What is a direct submitter?

A direct submitter can originate payment instructions, create payment files and submit directly to Bacs.

Accessing Bacs

Interacting with Bacs is easy, quick and secure through Bacstel-IP.

Bacstel-IP
Bacstel-IP is the delivery channel which gives corporate users secure online access to Bacs. Bacstel-IP is a multi-layered, highly advanced, online submission channel and the largest Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) community in the world. It provides organisations with a fast, secure service for submitting, tracking and viewing payment files at any time, from anywhere, as well as the ability to collect reports.

Connecting to Bacstel-IP
You can connect to Bacstel-IP across five connection types: the internet, dial-up extranet, Broadband Direct, DSL Connect and Fixed Extranet Connect. Simply choose the most appropriate for your business.

Bacstel-IP connectivity methods (37 Kb PDF)

As a direct submitter there are two ways you can access Bacstel-IP: using software that Bacs has approved for Bacstel-IP and using a secure website called Bacs payment services.

Bacs approved software 
The Bacs Approved Software Service (BASS) provides minimum quality standards to all connectivity software. Since Bacs approves all Bacstel-IP software before it reaches the marketplace, users are reassured that the software has surpassed set quality standards, enabling a reduction in payment errors and enhanced control and protection of Bacs submissions. Here is a list of all Bacs approved software.

Bacs payment services website
The Bacs payment services website can be used to view submission history (this requires a smartcard), access reports and maintain details of your service users and contacts. The site can be accessed using a password and contact ID at the following address, note there is no ‘www.’ at the start of the address.

paymentservices.bacs.co.uk

The table below highlights the two ways a direct submitter can access Bacstel-IP:



Becoming a direct submitter

If you decide submitting direct to Bacs is the best option for your business you will need to plan your access to Bacs. There are a number of important steps to consider. Below is a comprehensive list of items to help with this process.

Application form
Obtain a direct submitter application form from your sponsoring bank.

Implementation guide
A detailed guide containing everything you need to know from choosing a software supplier to filling out the registration forms.

Bacstel-IP implementation guide (379 Kb PDF)

Connectivity options
Bacstel-IP offers the ability to submit payments and collect reports across five connection types.

Bacstel-IP connectivity methods (37 Kb PDF)

After sales checks
A check list which covers the first few weeks after choosing your software solution. It will help you to monitor the next critical stages in becoming a Bacs user.

Bacstel-IP aftersales checklist (192 Kb PDF)

Frequently asked questions
A range of questions and answers from functional requirements through to post implementation.