Effective October 1, 2020, Decatur Utilities will no longer charge customers the current $3.95 third-party “convenience fee” for processing payments via credit/debit card.
Instead, DU will now absorb the fee. DU expects the change to increase the use of self-service payment options including payments by kiosk, SmartHub app, online and phone.
The elimination of the fee will allow customers to utilize these safe, no-contact payment methods at no additional cost. Customers will also now be able to set up recurring credit/debit card payments using the SmartHub app. (The mobile app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Customers can also register for the desktop version at www.decaturutilities.com)
General Manager Ray Hardin said use of DU’s self-service payment options has been increasing steadily over the past several years. “The volume of transactions and the current COVID-19 pandemic make this a logical time to stop charging that convenience fee so even more customers can take advantage of these safe, no-contact payment options,” he added.