Credit Card Fees for Utility Payments

Effective August 1, 2025, all utility payments made with credit cards will be assessed a 3.7% fee ($2.50 minimum). Other payment options, such as cash, check, or automatic bank drafts (ACH), will not incur any fees.

This fee is established by the payment processor and is not retained by the City. For years, the City has absorbed an average of $130,000 in credit card fees annually. This change allows continued access to credit card payment options while distributing the associated costs more fairly.

To avoid credit card fees, several no-fee payment options are available:

• Sign up for automatic bank drafts at belaireks.gov/ACH-Form
• Pay in person with cash or check at City Hall
• Mail a check to City Hall
• Use the secure check drop box located in the City Hall parking lot

This new policy was first announced in late 2024; however, the rollout was delayed while the City Council sought clarity to ensure it aligned with state law.

Fees for Other City Payments

Effective August 1, 2025, a fee will also apply to all credit card payments made to the City of Bel Aire and will vary by department:

• Utility Payments – 3.7% fee (minimum $2.50)
• License & Permit Payments – 3.75% fee (minimum $2.50)
• Recreation Payments – 3.75% fee (minimum $2.50)
• Court Payments – 3.95% fee (minimum $2.50)

Other payment options, such as cash or check, will not incur any fees.

Additionally, license, permit, recreation, and court payments made through the online portal will incur a $1.25 processing fee.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to manage processing costs fairly and transparently.