City of Bloomington to Update Credit Card Payment Practices July 1

Beginning July 1, 2026, residents and customers who choose to pay City of Bloomington business license, permit, plan, and violation fees by credit card will pay the associated credit card processing fee of $2.50 for payments up to $71.50 and 3.5% for payment amounts of $71.50 or above.

Bloomington continues to review expenses as the City prepares for a tighter and more uncertain fiscal environment. The review focuses on responsible stewardship, transparency, and long-term service stability. That work includes preparing Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 and related legislation that changes Indiana's property and income tax structure

As part of that broader review, the City will update its long-standing credit card payment practice. The City has historically covered credit card processing fees for users and will no longer use general funds or other public resources to cover vendor-established costs generated by individual credit card transactions.

The City is not creating a new City fee or changing the amount owed. Instead, the City will pass through the transaction cost associated with credit card payments. The City does not set credit card processing rates. Third-party payment processors and card vendors establish those rates. Like many public agencies, the City relies on outside vendors to securely process electronic payments, and the payment processing industry offers limited vendor options.

Residents and customers will continue to have payment options that do not include credit card processing fees, including paying by cash, check, or money order either in-person or by mail.

In-person Payments

Cash (exact change only), check, money order, or credit/debit card payments (credit and debit card payments subject to processing fee) may be made at one of the following city locations.

Business license, plan, permit, and violation-related fees.

City Hall

401 N Morton Street

Bloomington, IN 47404

Utility bills or utilities-related violation fees.

City of Bloomington Utilities

600 E Miller DR

Bloomington, IN 47401

Payment by Mail

The change applies only to credit card processing fees and does not change the underlying amount owed to the City. Any processing fee will be displayed before the transaction is completed and will be shown on the payment receipt.