Doesn't anybody here (USA) use electronic bill payment through their bank? Zions Bank, with which the Church is likely passably familiar, has an excellent free bill payment service as do several Utah credit unions.RussellHltn wrote:Then we're just wildly speculating, aren't we?
Unless someone can show that there is a transaction charge-free way to do payments in the U.S., then I think my suggestion that the lack of a epayment system in the US may be due to the way the banking system is set up is a valid possibility.
I know that there is no charge to the recipient for using the bill pay service when a paper check is cut because the payee gets a check for exactly the amount that is deducted from my checking account.
Most large payees have the ability to accept payments electronically without a check. I could be wrong, but I don't think there is any per transaction fee that those who receive electronic payments pay.
This isn't a system with Visa or Mastercard or Paypal anywhere around. I use it every month for utility bills and payments to other payees who are not the type to accept a per transaction fee. Their alternative would be to refuse electronic payments and receive a paper check from Zions Bill Pay service to avoid any charge.