Service Fee Added for Credit and Debit Card Payments

Tom Darby

RENO, Nev. — Paying city bills with a credit or debit card in Reno will soon cost more.

Beginning today, Jan. 2, the City of Reno will no longer absorb credit and debit card processing fees. Customers who choose to pay with a card will see a 2.7 percent service charge added to their transaction.

City officials say the fee does not go to the city. Instead, it goes to the third-party company that processes card payments.

Residents wanting to avoid the additional charge will still have several no-fee payment options. Customers can pay online or by phone using a checking or savings account at no extra cost, allowing residents to continue making electronic payments without a service fee.

Bills are payable in person at Reno City Hall, on East First Street, or mailed to Reno Utilities. Both options avoid the credit and debit card surcharge.

City officials encourage customers with questions or those who need assistance setting up alternative payment methods to contact Reno Utilities during regular business hours. Support is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

The change comes as cities and public agencies nationwide increasingly pass payment processing costs directly to customers rather than covering them as part of operating expenses.