As of September 1, 2009, King's and Dalhousie discontinued the use of credit cards for tuition fees and residence fees. The universities have prepared the following FAQs to address your questions and concerns.

Why are you eliminating credit cards as a method of tuition and residence fee payment?

Dalhousie pays credit card companies over $1 million annually in transaction fees for tuition and residence fee payments. Discontinuing this payment option is a cost reduction that will allow the university to reallocate significant funding to benefit students directly.

Why doesn’t the university negotiate a better deal with the credit card companies?

The fees paid by Dalhousie for credit card transactions are not negotiable. They are set by the credit card companies and Dalhousie is unable to change them.

Why doesn’t Dalhousie pass the costs of using credit cards onto the students as a surcharge?

The credit card companies do not allow institutions like Dalhousie to pass surcharges on to card users. The university would be subject to fines if it were to do so.

The reason I paid my tuition by credit card was so that I could receive reward points from my card company.

Dalhousie recognizes that the loss of reward points is one of the inconveniences caused by ending credit card payments for tuition and residence. The university believes the downsides of this decision are justified by the cost savings. An extra $1 million each year in the university budget will help ensure the financial stability of the institution and allow Dalhousie to better maintain and improve its services and facilities.

What methods of payment will be available for tuition and residence fees after September 1, 2009?

The most convenient payment option is on-line banking which is available 24/7. Dalhousie has established relationships with major banks and other financial institutions (e.g. Credit Unions in Nova Scotia) and is in the process of adding more financial institutions as needed. For information on how to access on-line payment, please go to King's Student Accounts. Other payment options include Dalhousie's online wire transfers from bank accounts, cheques or money orders either in person or by mail, and in person by debit card.  International Students can also pay in their home currency through Dalhousie's online StudentPay service.

I have a daily limit on my debit card. What are my options?

Contact your financial institution to temporarily increase your daily debit card transaction limit. For greater convenience, you can also pay through on-line banking by setting up Dalhousie as a payee under the bill payment function within the secure website of your financial institution.

How will International Students pay for tuition and residence fees?

International students can pay with Dalhousie's online StudentPay option. This option allows you to pay in your home currency and avoids risk of payments falling short due to fluctuating exchange rates and unexpected bank fees.International students can also pay with Dalhousie's online wire transfer of funds.

Can I still use my credit card on-line or through my bank?

Using a credit card to pay through on-line banking may result in an immediate cash advance on your credit card. Contact your financial institution for additional information regarding using credit cards for on-line banking.

Will credit cards be accepted for other university expenses?

Credit cards will continue to be accepted for application fees, admission and residence deposits, bookstore purchases, Dalcard deposits and non-credit courses.

Students who rely on student loans may not have their loan funding by the tuition payment date. What will happen if loan funding does not arrive by the due date?

If a student loan has been signed by Student Accounts on or before the due date, no late fees or charges will be applied to your account. If your loan does not cover all your tuition and residence fees, the balance must be paid by the due date.

Can I pay my tuition with my DalCard?

No, DalCards are used for a variey of retail and vendor services on campus, but cannot be used to pay your student account.

If a payment was made with a credit card prior to September 1, 2009, how will I be refunded?

Student Accounts will process the refund to the credit card number provided when payment was made.