Convenience Fee FAQ | Business Office
What are "convenience fees" and how do they affect various forms of payment I make with the Business Office?
Online credit/debit card payments on student accounts are subject to a "convenience fee" that will result in an additional cost to you.
Can I pay the balance on my student account online?
Yes, you can pay the balance of your student account online using debit card, credit card or electronic check (eCheck).
Is there a fee for using credit or debit cards for student account payments?
Yes. If you are making a payment to your student account using a debit or credit card, your payment will be subject to a "convenience fee". Credit or debit card payments of $20 or more will be charged a fee of $3 or 2.75% of the total (whichever is greater). Payments under $20 will be charged a 2.75% fee. This fee is higher for international cards. There are no fees assessed when using the electronic check (eCHECK) option.
Who receives the funds collected from the convenience fees?
The convenience fee is charged by a third party processor, SmartPay. Carroll University does not receive any part of the convenience fee.
Will the convenience fee show up on my student account statement?
No, the fee will not be reflected on the student account statement because it is not intended to apply to the account balance. The convenience fee will be reflected on your credit card statement. Depending on the type of credit card you use, the fee may be shown separately or it may be combined with the student account payment.
I made a payment on my student account, when will the payment show up?
The payment will show up on the student account shortly after the transaction is complete.
Will a convenience fee be charged on payment plan payments?
If you are enrolled in a payment plan and you choose to pay with a credit or debit card, the convenience fee will be assessed. You can avoid the fee by choosing to pay with eCheck (ACH) or paper check.
Will the convenience fee be charged for books?
If books are purchased using the BookCHARGE option and charged to the student's account, and payment is made to the student's account with a credit or debit card, the fee would apply. You can avoid the fee by choosing to pay with eCheck (ACH). Charges made on a credit/debit card at the campus bookstore are covered by the bookstore's credit/debit card policy.
How will the convenience fee show up on my credit card statement?
Depending on the type of credit card you use, the fee may be shown separately or it may be combined with the student account payment and shown as a single transaction.
Do other universities charge convenience fees for credit card payments?
Yes, it is common for universities to use a third party processor that assesses convenience fees on student account payments.
Is the convenience fee refundable?
The fee is nonrefundable, even if the payment is canceled, refunded, credited or charged back.
Can I pay my student account using a credit or debit card at the Business Office?
All card payments on student accounts must go through the third party processor. The Business Office "Cashier" windows will no longer accept credit or debit card payments on "student accounts". However, a computer for online "student account" payments is available for customer use in the Business Office.
What about other payments, not on student accounts?
The convenience fee applies to all credit and debit card payments on student accounts. Payments for charges such as enrollment deposits, donations, and theater tickets are NOT student account balances and would NOT incur a fee. For a complete list of non-student account transactions that can be completed by using a debit or credit card, please contact the Business Office.
How can I avoid paying the convenience fee?
The following payment methods will NOT incur a convenience fee:
- eCheck - This is an ACH transfer from your bank account that can be processed online. Login at my.carrollu.edu and choose a selection under Make a Payment. You will need to log in as a student or authorized user. A student can invite others, such as a parent, to be an authorized user. After logging in, you will be prompted to choose a payment method. Select the box marked electronic check or new bank information. You will need your bank account and routing number.
- Paper checks and money orders - Paper checks or money orders can be mailed to the Carroll University Business Office (100 N. East Avenue; Waukesha, WI; 53186) or dropped off at the Business Office cashier window during business hours. Our current business hours are: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Checks should be made payable to: Carroll University.
- Cash - Cash is accepted at the Business Office cashier window during business hours. Our current business hours are: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Can I make a credit/debit card payment over the phone?
The University does not accept credit or debit card payments over the phone, for security and confidentiality reasons.
Why is the convenience fee 2.75% and more for international payments?
If you are making an online payment to your student account using a debit or credit card, your payment will be subject to a "convenience fee". The fee is determined and collected by a third-party processor and will be added to the total amount of your payment on domestic cards. Credit or debit card payments of $20 or more will be charged a fee of $3 or 2.75% of the total (whichever is greater). Payments under $20 will be charged a 2.75% fee. This fee is higher for international cards.
Will Carroll University accept credit/debit card payments for non-student account charges?
Yes, the University will accept credit and debit card payments without a convenience fee for non-student account payments, such as enrollment deposits, donations, athletic and theater tickets and alumni events.