FedNow File Format
TodayPayments.com is the U.S. fintech gateway that simplifies real-time payments using FedNow® and RTP® file formats like Excel, XML, and ISO 20022. We help high-risk and multi-entity businesses automate secure instant payments—without bank visits or credit checks.
What is the FedNow® File Format?
FedNow® File Format: How U.S. Businesses
Process Real-Time Payments
A New Standard for Real-Time Payment File
Formatting
The shift from batch-based ACH to real-time
payments requires a new standard in how businesses structure and
transmit payment data. Whether you’re managing invoices for a
growing startup or reconciling multi-bank payments across national
franchises, the FedNow® File Format offers the flexibility to
upload and initiate payments in Excel (.xlsx), XML, or
the global ISO 20022 standard.
This article explains how businesses can use these formats to send payment instructions to the FedNow® network and RTP® (The Clearing House), and how TodayPayments.com allows you to manage everything in one streamlined, secure dashboard—no developer needed.
The FedNow® File Format defines how payment data is structured for transmission to the FedNow® Service. It allows businesses to batch, process, and reconcile instant payments via three supported formats:
- Excel (.xlsx) – Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses using spreadsheet systems like QuickBooks®
- XML – Structured data exchange for automated processing and integrations
- ISO 20022 – The global financial messaging format that enables data-rich, interoperable transactions between financial institutions
Each format supports Account-to-Account (A2A), Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), and Request for Payment (RfP) messaging. With alias support (like email or mobile numbers), you can send real-time payments without entering sensitive financial data.
How to Use FedNow® File Format for Your Business
Benefits of Using FedNow® File Formats with TodayPayments.com
Here’s why more U.S. businesses are adopting structured FedNow® file processing:
- Free FedNow® and RTP® Applications – No setup fees, no contracts
- Multi-format Upload Support – Upload your Excel, XML, or ISO 20022 payment instructions
- Alias-Based Security – Use phone numbers or emails as recipient monikers
- QuickBooks® Online Integration – Auto-sync payments, invoices, and reconciliations
- Hosted Payment Pages – Generate invoice-specific payment links for customers
- Batch Uploads & Recurring Payments – Ideal for payroll, A/P, and mass payouts
- Support for Over 100+ Aliases – Each linked to its own MID (Merchant ID)
- POS, MOTO, Web, Mobile Invoicing – Process payments from anywhere
- Multi-Bank & Credit Union Access – One dashboard, unlimited financial partners
- Instant Payouts and Settlement – No waiting days for cash flow
- Real-Time Reporting – Treasury insights your accountant or CFO will love
✅ "FREE" Real-Time Payments Bank Reconciliation – with all merchants process with us.
How to Use FedNow® File Format for Your Business
- Choose Your Format – Select Excel, XML, or ISO 20022 based on your system and volume
- Prepare the File – Input payment details, aliases, memos, and instructions
- Upload to TodayPayments.com – Drag-and-drop or API-based integration
- Send Payments Instantly – Process FedNow® and RTP® payments in seconds
- Download Reconciliation Reports – Instantly track payee confirmation and status updates
Even if you operate across 50+ states or manage 100+ subsidiaries, TodayPayments.com enables real-time payments without the complexity.
The specifics of the file format would be provided by the Federal Reserve or the organization responsible for administering the FedNow service.
A general idea of what a payment file format might include based on common industry standards. Keep in mind that the actual FedNow RFP file format could differ.
A typical payment file might include the following information:
- Header Record:
- File Identifier
- Creation Date and Time
- Sender Identification
- Receiver Identification
- Total Number of Payment Records
- Total Payment Amount
- Payment Records: Each payment record contains details about an individual payment. This could include:
- Payment Reference Number
- Payee Information (Name, Account Number, Routing Number)
- Payment Amount
- Payment Due Date
- Payment Description or Invoice Number
- Additional Payment Instructions
- Footer Record:
- Total Number of Payment Records
- Total Payment Amount
The actual format could be based on various technologies such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), or custom binary formats.
