Western Carolina University

 

1.  Why charge a convenience fee for processing credit card transactions?

Historically, the costs associated with credit card use were absorbed by the University.  As a result of the budget reductions, the University chose to impose the convenience fee to defray these costs rather than divert limited remaining resources from instructional activities.

2.  How was the 2.75% convenience fee determined?

To cover the operating costs associated with processing card payments and with maintaining its information and technology infrastructure, TouchNet charges a 2.75% nonrefundable fee ($3.00 minimum) on credit card transactions processed.  The percentage rate for the convenience fee was determined by TouchNet as part of the outsourcing agreement for services and approved by the State of NC Office of State Budget and Management.

3.  Is the convenience fee refundable if the credit card payment is refunded?

The convenience fee is not refundable.

4.  Why will Western Carolina no longer accept VISA card payments on student accounts?

Within the Payment Card industry, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover allow charging a convenience fee as a fixed percentage of the total sales transaction.  VISA does not allow a fixed percentage rate convenience fee.  So a VISA card is no longer an acceptable payment method.

5.  Can I use my VISA credit card at other offices on campus?
 

No VISA-

Any charge that is placed on a student account  and paid using  Bill+Payment through MyCat may not use VISA and will be assessed a convenience fee of 2.75% ($3.00 minimum).

• Tuition & fees
• Base meal plans
• Housing
• Library fines
• Parking tickets

VISA may be used-

Any charge that is paid on the special payments website, http://specialpayments.wcu.edu, for the following may use a VISA card and will not be assessed a convenience fee.

• CatCash
• Orientation• Tuition and housing deposits
• Commuter meal plan and add-on declining balance meal points

VISA may also be used at other departments on campus:

• Bookstore
• Catamount clothing
• Aramark convenience stores

6.  Why am I able to use my VISA credit card at other offices on Campus?

Costs to the University for accepting credit cards at these other offices are minimal relative to those incurred through Touchnet Bill+Payment. The University has chosen to continue to absorb these costs rather than impose a convenience fee; thus allowing VISA to continue as a payment option.

7.    What are my payment options?

Effective July 2, 2012, the following payment methods are accepted.   

Payment Type	Payment Methodology	Payment Location
Cash	In person	One Stop, Killian Annex
Check, Money Order, Certified Check	In person	One Stop, Killian Annex
	U.S. Mail
	Other mail package delivery services such as UPS, etc.
WebCheck (FREE)	Online only	Bill+Payment through MyCat
Credit Cards	Online only	Bill+Payment through MyCat
Master Card
American Express
Discover

All credit card payments will be assessed a 2.75% nonrefundable convenience fee ($3.00 minimum).  Effective July 2, 2012, WCU no longer accepts VISA.

8.    What are the “Free” Online Payment Options?

Students and authorized users may pay online with webCheck without incurring any additional costs.  When making payments in Bill+Payment through MyCat, students and authorized users may select webCheck.  They will be prompted to enter a valid bank routing and account number and to authorize the payment from the checking account associated with the banking information provided.     Instructions for logging into Bill+Payment, setting up authorized users and making payments may be found at http://www.wcu.edu/13115.asp . 

9.  Are other colleges and Universities within North Carolina making similar changes?

Yes.  The majority of the UNC System schools, have elected to make these changes in response to on-going budget cuts from the State of North Carolina.  We have contacted several of these schools and will use their experience and recommendations to make the transition as smooth as possible.