Fairfield, CA
Home MenuCredit Card Convenience Fees
In the past, the City has absorbed credit card convenience fees on behalf of our customers.
Starting May 1, 2024, the City no longer pay those fees. Instead, the fee that credit card companies charge are passed on to customers who choose to pay with credit/debit card.
Why is there a 'convenience fee' for credit card payments?
When businesses or public entities accept credit card payments, they delegate payment handling to the credit card companies. The credit card companies levy convenience fees for their service. Some merchants or other entities often pass the convenience fee on to their customers to mitigate fee costs. For public entities like the City of Fairfield, offering credit card payments enhances customer service by providing convenience and payment flexibility.
However, processing such transactions incurs expenses that, historically, the City has yet to pass on to customers who use credit cards for payment. Government agencies paying convenience fees on behalf of their customers create an equity concern whereby taxpayers indirectly subsidize customers paying through credit cards. Organizations must consider this when deciding whether to accept credit cards and how to manage associated fees.
The City of Fairfield has determined that it is no longer feasible to absorb fees charged by credit card companies and has opted to make customers responsible for paying convenience fees directly to the credit card companies.
Current Credit Card Convenience Fees by Provider:
Active net (Parks & Recreation) - 2.94%
Any transactions made at a Parks & Recreation Facility:
Credit Card Fee - 2.94% ECP Fee: 0.52%
Online Processing Fees (Credit Card and ECP):
Single Tier - 2.7950%
Business License (HDL) - 2.9%
Water Utility Processing Card Fee - $2.95 per transaction up to $500
Energov - 3.75% / $1.95 Flat Fee for eCheck/ACH Payments
First Due Online Payments - 3.84%
Other Miscellaneous Payments - 3%
Why was this ‘fee’ implemented now?
The City Council of Fairfield has concluded that to maintain cost-effective public services, it is necessary to pass through credit/debit card convenience fees to card-paying customers. This action aims to ensure that City fees for services accurately represent the true cost incurred by the City in delivering these services. On February 6, 2024, the City Council approved resolution 2024-15 and on September 17, 2024, the City Council approved resolution 2024-231 relating to credit card charges.
Do other cities charge this sort of 'fee' to their customers?
Fairfield is among many cities and public entities exercising its prerogative to allow passing on the fees charged by credit card companies to the customer. The growing trend of customers opting to pay fees for services via credit/debit cards has made processing charges increasingly burdensome, making it impractical to absorb them entirely.
Alternative Payment Options
If you prefer not to pay a 'convenience fee,' don't worry. There are still various self-serve payment methods at your disposal. Additionally, you can utilize more traditional payment methods, such as checks or money orders, which can be mailed or submitted in person at City Hall. Moreover, cash payments are accepted in person at the utilities' front counter during regular business hours.
Should you have further questions, please contact us at (707) 428-7036