FAQs
As of May 5, 2025, the convenience fee on credit card transactions will increase from 2.95% to 3%.
Why did UM-Flint decide to move in the direction of charging a fee for the use of my credit card?
UM-Flint is committed to providing students and their families a range of options for paying for their educational expenses. The credit card payment method is becoming prohibitively expensive because of the fees to UM-Flint for credit card transaction processing. This expense is paid by the university tuition revenues and therefore reduces the tuition dollars available for academic programs and services for all students. Therefore, a convenience fee on credit card transactions in the amount of 3% will be charged by a third-party company. This will provide nearly $200,000 in annual savings for the university.
How long has the credit card convenience fee been in effect?
Since July 1, 2009.
What credit cards does UM-Flint accept?
UM-Flint accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Credit card payments can only be made through the Student Account Center and cannot be made over the phone, by mail, or by email.
Why is the convenience fee 3%? How was that percentage established?
3.00% is the amount established by our third-party credit card processor, TouchNet Business Solutions, to cover the credit card transaction fees assessed by credit card companies and may be subject to change at any time.
Is there any way I can avoid paying a convenience fee?
You can avoid paying the 3.00% convenience fee by paying online with an e-check, an electronic debit to your checking or savings account. You may also mail or deliver a check to the Cashiers/Student Accounts Office with no convenience fee. Remember to always include your UMID number on the check.
Can I make a credit card payment over the phone?
Credit card payments cannot be made over the phone, by mail, or by email. This is a security measure to ensure the confidentiality of your payment information.
Can I pay in person using a credit card?
No, you cannot pay using a credit card at our Teller windows. However, a computer is located at our counter that you can use to log into the Student Account Center and make a credit card payment.
I often receive checks from my credit card company. Can I use the routing number and account number on these checks to make an electronic check (e-check) payment?
No. The credit card companies will not honor these checks used electronically. The payment will be returned as “account not found”. You may use these checks through the mail or in person only.
If I make a credit card payment in error will my convenience fee be refunded?
No. The convenience fee is not refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is canceled, refunded, credited, or charged back.
If I use my debit card to pay my student account charges, will I be charged the convenience fee?
Yes. If you use your debit card like a credit card to pay your student account charges, you will be charged the 3.00% convenience fee. For checking or savings account debits, please use the e-check option to avoid paying the convenience fee.
Will the convenience fee that I am charged be included on my student account breakdown and statement?
No. The convenience fee is a fee assessed by a third-party company, TouchNet Business Solutions, in addition to the payment to your student account. The convenience fee is not assessed by UM-Flint and will therefore not appear on your UM-Flint student account or on your billing statement.
Are other universities charging a convenience fee for credit card transactions?
Yes. Credit card convenience fees are not unique to UM-Flint. Many other schools such as Michigan State, Wayne State, Eastern Michigan, Saginaw Valley, Grand Valley, UM-Dearborn, and Central Michigan currently charge convenience fees for credit card transactions.
If I decide to use the credit card option to make a payment, how will I know how much the service fee will cost?
When you process an online credit card payment, you will receive a message that a service fee will be assessed for the convenience of using a credit card. The message will include the amount that will be assessed to your credit card. The service fee will not appear on your university tuition and fee account but instead will appear on your credit card statement. The convenience fee will be calculated at 3.00% on the amount paid by the credit card.
If I pay my tuition and fees with a credit card through PayPath and then later have a credit on my account, how will the refund be paid to me?
Your credit card will receive the credit for the amount of the credit card payment. If your refund is more, the remainder will be paid in check form or, if you are set up for eRefund, it will be sent electronically.
What other payment options are available to pay my tuition and fee bill?
There are several other options to pay a bill with no extra cost to you:
- Online by eCheck: Enter your own checking or savings account routing and account numbers online through the Student Account Center.
- In-person by check, money order, or cash at the Cashiers/Student Accounts Office. There is also a “drop-box” located outside the office for secure payments anytime.
- By check or money order mailed to Cashiers/Student Accounts, 261 University Pavilion, Flint, MI 48502-1950.
Does UM-Flint offer any type of payment plan?
Yes, we offer a Payment Plan that will allow you to split the cost of the semester into installments. If you pay on time each month, you will not receive any late charges. You can make payments of cash, check, money order, or online using eCheck or credit card. However, if you choose to make payments using a credit card, you will be subject to the convenience fee charged by Touchnet Business Solutions.
Will I still be charged the late fees if I’m enrolled in the Payment Plan?
No, you will not be charged the 1.5% monthly late fee as long as you make your payments by the specified due dates.
What is an Authorized User?
This plan gives you the opportunity to set up “authorized” users. Once you have identified the “authorized” user in the Payment Plan manager, they will be able to log into the system using their own “ID” (which will be their email address) and make payments on your behalf.
Can I only make a payment online when I’m signed up for the Payment Plan?
No. You can also pay by cash, check, or money order through the mail or at the Cashiers/Student Accounts Office. Remember to always include your UMID on the check.
I paid in cash. How can I pay on my Payment Plan?
You can always pay in person at the Cashiers/Student Accounts Office during office hours.
Must I wait until my installment is due to pay it? Can I pay in parts when I get a paycheck each week?
Yes. You can pay your installment any time before the installment due date. You can also pay your payment in parts as long as it’s all paid before the due date.
I set up my payment plan and viewed my installments and now the amount has changed. Why?
The Payment Plan is adjustable, which means that if any new charges or credits are applied to your account, your installments will be adjusted so that when your final payment is paid, your balance will be paid in full. The original plan displayed may change if a class is added or dropped or other charges or credits are applied to your account. Please check the Student Account Center to view the plan on the due date for the total amount due. Any new charges applied are divided and equalized into the remaining installments.
Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the Payment Plan?
We want to make sure that all your questions are answered, so please feel free to contact the Cashiers/Student Accounts Office at 810-762-3490 or email us at [email protected].