Since 1954, the NIH Clinical Center, the research hospital on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, has welcomed patients and healthy volunteers from around the world to participate in medical research studies. Some of these studies compensate for participation. We process over 20,000 payment transactions a year to both patients and healthy volunteers.
At this time, debit card payments are temporarily unavailable due to system issues outside of our control. Please select ACH (direct deposit) as your payment method, as this is currently the most reliable option.
Debit card requests submitted during this period may be delayed or rejected. We will share updates as soon as debit card payments resume.
If you have questions, please contact the payment office at 301-496-4763. Thank you for your patience.
See frequently asked questions below:
How can I access SPRS without finding the original "welcome" email and using that very long link?
We recommend that you save your original email with the link. However, if you lose it, please call the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892–3276, so we can send you another invitation with a new link.
Why do I get a "Logged Out" message when I attempt to log in to SPRS?
If you are receiving a "Logged Out" message, the email listed in SPRS does not match the email used to log in to your profile. You must use the same email that you use to create your Login.gov profile when accessing SPRS. For assistance with updating your email, please call the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892–3276 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday.
Why does only the Login.gov option display when accessing SPRS?
Login.gov ensures strong authentication and identity verification when accessing SPRS. Login.gov uses two-factor authentication, requiring you to provide two different types of information to verify and prove your identity when logging in to your SPRS account. Once you have successfully met the two verifications, you will be granted access to SPRS.
Why do I have to provide my Social Security Number (SSN)?
We are required to report all payments for individuals who are subject to United States (U.S.) taxation laws to the IRS. Therefore, if you have a U.S.-issued SSN, you are required to supply it for tax reporting purposes. If you have never been issued an SSN, you will still be paid for your research participation.
Is my information secure?
Yes. SPRS uses certificates to secure the transmission of data between your computer and the web server. Once the web server receives the data, all bank account numbers, routing numbers, and Social Security numbers are encrypted and stored in our database. As a result, only the staff who process payments have access to your information.
Is there an option for NIH employees to log into SPRS without using a PIV card or NIH Credentials?
You can receive the link via a private/personal email address. Give your study team your preferred email address when you participate in a study.
Whom can I contact with questions regarding the payment process or if I have issues logging in to SPRS?
For help in completing the form online, please call the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892–3276 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday.
How can I remove my information from the SPRS database?
Contact the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892–3276 to request that your information be removed from the registration system. Please note that if a payment was made using your information, that data must remain on file with the application that performed the payment for auditing purposes.
What are my options for receiving my research payment?
NIH offers three payment options:
- Direct deposit into a checking or savings account at any U.S. financial institution (of your choosing),
- An issued U.S. Visa® Debit Card
- Digital/Virtual Pay
How do I choose the best option?
If you have a personal checking or savings account, the direct deposit option may be a good choice. It is simple, safe, convenient, and helps you avoid late payments or lost checks. However, if you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use it, the U.S. Visa® Debit Card via Money Network is another option.
How do I change my current payment option?
To change the payment option on your account, please call the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892-3276 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday.
I already have direct deposit set up; how do I switch to the debit card option or update other information?
You can notify your study team if you want to change your form of payment or call the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892-3276 to change your payment method.
Are there any costs associated with Direct Deposit, U.S. Debit Card, or Digital Pay options?
Direct deposit is a free service to the volunteer.
Debit Card is a free service with associated fees for some activities. Please refer to the fee schedule in the Welcome Packet you receive with your U.S. Visa® Debit Card.
Will I pay taxes on my research payments?
Compensation payments less than $2000 are not taxed. NIH reports compensation of $2000 or more to the IRS and sends out a "Form 1099-Other Income" to the participant at the end of the year. This process has not changed and applies to all forms of payment.
Can my payments be garnished for any reason?
Under the U.S. Debt Collection Act, some or all of the volunteer's payment may be garnished by the U.S. Treasury if the participant has outstanding debts to the federal or state government. Unfortunately, the NIH does not have any way of knowing if a volunteer has an outstanding debt to the government and is not informed when the U.S. Treasury garnishes compensation. However, the U.S. Treasury will notify the volunteer directly if this is the case.
As an international study volunteer, how will I receive my research payments?
International volunteers currently receive payments by paper check. Wire transfer options are being explored.
How do I provide my bank account information for payment?
If you want to receive payment via direct deposit or physical debit card, NIH uses the Secure Payee Registration System (SPRS). SPRS generates an email with instructions to participants containing a secure link to enter banking information or confirm card receipt.
