Why accept credit cards?

• Better customer service - Citizens will appreciate having a new payment option that is convenient, easy to use, fast, reliable, accurate, on time and confidential
• Better Cash Flow - Electronic Fund receipts flow directly into the state account.  The collection is more timely and predictable
• Reduced Risk - No checks lost in the mail and no returned checks.  Reliability in knowing this payment method is protected by Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Federal Regulations
• Time Savings - Fewer mail openings, fewer checks to handle and fewer trips to the bank.
• Improving your image - Offering the Internet receipt option shows the world that you are technologically savvy and cost-conscious.
• Lower Costs - Time and Money spent on handling checks can be used in other areas.  Overall reduction in processing costs as compared to check payments

What options are available for a credit card acceptance and processing program?

Credit cards can be accepted in threes ways: 1) integrated into an existing web application where the agency processes a transaction via the Internet, 2) Point-of-Sale (POS) where the citizen processes a transaction at a agency counter sale operation, and 3) Integrated Voice Response (IVR) where the citizen calls a telephone number and enters a credit card transaction through a series of voice prompts.

What credit cards are accepted?

The Financial Transaction Device’s accepted are Master Card, VISA, Discover, American Express.

What is the start-up costs associated with the program?

For a POS program cost would include a $29.95 monthly lease for a terminal. For a web application for IVR programs pricing varies base on the integration solution selected by each agency.  For example, the cost for a web application is $250.00 one-time set-up fee per and $200.00 monthly maintenance fee per application deployment.

What are the on-going costs associated with the program?

Fifth third Processing Solutions is charging a bundled discount rate (swiped transactions) of 1.97% for Master Card and 2.05% for VISA. (non-swiped transaction) 2.30% for both Master Card and VISA. American Express is charging a flat rate of 2.2% plus $0.055 per transaction and Discover is charging a flat rate of 1.65% plus $0.055 per transaction.

If my agency is interested in the program, what are the next steps?

TMS will arrange for you to complete some preliminary information forms and set-up a meeting to ensure a program is designed to meet your Agency’s needs. Send TMS an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact us at 866-OHIOTMS