Business Office
Tuition Payment by Credit Card

Credit card payments may now be made online and billing statements are now available within NetClassroom. Learn more (prompts for login).

Phoenix Country Day School welcomes your tuition payment by MasterCard, American Express or Discover.  Each payment will be assessed a convenience fee of 3%.

Phoenix Country Day School has registered with each of the card brands for this special program, which is available only to schools, utilities, and government entities.  This type of payment acceptance program is common at many universities including Rutgers, Columbia University, and NYU. 

Visa rules and regulations currently prohibit this type of program.  We hope that, at some point in the near future, we will be able to add Visa to this program on the same terms.  Please note that we are still able to accept Visa for annual giving, and at the bi-annual Parents’ Association Auction.

Background and Policy

Phoenix Country Day School is committed to providing a range of payment options to accommodate the preferences and financial circumstance of different families. 

Paying tuition by credit card has been an option requested by parents for some time.  Parents have cited the wish to take advantage of rewards, cash back, and low interest rate programs, as well as the flexible monthly repayment option credit cards offer.  We recognize that, wisely used, payment of tuition by credit cards can be a prudent financial vehicle for parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these changes made?

Paying tuition by credit card has been an option requested by parents for some time.  Parents have cited the wish to take advantage of rewards, cash back, and low interest rate programs, as well as the flexible monthly repayment option credit cards offer.   We recognize that wisely used, payment of tuition by credit cards can be a prudent financial vehicle for parents. 

Why eliminate Visa branded debit and credit cards?

Visa rules do not allow an acceptable method of assessing a convenience charge to tuition and fee payments. Unlike the other brands of cards, Visa will not allow the school to assess a convenience charge that varies with the amount of the tuition and fee bill.

Are other colleges and universities making similar changes?

Many independent school, colleges and universities, both within and outside of Arizona, have already made similar changes to their practices of accepting credit cards.

What should I do if all I have is a Visa card?

In addition to accepting MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards, parents will continue to be able to make payments by check.

Why can’t I use a credit card in person at the Business Office if I am willing to pay the fee?

The complicated regulations are such that to charge a convenience fee for credit card transactions at the Business Office would also necessitate the same charge for payments made by cash or check.

Can I use my Visa for annual giving or at the bi-annual auction?

These changes only apply to payments made for tuition and mandatory fees.   Other payments, such as donations to the Annual Fund, are not affected by this policy.

How will the monies that are collected from this fee be used?

The monies collected will be used to defray a portion of the cost of providing convenient electronic payment options for those who wish to pay via credit card. This change will benefit the school and all of its students by keeping the budget focused on school budget items that add to the overall educational experience of your child.

Who can I talk to about these changes?

If you have any questions about this new policy, we request that you contact Donna Corbett in the Business Office at donna.corbett@pcds.org or 602-955-8200 ext. 2224.