Why do I need to verify my address if I am receiving payment via direct deposit?
To comply with tax reporting requirements, your correct mailing address is required so that NIH may send you tax forms and information regarding your payment.
Information will never be used without express written consent from the registrant for anything other than the stated purpose of issuing payments owed and providing government and taxation authorities with any reports that are required by law.
Once I submit my information with banking, how long will it take to receive my payment?
Payments are typically received within 2 to 3 days (subject to your financial institution's process) of being processed.
How do I know when my money is in my bank account?
If you have provided an email address to the Clinical Center, you will receive an email notification when payment is processed for you. You may want to check with your financial institution to verify that the funds were deposited into your account.
How do I know if my banking information on file is correct?
To ensure your banking information on file is correct, log in to SPRS, review, and update your information. If you are not sure which banking numbers to enter, contact your financial institution for assistance. If you cannot log in to SPRS, you may contact the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892–3276 for assistance.
What if I want to change the bank account to receive the direct deposit?
You may update your account information in SPRS by using the unique link you received in your email or by calling the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892–3276 so that your payment will be routed to the proper account.
How do I receive a U.S. Visa® Debit Card?
Your card will be mailed to you by Flagstar Bank. The card will arrive in a plain, unmarked envelope from the bank. Please do not discard this envelope, as it contains your debit card and important instructions. It may take 7–10 business days for the card to arrive.
To activate the card, call the bank's customer service at 1-800-341-6700/TTY: 1-800-341-8300 and follow the prompts to activate your service and create your new PIN.
What are the benefits of receiving my payments by U.S. Debit Card?
Funds on the debit card can be accessed directly from the card or transferred to another bank account. Once your debit card is activated, all future payments will automatically be loaded onto the debit card with no action required by you.
How long does it take to receive a U.S. debit card?
A newly issued U.S. Visa® Debit card takes 7–10 days to receive. However, it will take 2–3 days for it to be reloaded with future payments.
Will I get a new U.S. Visa® Debit Card each time I receive funds?
No. Future payments can be added to your existing Debit Card via the Money Network® Account tied to your initial card.
How will I know my balance or when funds have been added to my U.S. Visa® Debit Card Account?
There are three easy ways to access your account balance information and transaction history:
- Balance alerts: The best way to keep track of your balance is to sign up for automatic balance alerts —log in to your account and select the BALANCE NOTIFICATIONS option.
- Online: You can log in and view your balance and transaction history online at any time.
- By phone (automated system): Call Money Network Customer Service to hear your balance and transaction history
Is there an expiration on the debit card?
Cards are Visa® branded and have an expiration of 3 years. However, you will receive a replacement card before the expiration date of your card.
How will I receive my Digital Pay (virtual Debit Card)?
We will not issue a physical card for the Digital Pay option. Participants who opt to receive the Digital Pay option should closely monitor their email, including their spam folders, to ensure that they receive the welcome message from no-reply@digitalpayouts.com with the account set-up details.
How do I set up an account to receive the Digital Pay option?
You will receive a welcome email from Money Network Digital Pay (a service by Flagstar Bank). The email will contain instructions on setting up your account.
How long does it take to receive Digital Pay?
It takes 2–3 days to receive this payment option.
If a participant selects the virtual debit card option, can the card be added to a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes.
What if my U.S. Debit Card is lost or stolen?
Call Flagstar Bank at 1-800-341-6700 (TTY for the deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-341-8300 / International: 531-210-3520) to report your lost or stolen card immediately. Your card will be deactivated to prevent anyone from using it, and a new replacement card will be ordered.
Why do I have to call Flagstar for questions related to my debit card and not the NIH?
Flagstar Bank handles all debit card transactions for NIH. For privacy and security reasons, the bank deals directly with the person receiving the payment. The NIH does not have the authorization to call on your behalf.
What if my compensation is processed electronically, but I still did not get it?
Review your banking information in SPRS to verify it is correct. If you need further assistance, please call the Clinical Research Volunteer Program at 301-496-4763 or 800-892-3276 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday–Friday.
How can I sign up for my child to get paid (age 17 and under) for EFT?
If the minor has an account with a financial institution, the funds can be sent directly to that account. If the minor does not have an account with a financial institution, funds can be deposited into a parent/legal guardian's account. In addition, debit cards for minors may be activated by a parent using the parent's email address.
For More Information
If you have additional questions, call our office at 301-496-3141, TTY 711, or you can visit the FAQs About The Clinical Center page for more information.
This web page is a resource for payments related to your study participation only. For payments related to travel, lodging and food please contact your study team.