vendor instead of the sender. This frees up resources for core business activities or cost savings.

Senders should ensure their mass payment vendor employs strong security practices to protect against data breaches and other security threats.