CompuServe Automates Business Payments

CompuServe Thursday announced a new automatic payment plan for its business customers.

The service allows corporate business account holders to be able to transfer funds directly from their bank accounts to Compuserve when paying their monthly bills. The service uses Automatic Clearing House (ACH) technology, the firm said.

The goal is to reduce paperwork, and therefore long-term business costs, said Audrey Weil, chief operating officer of Compuserve.

"Nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies have Corporate Business Accounts on CompuServe, and we are always looking for ways to make the service more efficient for that segment of our membership," said Weil.

"Using electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House network, our business customers can now enjoy the convenience of a safe, accurate and reliable payment method that reduces manual operations, offers financial savings as operating costs are reduced and enables more effective use of employees' time."