Paying your school with Pay by Bank

Pay by Bank (Open Banking) lets you pay your school securely from your own banking app. The payment details are filled in for you, so there’s nothing to type and no card needed. You simply approve the payment with your bank.

Step 1: Open your payment link

Click the payment link from your school. It takes you to esenda, your school’s secure payment provider.

Step 2: Enter your details

Enter your email address and the details asked for about the pupil and invoice. We’ll send your payment confirmation to this email address. Then select Continue.

Step 3: Choose Pay by Bank

On the How would you like to pay? screen, select Pay by Bank.

Step 4: Choose your bank

Find your bank in the list and select it. You’ll be taken to your banking app, or to your bank’s website if you’re on a computer.

Step 5: Approve the payment in your banking app

Log in as you normally would. The amount, the account details and the reference are already filled in. Check them, then approve the payment.

Step 6: Payment complete

You’ll be brought back to esenda, where you’ll see your payment confirmation. A copy will also be sent to your email address.

Frequently asked questions

Why use Pay by Bank?

It’s quick, there are no card or bank details to type in, and the payment usually reaches your school straight away. Because the details are filled in for you, there’s no risk of a typo in the account number or reference.

My bank isn’t listed. What should I do?

Most UK banks support Pay by Bank. If yours isn’t listed, you can pay by card or bank transfer instead.

Why was my payment declined, or over the limit?

Some banks limit how much you can send in one instant payment. If your payment is above your bank’s limit, choose Bank transfer instead, or check your limits with your bank.

Why does the payee name say esenda?

Your school collects payments through esenda, so your payment goes to an account in esenda’s name. This lets it be matched to the right pupil automatically before it’s passed to your school.

Is Pay by Bank secure?

Yes. You approve every payment yourself, inside your own banking app, using your bank’s usual security. esenda never sees your banking login details.

I approved the payment but didn’t see a confirmation. What now?

Check your banking app to see whether the payment went through, and look out for the confirmation email. Please don’t pay again until you’ve checked. If you’re unsure, email [email protected] with the pupil’s name and the amount.

Still need help? Email [email protected].