Questions and Answers on the Credit Card Convenience Fee
Credit Card Convenience Fee and Payment
A 1.9% non-refundable convenience fee will be added to all credit card payments made towards tuition and fees as of 05/15/2023.
UTRGV has accepted credit cards as a form of payment for tuition and fees for several years and has paid the processing charges to credit card companies on those transactions.
UTRGV will continue to accept credit cards for payment of tuition and fees; however, the 1.9% convenience fee charged by credit companies will be added to your tuition and fees statement. The fee will begin January 1, 2018 and will apply to any tuition and fee payments made by credit card on or after that date. For example, a $1,000.00 credit card payment will result in a total charge to your card of $1,019.00 with the additional $19 going to the credit card processor. You will see this as two separate charges on your credit card statement.
In addition, credit card payments may be processed through Assist or in person at the Bursar's Office.
The University will continue to offer the following payment options that will not incur the convenience fee:
- Electronic Check — Payments processed directly from your bank account may be processed online by selecting the Electronic Check option under the Student Services link.
- Paper Checks ( temporary checks will not be accepted) may be mailed to:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Attn: Bursar Office
ESSBL 1.200
1201 West University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
We will continue to accept debit cards, checks, cash, money orders, cashier’s checks,
traveler's checks and business checks in person at the Bursar Office:
- Edinburg Campus at ESSBL 1.200,
- Brownsville at Main 1.100.
Credit cards can still be used on campus for certain transactions without incurring the fee.
If you have questions about the convenience fee or any of the payment options, please contact us at BursarOffice@utrgv.edu or at 956-665-2718 or 956-882-7623.
What is a Credit Card Convenience Fee?
A credit card convenience fee is a processing charge added by credit card companies to any transaction paid with a credit card.
Will the credit card convenience fee be added if I am paying for a past due balance?
Yes. All current and past due balances for Tuition and Fees paid with a credit card will be subject to the credit card convenience fee effective January 1, 2018.
Do other universities charge a credit card convenience fee?
Most universities charge a credit card convenience fee. UTRGV is charging a lower rate than most other public Texas universities.
What is the amount of the fee that I will be charged?
The amount of the convenience fee is 1.9%, which will be added to your tuition and fees statement. For example, a $1,000 credit card payment will result in a total charge of your card of $1,019 with the additional $19 going to the credit card processor. You will see this as two separate charges on your credit card statement.
Can I pay with a credit card at the Bursar Office in person? By phone?
Yes, the UTRGV Bursar Office will accept credit card payments in person but not over the phone for tuition and fees.
Will all transactions have a credit card convenience fee added if I pay by credit card?
No. Not all credit card transactions will incur a credit card convenience fee. A list of student-related transactions not subject to the fee are shown below.
| List of charges not subject to convenience fee shown below | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bookstore Charges | PrintShop | |
| Bookstore Charges-Athletics | Return Check Fee Code | |
| Catalog Tax | Returned Check | |
| Credit Card Chargebacks | SH - L aboratory Fee - BRN | |
| D isbursement | SH - L aboratory Fee - EDG | |
| D isbursement Direct Deposit | SH - Pharmacy Fee - BRN | |
| D isbursement Void | SH - Pharmacy Fee - EDG | |
| Electronic Check Returns | SH - Special Services Fee -BRN | |
| Foreign 1042 Tax | SH - Special Services Fee-EDG | |
| Foreign 1042 Tax Bk/Hous/Meals | SH - Unused | |
| Foreign 1042 Tax non Ban aid | Texas Rehab Commission Schol | |
| Foreign 1042 Tax Rm/Brd | Time Card Dispute | |
| Lost Towel/Lock Fee | University Catalog | |
| Misc. Kinesiology | UTRGV Class Ring | |
| Parking Tickets | WorkFORCE Solutions | |
| Plus Loan Disbursements | ||
Do I have to pay by credit card?
No. Other payment options are available. You can pay with the following:
Electronic Check — Payments processed directly from your bank account may be processed online by selecting the Electronic Check option under the Student Services link.
In-person with a debit card, checks, cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks and business checks. These payments will be accepted at the following locations:
Edinburg Campus at ESSBL 1.200
Brownsville at Main 1.100.
Whom can I speak to if I have additional questions?
You can contact the Bursar Office at (956) 665-2718 or (956) 882-7623, or via email at BursarOffice@utrgv.edu.