Texas Tech is committed to providing students and their families a range of options for paying their educational expenses. For many years, we have accepted credit cards as a form of payment, and as a result, have paid the associated processing charges imposed by credit card companies on those transactions. As the use of credit cards for making payment has increased, the transaction fees assessed have become extremely expensive for the University. Effective May 1, 2023, the service fee will increase to 2.95% ($3.00 minimum service fee) of the credit card payment and will continue to be charged by Texas Tech's third party processor, Touchnet PayPath®.
The University will continue to provide the following payment methods that will not incur the service fee:
- Debit Cards or E-Checks
- Paper Checks
- Cash
- Money Orders
- Cashier's Checks
- Traveler's Checks and
- Business Checks
More Information
What credit cards are accepted at Texas Tech University for student account payments?
Texas Tech accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Beginning December 12, 2016, credit cards may only be used to pay student accounts through the online eBill portal. Credit card payments by telephone or at the cashiering windows in the Student Financial Center will no longer be an available option.
Is there a way I can avoid paying a service fee?
Yes. You may avoid the 2.95% service fee by paying online using an electronic/web check or debit card. You may also mail a check to:
Student Business Services
Box 41099
Lubbock, TX 79409
Or visit us in person in the Student Financial Center at 301 West Hall (as mentioned above, credit cards will no longer be accepted in the Student Financial Center). Please remember to include the student ID number on all checks.
NOTE: Mailed payments must reach Student Business Services at least 24 hours in advance of the payment deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Is the service fee refundable?
No. The service fee is not refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is cancelled, refunded, credited, or charged back.
If I use my debit card to pay my student account charges, will I be charged a service fee?
No, as long as you choose the debit card option within the online eBill portal, bank issued debit cards will not be subject to the 2.95% fee. Debit cards will continue to be accepted in the Student Financial Center.
Will I be able to schedule payments using my credit card?
Yes, you will still be able to schedule payments using a credit card as the payment method.
Will the service fee that I am charged be included on my student account breakdown and statement?
No. The service fee is a fee assessed by our third party processor, TouchNet PayPath®, in addition to the payment for student accounts. The service fee will not appear on your student account or on your Texas Tech University Student Account statement. You will receive notification that the online payment was processed successfully, and it will show the amount of payment, the amount of the service fee and the total payment amount.
How will my student account payment and service fee payment appear on my credit card statement?
Two separate transactions will appear on your credit card statement. One transaction for the student account payment and one transaction for the service fee.
Are other universities charging a service fee for credit card transactions?
Yes. Credit card service fees are not unique to Texas Tech University. Many other schools in the state of Texas charge service fees for credit card transactions.