Credit/Debit Card Payment Processing Fee FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for credit & debit card processing fee.
When does this take effect?
  • Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Why is there a fee?
  • The fee is charged by the merchant service provider for enabling real-time transactions in a convenient, secure, and reliable way. It is not a fee charged by the City.
How much is the fee?

  • 2.2% with a minimum of $2.

  • For example: If your water bill is $60, then you will be charged the minimum $2 fee making your total $62. However, if your plan check fee is $6,000, the processing fee will be $132 (2.2% of $6,000), bringing your total to $6,132.

Is there any way I can avoid paying a processing fee?

  • You can avoid the processing fee by using eCheck to make your payment.

  • You can pay for certain services—like water bills, business licenses, and planning and building permits—in person at City Hall with cash or check.

    Garden Grove City Hall
    11222 Acacia Parkway
    Garden Grove, CA 92840

    If you have any questions regarding in-person payment, please call the Cashier line at 714-741-5059.

Will I be charged a processing fee if I enroll in autopay for water bills?
  • No, there is no processing fee. Autopay uses eCheck, which is free of charge.
If I use my debit card to pay, will I be charged the processing fee?
  • Yes. Your debit card will be processed as a credit card and you will be charged the processing fee.
If I decide to use the credit card option to make a payment, how will I know how much the processing fee will cost?
  • When you process a credit card payment, you will receive a message that a fee will be assessed for the processing of using a credit card. The message will include the amount that will be assessed to your credit card.
What credit cards does the City of Garden Grove accept?
  • The City accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and Digital Wallets (Google Wallet and Apple Pay)
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