Since FedNow is a real-time payment system introduced by the Federal Reserve, its specifications and file formats would be officially documented and provided by the Federal Reserve or relevant governing body.
Real-Time File Uploads Start at TodayPayments.com
If you're still uploading ACH files to your bank or relying on outdated systems, it's time to level up. At TodayPayments.com, you can:
✅ Upload FedNow® or RTP® Files
in Excel, XML, or ISO 20022
✅ Enroll in real-time
payment accounts with zero setup fees
✅
Consolidate multiple MIDs, aliases, or divisions—all
in one dashboard
✅ Support high-risk industries
and credit-challenged merchants
✅ Reconcile
payments instantly with QuickBooks® QBO integration
👉 Start Now:
https://www.TodayPayments.com
Real-time file uploads.
Instant payouts. No stress.
Creation Request for Payment Bank File
Call us, the .csv and or .xml Request for Payment (RfP) file you need while on your 1st phone call! We guarantee our reports work to your Bank and Credit Union. We were years ahead of competitors recognizing the benefits of RequestForPayment.com. We are not a Bank. Our function as a role as an "Accounting System" with Real-Time Payments to work with Billers / Payees to create the Request for Payment to upload the Biller's Bank online platform. U.S. Companies need help to learn the RfP message delivering their bank. Today Payments' ISO 20022 Payment Initiation (PAIN .013) shows how to implement Create Real-Time Payments Request for Payment File up front delivering a message from the Creditor (Payee) to it's bank. Most banks (FIs) will deliver the message Import and Batch files for their company depositors for both FedNow and Real-Time Payments (RtP). Once uploaded correctly, the Creditor's (Payee's) bank continues through a "Payment Hub", with messaging to the Debtor's (Payer's) bank.
... easily create Real-Time Payments RfP files. No risk. Test with your bank and delete "test" files before APPROVAL on your Bank's Online Payments Platform.
Today Payments is a leader in the evolution of immediate payments. We were years ahead of competitors recognizing the benefits of Same-Day ACH
and Real-Time Payments funding. Our business clients receive faster
availability of funds on deposited items and instant notification of
items presented for deposit all based on real-time activity.
Dedicated to providing superior customer service and
industry-leading technology.
1) Free ISO 20022 Request for Payment File Formats, for FedNow and Real-Time Payments (The Clearing House) .pdf for you manually create "Mandatory" (Mandatory data for completed file) fields, start at page 4, with "yellow" highlighting. $0.0 + No Support
2) We create .csv or .xml formatting using your Bank or Credit Union. Create Multiple Templates. Payer / Customer Routing Transit and Deposit Account Number may be required or Nickname, Alias to import with your bank. You can upload or "key data" into our software for File Creation of "Mandatory" general file.
Fees = $57 monthly, including Support Fees and Batch Fee, Monthly Fee, User Fee, Additional Payment Method on "Hosted Payment Page" (Request for file with an HTML link per transaction to "Hosted Payment Page" with ancillary payment methods of FedNow, RTP, ACH, Cards and many more!) + $.03 per Transaction + 1% percentage on gross dollar file,
3) We add a URI for each separate Payer transaction. Using URI, per transaction, will identify and reconcile your Accounts Receivable.
Fees Above 2) plus $29 monthly additional QuickBooks Online "QBO" formatting, and "Hosted Payment Page" and WYSIWYG
4) Above 3) plus Create "Total" (over 600 Mandatory, Conditional & Optional fields of all ISO 20022 Pain .013) Price on quote.
Each day, thousands of businesses around the country are turning their transactions into profit with real-time payment solutions like ours.
Start using our Bank Reconciliation and Aging of Request for Payments:
Dynamic integrated with FedNow & Real-Time Payments (RtP) Bank Reconciliation: Accrual / Cash / QBO - Undeposited Funds
Contact Us for Request For Payment payment processing
