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Industry Expertise | Four Ways Lenders Can Get Paid Faster

Industry Expertise | Four Ways Lenders Can Get Paid Faster

Industry Expertise” is sponsored content produced by AFSA’s Business Partners’ to provide thought leadership and best practices for AFSA member companies. For more information about this sponsored content opportunity, contact Dan Bucherer.

Four Ways Lenders Can Get Paid Faster
Author: Nolan Moran

Maintaining healthy cash flow is crucial for lenders. Late payments don’t just hurt revenue, they create operational strain, increase collection efforts, and weaken borrower relationships. Yet, most borrowers don’t intend to pay late, they just need a simpler, faster way to do it.

Such traditional payment methods as mailed statements, call-based payments, and outdated systems create friction. A modern self-service portal removes these barriers, making it easier for borrowers to pay on time and freeing up your internal teams.

If improving cash flow and borrower satisfaction is a priority, modernizing your payment process is essential. Here’s how a self-service portal can help.

Why Borrowers Delay Payments – and How to Solve It

Borrowers often miss payments due to friction in the process. Common reasons include:

  • Forgetting due dates: Without reminders, payments slip through the cracks.
  • Cumbersome payment systems: Complex processes cause delays.
  • Limited payment options: Borrowers want flexibility, not restrictions.
  • Lack of real-time access: Without visibility, borrowers may not realize they’re overdue.

A self-service portal addresses these pain points by offering an intuitive, efficient payment experience.

1. Simplify the Payment Experience

A user-friendly portal enables borrowers to:

  • Instantly view balances and payment history
  • Make one-time or recurring payments with ACH, debit, or credit cards
  • Set up Auto Pay for worry-free, on-time payments
  • Receive automated payment reminders

A survey by PayNearMe revealed that 47% of consumers believe receiving digital reminders (via text or email) would make it easier to pay their loans on time.

2. Reduce Call Volume and Support Costs

Every missed payment often leads to a call – about due dates, payment options, or payoff amounts. These routine inquiries burden your team and slow down operations. A portal empowers borrowers to:

  • Access account information independently
  • Retrieve past statements and payoff quotes
  • Update contact information

3. Offer Flexible Payment Options

Borrowers prefer to pay on their terms. A portal provides:

  • ACH, debit, and credit card payment options
  • Easy set up for Auto Pay
  • Mobile-optimized access for payments anytime, anywhere

Flexible options encourage faster, more consistent payments.

4. Provide Secure, Compliant Transactions

Borrowers need to trust the systems they use. A modern portal ensures:

  • PCI Level 1 compliance for secure transactions
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) for enhanced security
  • Accessibility compliance for borrowers with disabilities

By prioritizing security and accessibility, lenders build trust and drive higher portal usage.

The Bottom Line

Relying on paper statements, phone calls, or outdated portals creates unnecessary barriers to payment. A self-service customer portal isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for improving borrower experience, reducing operational costs, and accelerating cash flow. Lenders who modernize their payment processes can:

  • Increase on-time payments
  • Lower delinquency rates
  • Strengthen borrower loyalty

Digital-first solutions are reshaping the lending landscape. Is your organization ready to lead?

Learn how DataOceans’ Customer Portal can help you streamline payments and improve borrower engagement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

May 12th, 2025

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