Import FedNow File

To import a FedNow Request for Payment (RfP) file, you'll need to format and process the file in compliance with FedNow's standards, based on your financial institution's integration system. Below, I’ll walk you through a generic process for importing an RfP file, using CSV, XML, and JSON formats, assuming your financial institution accepts these types for processing payments.

1. CSV Format

The CSV format represents simple tabular data, where each row corresponds to a FedNow payment request. You need to ensure your CSV structure meets the specific FedNow RfP requirements.

Example CSV Structure:

csv

TransactionID, RequestorAccount, BeneficiaryAccount, Amount, DueDate, RequestDate, Description

123456, 111111111, 222222222, 500.00, 2023-09-15, 2023-09-12, Payment for invoice #789

789123, 333333333, 444444444, 250.00, 2023-09-16, 2023-09-12, Payment for services rendered

• TransactionID: Unique identifier for the payment request.
• RequestorAccount: The sender's account number or routing details.
• BeneficiaryAccount: The receiver's account number.
• Amount: The amount requested.
• DueDate: The date when the payment is due.
• RequestDate: The date when the request is created.
• Description: Additional information about the payment.

2. XML Format

XML offers a more structured approach and may include additional metadata that can be processed by the FedNow system.

Example XML Structure:

xml

<PaymentRequests>

    <Request>

        <TransactionID>123456</TransactionID>

        <RequestorAccount>111111111</RequestorAccount>

        <BeneficiaryAccount>222222222</BeneficiaryAccount>

        <Amount>500.00</Amount>

        <DueDate>2023-09-15</DueDate>

        <RequestDate>2023-09-12</RequestDate>

        <Description>Payment for invoice #789</Description>

    </Request>

    <Request>

        <TransactionID>789123</TransactionID>

        <RequestorAccount>333333333</RequestorAccount>

        <BeneficiaryAccount>444444444</BeneficiaryAccount>

        <Amount>250.00</Amount>

        <DueDate>2023-09-16</DueDate>

        <RequestDate>2023-09-12</RequestDate>

        <Description>Payment for services rendered</Description>

    </Request>

</PaymentRequests>

3. JSON Format

JSON is commonly used in APIs and provides an easy-to-read and process format for payment requests.

Example JSON Structure:

json

{

  "paymentRequests": [

    {

      "transactionID": "123456",

      "requestorAccount": "111111111",

      "beneficiaryAccount": "222222222",

      "amount": 500.00,

      "dueDate": "2023-09-15",

      "requestDate": "2023-09-12",

      "description": "Payment for invoice #789"

    },

    {

      "transactionID": "789123",

      "requestorAccount": "333333333",

      "beneficiaryAccount": "444444444",

      "amount": 250.00,

      "dueDate": "2023-09-16",

      "requestDate": "2023-09-12",

      "description": "Payment for services rendered"

    }

  ]

}

Steps for Importing the FedNow Request for Payment File:

Step 1: File Preparation

• Ensure the file is formatted properly in the desired structure (CSV, XML, or JSON).
• Make sure the data is accurate and adheres to any specific fields required by FedNow or your institution.

Step 2: Authentication

Your institution's FedNow integration would require secure authentication (via API keys, OAuth tokens, etc.) to interact with the FedNow system. Ensure you have the correct credentials for the file upload.

Step 3: Upload the File

There are two primary ways to upload the payment file depending on how your institution is integrated with the FedNow system:

1. Using an API:
   • Your institution may provide a REST API to upload the request for payment.
   • Example API call using JSON:

POST /fednow/rfp/import

Content-Type: application/json

Authorization: Bearer <YourAPIToken>

{

  "paymentRequests": [...]

}

1.  
   • For XML or CSV, you can upload files using a similar POST request but adjust the Content-Type header accordingly (e.g., application/xml or text/csv).
2. Manual Upload:
   • Some financial institutions may offer a secure portal where you can manually upload the payment request file (CSV, XML, etc.).

Step 4: Validation

After uploading, the system will validate the payment requests to ensure they meet the FedNow standards. If there are any errors (e.g., invalid account numbers, wrong formats), the system will return error messages or logs that need to be corrected.

Step 5: Monitor Status

Monitor the status of the imported file through:

• API responses (successful processing or error logs).
• Notifications or reports from the FedNow system.
• Your financial institution's backend portal, where statuses such as "Pending," "Processed," or "Failed" may appear.

Key Points:

• Ensure all required fields (transaction ID, accounts, amounts, etc.) are included in the file.
• Follow the FedNow and your financial institution's specific file format requirements.
• Use appropriate authentication methods to upload or transmit the file securely.
• Monitor the file processing and handle any errors as needed.

For specific guidance, you may need to consult your financial institution's FedNow documentation, as requirements can vary slightly depending on the setup and payment infrastructure.