Santa Barbara residents may have noticed a new fee on their water, sewer and trash bills, or other payments to the city.

The city is charging a fee of $2.95 or 2.95% of the transaction amount – whichever is higher – for all credit card and debit card payments, Google Pay and Apple Pay. 

It also applies to any of those payment methods used for autopay or in-person payment to the city.  

The city sent out the fee notice in mid-May and the charges are hitting customers starting this week. 

“Starting June 1, 2025, to help offset the rising costs of payment processing fees, The City of Santa Barbara will implement a service fee for all credit and debit card payments,” the notice said.

To avoid the fee in online payments, customers can pay bills by electronic check (ACH) or a bank account. 

More information from the city is available at https://santabarbaraca.gov/utility-billing. For questions, contact the city at utilitybilling@santabarbaraca.gov or 805.564.5343.

“Water, sewer, and trash bill payments can be paid online via WaterSmart at SantaBarbara.WaterSmart.com, by phone at 855.844.0038, by mail, or left in the drop box at City Hall,” the city says.