AT&T PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
AT&T (Formerly Bellsouth) utilizes BillMatrix to allow AT&T consumers the option to pay AT&T (Formerly Bellsouth) invoices over an automated interactive payment system using Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express credit cards, ATM/Debit cards and electronic checks over the phone. This system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Step 1
Dial 800-809-0826. A series of recorded messages will prompt you through the transaction.
Step 2
You will have the option of either English or Spanish when using the automated system. You will be given the option to "Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish".
Step 3
Next you will be asked to enter the 9-digit account number associated with the AT&T (Formerly Bellsouth) invoice being paid. The account number will be repeated to you to verify accuracy, which will give you the opportunity to correct any possible input errors.
Step 4
At the next prompt, you will be given a choice to Pay AT&T by using a Credit Card, ATM/Debit Card or Electronic Check. For credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Choose you payment method.
Go to Step 5 if paying by Credit Card or ATM/Debit Card
Go to Step 6 if paying by Electronic Check
Step 5 – Paying by Credit Debit or ATM card
a) Next you will enter the credit card number followed by the pound (#) sign. The system will repeat the credit card number if you do not enter the correct number of digits. If the number is entered incorrectly three times, then the system will advise you to re-check the information and will terminate the call.
b) Next, enter the month and year (MMYY) the credit card will expire followed by the pound (#) sign.
c) Next, enter the zip code where the credit card statement is received. This is designed to credit card ownership and control fraud.
d) The next step will take you to the Payment Amount Entry prompt. These instructions are listed in Step 7.
When Debit/ATM cards are used they must display the STAR or PULSE logo.
Step 6 – Paying by Electronic Check
a) Checking Account Number Entry Prompt – When using this payment method, a prompt stating "you will need routing number and bank account number information from the bottom of your check to complete the payment. This payment will appear as check number 999 on your bank statement."
b) Routing Number Entry Prompt – You will be prompted to "enter the 9 digit routing number that appears across the bottom of the check, this is not your bank account number", followed by the pound (#) sign.
c) Checking Account Number Prompt – Next you will be prompted to "Please enter your checking account number as it appears on the bottom of your check", followed by the pound (#) sign." The system at this point will repeat the checking account information entered by the consumer, and ask for verification. The system will then verify the routing number and checking account number as being valid bank numbers before sending the check data for further verification.
If the check is declined at this point, you will be asked if you entered the information correctly, and given the opportunity to re-enter the information. If you continue to have trouble, please contact your Creditwatch Services Ltd. Account Manager.
Step 7 – Amount to be Paid
a) Payment Amount Entry – At this point, you will enter the amount you wish to pay. The system will repeat the amount and ask you to verify the entry.
Step 8 – Payment Authorization
a) If you are paying by check you will hear "Your payment of will automatically be debited from your checking account within the next one to three business days. Your authorization for this transaction is effective today, ." "If you authorize BillMatrix to initiate this one time automatic debit from your checking account, say your full name and press 1."
You are required to state your full name as an indication that the one time automatic debit from your checking account is authorized. By pressing 2, you can have the disclosure repeated to them. The transaction and call can be cancelled by pressing 3 or hanging up.
Step 9 – Authorization Process
a) You will be placed on hold while BillMatrix calls for authorization on the payment. During this time you will hear BillMatrix provided music. While the music is being played, BillMatrix performs the following tasks:
(1) Credit Cards – The credit card number, amount of payment, expiration date, and state zip code are sent for verification and processing to the financial institution for authorization. Once a payment is authorized, the money is held by the automated clearinghouse responsible for that credit card and will be deposited into AT&T’s bank account.
(2) Visa/Mastercard Debit/Check Cards - The debit/check card number, amount of payment, expiration date, and statement zip code are sent for verification and processing to the financial institution for authorization. Once a payment is authorized, the money is held from the cardholder bank account for payment to AT&T.
(3) Electronic Checks – Your checking account information is compared against various internal and external databases before authorization.
Step 10 – Possible Reponses after Authorization
a) Approved – If approved you are that the payment has been authorized and gives you a confirmation code (BillMatrix Smart Receipt) for future reference. At this point you can hang up or you are given the opportunity to make another payment.
b) Declined – If declined, the system tells you that the payment was not authorized and advises you to contact the financial institution for more information. At this point you are given the opportunity to attempt payment with another payment type or the call is terminated.
c) Time Out - This means the financial entity for some reason, could not respond. Usually the computer at the institution is busy or unavailable. If this occurs you will need to call back at a later time.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact your CREDITWATCH Services Ltd Account Manager at 800-876-1888.
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