The USDA has partnered with U.S. Bank to provide vendors who do business with USDA agencies an automated Accounts Payable Solution called AgPay XPress, which is a service available under GSA SmartPay3. AgPay XPress is USDA’s invoice payment service designed to provide fast, secure payments while improving efficiency and reducing costs.
By adding this new service, the USDA is taking a proactive approach to make paying invoices an easier and secure process for both USDA vendors and the Department itself.
Key benefits our vendors will receive from AgPay XPress:
AgPay XPress replaces traditional plastic cards with single-use electronic account numbers that are assigned to a specific payment. Payments are processed only after the invoice has been approved, providing enhanced control over payment timing.
For more information on the service, interested vendors can send an email to the official AgPay XPress email at SM.FO.AgPay.XP.Help@usda.gov.
Vendors can enjoy significant, tangible savings from accepting automated charge card payments from USDA agencies. They include but are not limited to the following:
There are no additional fees from USDA but standard processing fees administered by your merchant acquiring bank will apply.
Does AgPay XPress change the USDA’s current purchasing and payment processes?
While the AgPay XPress process allows both vendors and the USDA to streamline operations, current processes for orders and invoices remain the same. The only change is to the invoice payment process, with the AgPay XPress payment process, vendors who sign up with U.S. Bank will receive a payment link for each invoice.
What is the process for being paid by the AgPay XPress program?
You will receive a remittance notification via email which will contain instructions to retrieve the virtual card number. You will then process the virtual card number as you do normal credit card numbers.
How does a vendor join the AgPay XPress program?
Vendors may join the AgPay XPress program by completing the AgPay XPress program enrollment form provided by US Bank. For more information contact us at SM.FO.AgPay.XP.Help@usda.gov.
How long does it take to complete the payment instructions?
Typically, within 1-2 minutes.
What happens if a business does not follow the instructions to process the payment?
After 23 days, the virtual account number expires. From there, the client can reissue the card, or the suppliers can contact supplier support at U.S. Bank to ask for the card details.
