The BPAY service continues to grow with more than 16,000 companies offering the bill payment option. Among these businesses, there are a number of Master Billers who act on behalf of Sub Billers, enabling smaller companies to offer the BPAY service. Currently there are 73 Master Billers and 20,055 Sub Billers.

The Master Biller-Sub Biller arrangement is particularly applicable to industries that are typically populated by sole operators or franchisees, such as travel agents and real estate agents. It is also an effective agreement for companies that have frequent payments from many sources, such as strata and rental companies. A number of not-for-profit organisations also prefer this arrangement, as do some schools and universities.

The Master Biller-Sub Biller partnership has benefits for both parties. For small businesses that become Sub Billers, featuring the BPAY logo on their invoices equates to increased cash flow and faster payments (no dishonours, charge backs or returns and receipts are cleared funds), along with accurate payment records. It puts to rest the infamous phrase "the cheque is in the mail".

Additionally, for a smaller company that may not yet have the transaction volume required to become a BPAY biller, this arrangement enables them to offer their customers the BPAY option while building up their base of transactions.

In terms of the costs involved, the Master Biller provides billing services to a smaller company for a fee, which is generally very competitive with what the small company would pay for a similar service.

While many small operators remain in the Master Biller-Sub Biller arrangement over a long period, some decide, after becoming more familiar with the BPAY service and its benefits to become a regular BPAY biller.

If any BPAY biller is interested in receiving more specific information on the Master Biller-Sub Biller agreement, please contact the BPAY office (02) 8252 0500 or your financial institution.