Duluth Announces New Credit Card Payment Surcharge

The City of Duluth has officially announced a new surcharge that will take effect on January 5, 2026. This change will introduce a 3.5% fee for most credit card payments made for city services. Residents should prepare for this adjustment in their payment methods.

Details of the Surcharge

Effective January 5, 2026, residents using credit cards for transactions related to licensing, permits, code enforcement, and various enterprise services will incur a non-refundable surcharge. The minimum fee associated with this surcharge will be $2.50, impacting the affordability of these services for some users.

Alternative Payment Options Available

To mitigate the impact of this surcharge, the City of Duluth offers several alternative payment methods. Residents can choose to pay via e-check for a flat fee of just $1.95. Additionally, traditional cash and checks will remain accepted for in-person payments, allowing for flexibility in how residents choose to handle their transactions.

Reasons Behind the Surcharge Introduction

The decision to implement this credit card surcharge arises from the rising costs associated with processing credit card payments. As businesses, including municipal services, face increased fees from payment processors, the City of Duluth aims to offset these costs while continuing to provide quality services to its residents.

Exceptions to the Surcharge

It’s important to note that certain payments will be exempt from this surcharge. Specifically, payments related to Comfort Systems and parking tickets will not be subject to the new fee. This exception is intended to ease the burden on residents who may rely on these services the most.

City’s Commitment to Residents

The City of Duluth expresses regret for any inconvenience that this new surcharge may cause its customers. City officials are committed to transparency and open communication as they implement this change, ensuring that residents are well-informed about the best payment options available to them.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Change

As the January 2026 deadline approaches, Duluth residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new payment policies. Understanding the different options available can help ease the transition and maintain accessibility to important city services. For further details, residents may contact city officials or visit the official city website.