Credit Card Convenience Fee FAQs

Q. Why is the university charging a fee for making a payment using my credit card?

A. The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to providing students a range of options for paying their educational expenses.  The credit card payment method is becoming prohibitively expensive because of the fees credit card companies charge the University.  Therefore, a 2.75% convenience fee will be added to all credit/debit card payments to offset these fees.

Q. Will I be charged the convenience fee if I use my debit card to pay my student account charges

A. Yes, you will be charged 2.75% convenience fee if you use your debit card to pay your student account charges.

Q. How can I avoid paying the convenience fee?

A.You can avoid the 2.75% convenience fee by using the following payment methods:

  • eChecks - An ACH transfer from your bank account can be processed online through the student's SOAR account.  Log in to SOAR> Student Services Center> Finances and click on the make a payment link.  Enter electronic check information.

  • OneCard - A transfer from a student's OneCard refund debit card.

  • Paper Checks - Paper checks may be mailed to USM Business Services, 118 College Drive #5133, Hattiesburg, MS   39406

  • Cash, checks, money orders, and cashier's checks will continue to be accepted in person at Business Services located in Forrest County Hall, Room 101.

Q. Can I make a credit card payment over the phone?

A. We will no longer accept credit card payments over the phone.  Credit card payments made online provide added security and confidentiality for our students.

Q. Can I make a credit card payment in person at the Business Office?

A. We will no longer accept credit card payments at the counter in the Business Office.  We will have computer terminals available in our lobby for students wishing to make a credit card payment. 

Q. What credit cards are accepted for payment on my student account?

A. The University accepts VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Q. Why is the fee 2.75%?

A. 2.75% is the amount established by our third-party credit card processor to cover the credit card transaction fees assessed by credit card companies.

Q. Do other universities charge a convenience fee for credit card transactions?

A. Yes, an increasing number of schools are collecting convenience fees for credit/debit card transactions. 

Q. If I make a credit card payment in error will my convenience fee be refunded?

A. No, the fee is not refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is cancelled, refunded, credited, or charged back.

Q. Will the convenience fee be included on my student account statement?

A. The convenience fee will not be included on your Southern Miss student account statement.  It is assessed in addition to the payment for your student account.

Q. How will this appear on my credit card statement?

A. The payment will appear as one transaction; your payment amount plus the 2.75% convenience fee.  This transaction will  have a description of "CASHNET Smartpay/USM".