Getting Started

The GovBill platform uses a two-step process to complete collections (meaning 2 API requests need to be executed, one after the other). The steps and the different use cases are defined below;

The table below describes each of the steps that make up the collection request.

Step	Description
Step 1 (Initialization)	This step performs the necessary validations, determines the charges for the transaction and returns all the billing details e.g. the amount requested, the amount the customer will pay, the applicable fees and the final amount that's credited to your merchant account when the collection completes. A crucial parameter; internal_reference is equally returned and it is what facilitates Step 2
Step 2 (Confirmation)	This step is an instruction that Step 2 should proceed. It responds with an acknowledgement (which includes an appropriate message). For the case of card collections, the URL of the payment page will also be returned.

The merchant might wish to simply collect funds and later be settled OR collect funds for purposes of making PRN payments. Either way, the collection would have to be done via Mobile Money or Card. Therefore the following table describes the different use cases where Step 1 can be applied.

Use Case	Resource
If you wish to use GovBill for purposes of collecting funds via Mobile Money and later be settled in your bank account.	Collect via Mobile Money
If you wish to use GovBill for purposes of collecting funds via Card (VISA/Mastercard) and later be settled in your bank account.	Collect via Card
If you wish to use GovBill to collect funds via Mobile Money or Card AND then automatically make a PRN payment to URA. In this case, GovBill bears the burden of ensuring the PRN payment and notifies you via callback when done.	Collect for Payment

Regardless of the use case above, the confirmation of the collection needs to be executed and Step 2 handles this.