Getting Started with Pay Advantage

Written By dev@payadvantage.com

Last updated 5 months ago

Your Pay Advantage service is accessed through a secure, cloud-based client portal, giving you everything you need to manage and process payments in one place.

Through the platform, you can manage your customers and accept payments across multiple methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, BPAY, and PayID. You can also automate recurring payments with Direct Debit, integrate with Xero, and connect Pay Advantage to your website via hosted pages or iFrame solutions.

In addition, you can track payments, view settlements, export reports, manage your billing, and control your account security settings.

Before you can begin receiving payments, you’ll need to complete your Business Verification, which is available on your dashboard.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by our team so you can get started as soon as possible.

Setting Up Your Customers

Easily create, manage, and update your customer records within the platform. You can also create and search for custom fields to suit your business needs.

Customers can be added in several ways:

  • Manually, using the Create button in the left-hand menu > the Add a Customer option on your dashboard, or while setting up a new Direct Debit
  • By importing customers in bulk using a CSV file
  • Through a hosted webpage connected to your website
  • By syncing your contacts from Xero

Once your customers have been created, you’re ready to start accepting and managing payments using all available features.

For more detailed instructions, please refer to: Customer Management

Using BPAY

BPAY is a simple and reliable way to receive payments directly from your customers’ bank accounts.

To allow customers to pay your business via BPAY, you can:

  • Provide your BPAY Biller Code and Reference Number verbally
  • Include your BPAY details on invoices
  • Send your customer their BPAY details via their profile in the system

Once your customer has their unique BPAY details, they can make payments at any time through their online banking.

All payments received will be visible in the customer’s payment tab or in the main Payments section of the platform.

For more detailed instructions, please refer to the BPAY guide

Direct Debit

Direct Debit allows you to automate recurring payments from your customers with flexible scheduling and full control.

Payments can be collected from a bank account or credit card, and payment details can be updated at any time. You also have the option to on-charge applicable fees to your customers.

Payment Scheduling

You can set up Direct Debits with a range of frequencies, including:

  • Weekly
  • Fortnightly
  • Monthly
  • Quarterly
  • Yearly

Authorisation Methods

Direct Debits can be authorised using:

  • Paper forms
  • Electronic (paperless) authorisation

These authorities form a legally binding agreement between you, your customer, and Pay Advantage, outlining the terms and conditions of the arrangement.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Direct Debit guide

Virtual Terminal

The Virtual Terminal allows you to process real-time credit and debit card payments directly from your Pay Advantage account, using any modern smartphone, tablet, or desktop with no additional hardware required.

This feature is ideal for one-off payments, including transactions taken over the phone or on the go.

How It Works

From your online portal, simply:

  1. Navigate to the Create button in the menu panel
  2. Select Virtual Terminal
  3. Select or create a customer
  4. Enter the customer’s card details
  5. Click Apply to process the payment instantly

You also have the option to store card details securely for future payments (where applicable).

Payment Requests

Payment Requests allow you to send a secure payment link to your customers via email, SMS, or by sharing a link directly.

Customers can then complete the payment on their own device by securely entering their card details or selecting available payment options.

Payment Options

The Virtual Terminal supports:

This gives you flexibility to accept payments using the method that best suits your business.

Receipts

Once the payment has been processed, you can:

  • Email a receipt directly to your customer, or
  • Print a copy for your records

Receiving Payments into Your Bank Account

The time it takes to receive funds depends on the payment method:

  • BPAY: Typically received within 24 hours
  • Direct Debit (bank account): Funds are cleared and settled within 3 business days
  • Direct Debit (credit card): Funds are typically settled within 1 business day

Payments are grouped and paid to your nominated bank account as a single daily settlement. You can view a full breakdown of these payments in your account under the Settlements & Ledgers section.