1. What personal information, including credit card number is stored?
2. Is there a fee?
3. Why is there a fee?
4. The County charged a $35 dollar fee BEFORE and NOW it is a 2.5 percent fee?
5. Why 2.5% Convenience Fee?
6. When is my property account updated?
7. How can I get help with online payments?
8. Do I have to pay online if I want to use a credit card?
1. What personal information, including credit card number is stored?
The only personal information the county keeps is the payer’s name and e-mail address. The credit card information that is entered when making a payment is passed directly to the bank when the authorization takes place and is not stored by the county.
2. Is there a fee?
Yes, It is set at 2.5% of the total amount due. This is true regardless of the amount paid(large or small) that is due or how many payments are made.
3. Why is there a fee?
Washington state statute, RCW 36.26.190, states that the costs of using credit cards, charge cards or other electronic transaction must be borne by the payer. The 2.5% is paid to a third party, not the County, to process the payment. This
4. The County charged a $35 dollar fee BEFORE and NOW it is a 2.5 percent fee, why the change?
The County has switch payment processing vendor, who is allowed to charge a percentage fee. This is more equitable to everyone. This also closely matches how VISA charges their fee.
5. Why 2.5% convenience fee?
This is how our vendor charges the convenience fee, is more equitable as well as matches closely how VISA charges their fee.
6. When is my property account updated?
The county will post the payment to your account on the second business day following payment. If you inquire online about your account before your payment is posted, you will get a warning that the amount displayed may not reflect recent payments.
7. How can I get help with online payments?
Either e-mail the county with your question at Treasurer.Payments@clark.wa.gov, or call our customer service at (360) 397-2252.
8. Do I have to pay online if I want to use a credit card?
Yes.
