Credit Card handling fees
Credit card payments are subject to a handling fee. A credit card handling fee is a charge that applies when you choose to make a payment by credit card.
The Council’s Cabinet decided to implement credit card handling fees after looking at current and estimated costs of allowing payments by credit card, with the decision being made on 14 December 2009.
- Credit card handling fees apply from April 2010
- The handling fee is 1.80%
- There is no handling fee for debit card payments
- Handling fees will not apply to Parking and Bus Lane Fines
By applying handling fees, the Council can recoup some of the transaction charges it pays to credit card companies when credit cards are used.
Just like other businesses, the Council needs to identify areas where it can reduce costs. As many other Councils already apply handling fees, this is a proven method to achieve this cost reduction.
The Council won’t make money from handling fees, as it will only recoup some of the charges it pays to credit card companies. The handling fee percentage will be set at a level equal to, but not exceeding, the transaction charge levied to the Council by credit card companies.
When paying over the Internet or by automated telephone, the payment systems will automatically identify whether a card is a credit or debit card and so know whether a handling fee should apply.
You will be advised that a handling fee is due to be added before you commit to the payment, as well as the handling fee amount and total payable.
The payment systems will automatically calculate the handling fee for credit card payments using the current handling fee percentage as well as the normal payment amount.
If you require any further information about handling fees, please contact the details shown on your bill, invoice, or letter.