Reno residents Face New Fees on Credit and debit Card Payments for City Services
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Reno residents making payments to the city – including utility bills like sewer – are now subject to a merchant fee of $2.70 per transaction when using a debit or credit card. The fees, collected by Wells Fargo and a third-party company called InfoSend, began being applied recently, though the city previously allowed customers with automatic card payments until January 2026 to adjust their payment methods. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/02/reno-nevada-credit-card-fees-city-services/72048941007/
This change impacts how residents can pay for a variety of city services, and the city clarifies that it does not receive any portion of these fees.
Why the New Fees?
The city of reno recently switched payment processors,leading to the implementation of these merchant fees. These fees are standard charges levied by credit card networks and banks when a buisness accepts card payments. While common for businesses, the city had previously absorbed these costs for its customers. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/02/reno-nevada-credit-card-fees-city-services/72048941007/
How to Avoid the Fees
Reno residents have several options to avoid the $2.70 transaction fee:
* Check: Mail a check to the city.
* Cash: pay in person at the Reno Utilities office.
* ACH (Automated Clearing House): Connect your bank account online using your account and routing numbers. this method directly deposits funds from your bank account.
* Bank Account via Phone: Pay using a checking or savings account by calling Reno Utilities at 775-334-2095 during business hours.
Understanding ACH Payments
The ACH network is a widely used electronic funds transfer system in the United States.It allows for direct bank-to-bank transfers, making it a secure and often free choice to credit and debit card payments. Setting up ACH payments typically requires providing your bank account number and routing number. https://www.nacha.org/
Key Takeaways
* A $2.70 fee is now charged for debit and credit card payments to the City of Reno.
* The city does not retain any portion of this fee; it is indeed collected by Wells Fargo and InfoSend.
* Residents can avoid the fee by paying with a check, cash, or through ACH.
* Customers with pre-existing automatic card payments had until January 2026 to make alternative arrangements.
The City of Reno encourages residents to explore these alternative payment methods to avoid incurring the new fees. As payment processing landscapes evolve, residents should stay informed about changes impacting how they can pay for city services.