Credit Card Payment Surcharge

The City of Joondalup adopted its 2011/12 Budget on 28 June 2011 and Rates Notices will be issued to property owners on 22 July 2011.

As part of the fees and charges associated with the budget the City has introduced a 0.5% credit card payment surcharge for all rate, refuse, ESL and swimming pool inspection payments made by credit card from 22 July 2011.

Previously the City has incurred substantial costs from credit card transaction fees passed on by the banks and until now these credit card fees were borne by all ratepayers. This new surcharge means that only those ratepayers paying their rates by credit card will incur the costs.

Please note that there are other payment options available to ratepayers that do not incur a surcharge, which include cash, cheque, EFTPOS and BPay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has this surcharge been introduced by the City?
Whenever a ratepayer uses their credit card to pay their rates (and associated charges), the City is charged a merchant service fee by the banks.  Previously, the City has incurred substantial costs for these transaction fees.  Those fees have, in the past, been borne by all ratepayers.  The City is now introducing the surcharge  so that instead of all ratepayers bearing the cost of these fees, only those using their credit cards will incur the costs.

I have a Visa Debit card, do I still get charged the surcharge if I use this to pay my rates?
If you select “credit” when using your Visa Debit card you will be charged the surcharge, however,  f you choose “savings” you will not be charged the surcharge.

Why is the surcharge being charged on Rates payments only?
Rates payments (and associated charges) generate the largest credit card transaction fees, in comparison to other City fees and charges.  

If I do not wish to pay the credit card surcharge how else can I pay my rates?
The City provides other payment options which are listed on the back of your Rate Notice.  These include BPay, over the counter payment at one of the City’s Customer Service Centres, via Australia Post or through an arranged Direct Debit from your bank account.

Should you have any further queries regarding the surcharge please contact Rating Services on 9400 4574.