The rule for choosing digital fee channels: compare channels against dated provider terms β without unsupported integration claims. Cash, bKash and Nagad β each has different requirements, costs and risks; this checklist aligns all three in one frame.
What to verify: channel comparison using dated provider terms, no unsupported integration claims
The channel-comparison sheet:
| Criterion | Cash | bKash link | Nagad gateway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian convenience | easy if nearby | from anywhere | from anywhere |
| Receipt | hand-made at office | automatic | automatic |
| Reconciliation work | manual | low | medium |
| Charges | none | gateway terms | gateway terms |
| Error risk | hand counting | low | gateway status |
| Coverage | neighbourhood | everywhere | everywhere |
Rule: keep all three β cash should not reach zero (some guardians come only in cash), but the main push belongs to link payments; link auto-receipts save office time.
A usable sample: the channel requirements table
Fill these fields before enabling each channel:
- Required approval β which document, where to apply.
- Software connection β is the invoice link/entry path present?
- Receipt rule β auto or hand; series prefix.
- Cost β charges, packs, renewal [dated source].
- Failure path β what happens on a failed payment.
- Verification test β has your own sample payment been done?
[Dated] means provider terms change β update the sheet every six months; quoting stale terms verbatim creates disputes.
Digital fee collection: workflow steps and limitations
- Run a guardian-preference survey (one-question form) β which channel is easy for whom.
- Keep an end-of-day deposit rule for cash β cash staying overnight is a risk.
- Limitation: more channels mean more reconciliation β keep a series prefix per channel (CSH-, BK-, NG-).
Payment checklist: questions to ask before your demo
- Which channels does your software support β show in the demo?
- Is the receipt format identical across channels?
- Can cash entries be taken offline too?
See channel connections on the integrations page and fee management; bKash preparation in the bKash article and to start the contact page.
Payment checklist FAQ
Canβt we drop cash and keep link payments only?
No β some guardians come only in cash; dropping them drops their children.
Which channel costs more?
bKash/Nagad charges differ by terms [VERIFY: current rates] β keep the sheet dated and see which channel is cheaper at month-end.
What about receipts for cash?
The same series, prefix CSH- β one receipt rule for every channel.