Import File Formats for FedNow

Who Should Use FedNow® Import File Formats?

Benefits of Using FedNow® File Uploads via TodayPayments.com

• Upload Excel, XML, or ISO 20022 files with no tech expertise
• Alias support: pay by phone number or email—no routing/account numbers needed
• Auto-sync with QuickBooks® QBO for seamless reconciliation
• Hosted Payment Page URLs embedded into ISO 20022-based RfP messages
• Access multiple MIDs and banks from a single login
• Real-time A2A, B2B, B2C, and C2B payments
• Support for over 100+ aliases (emails or mobile numbers)
• Instant enrollment—no need to visit your bank
• High-risk merchants with poor credit accepted
• Upload payment batches with zero sign-up fees

Who Should Use FedNow® Import File Formats?

✅ Bookkeepers and CFOs: Seeking automated reconciliation and real-time cash flow tracking
✅ Multi-entity businesses: Operating across states or with several DBAs
✅ High-risk or restricted merchants: Rejected by traditional banks
✅ Retail, wholesale, and online sellers: Wanting real-time bill-pay solutions
✅ Startups and software platforms: That want to integrate payments via low-code solutions

Import file format for FedNow Request for Payment. With a general outline of how import file formats for payment requests typically work, which could be helpful for your understanding and implementation.

File Format Types: Import file formats are usually in common structured formats like CSV, XML, or JSON.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values):

CSV is a plain-text format where each line represents a record and fields are separated by commas.
Each row could represent a payment request with columns representing various details such as payment amount, recipient's information, purpose, etc.
Example CSV format for FedNow Request for Payment:
bash
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Recipient Name,Recipient Account Number,Payment Amount,Payment Purpose
John Doe,123456789,100.00,Invoice #123
Jane Smith,987654321,50.00,Invoice #456

XML (Extensible Markup Language):

XML is a more structured format using tags to define data elements and their attributes.
Each payment request would be represented by an XML element, with sub-elements representing details like amount, recipient, etc.
Example XML format for FedNow Request for Payment:
xml
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<Payments>
<Payment>
<Recipient>
<Name>John Doe</Name>
<AccountNumber>123456789</AccountNumber>
</Recipient>
<Amount>100.00</Amount>
<Purpose>Invoice #123</Purpose>
</Payment>
<Payment>
<!-- ... Another Payment ... -->
</Payment>
</Payments>

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation):

JSON is a lightweight data interchange format with a simple key-value pair structure.
Each payment request would be represented by a JSON object, with keys corresponding to details like recipient, amount, purpose, etc.
Example JSON format for FedNow Request for Payment:
json
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[
{
"Recipient": {
"Name": "John Doe",
"AccountNumber": "123456789"
},
"Amount": 100.00,
"Purpose": "Invoice #123"
},
{
/* ... Another Payment ... */
}
]

Custom Formats: Depending on the specifications provided by the Federal Reserve or the payment system you're working with, you might need to adhere to a specific format or schema. Ensure that you understand the documentation provided by the authorities to correctly structure your import files.

Validation and Error Handling: Regardless of the format, it's crucial to implement validation checks for data integrity and handle errors gracefully. This ensures that the payment requests are accurate and the system can handle any issues that arise during the import process.

As file formats and requirements can change, I recommend checking the official documentation or resources provided by the Federal Reserve for the most up-to-date information on the FedNow Request for Payment file format. Additionally, if you're integrating with a specific software like QuickBooks, you might need to refer to their documentation or consult with experts who are knowledgeable about the latest developments in payment integration.

Start today at https://www.TodayPayments.com — the fastest way to connect your business with FedNow® and RTP®.

Upload. Send. Get Paid Instantly with TodayPayments.com

If you're still keying in manual transactions or waiting days for ACH to settle, TodayPayments.com changes the game. Use Excel, XML, or ISO 20022 formats to:

✅ Upload your FedNow® payments in seconds
✅ Avoid complicated banking interfaces
✅ Process B2B, C2B, and A2A transactions instantly
✅ Reconcile automatically inside QuickBooks® QBO
✅ Onboard across all 50 states—even with multiple financial institutions
✅ Accept high-risk products, bad credit, and multi-alias accounts
✅ Batch payments, invoice via SMS/email, and track responses in real time

Start today at https://www.TodayPayments.com — the fastest way to connect your business with FedNow® and RTP®.