FAQs

Can I pay by credit card?

It is not possible to pay by credit card. The credit card companies charge a service fee to the University for credit card payments that cannot be passed on to the consumer. We are unable to assume the merchant costs for credit cards.

Can I pay in cash?

It is not possible to pay in cash.

Can I pay by debit card?

It is not possible to pay by debit card. Through your Canadian bank account you can pay through online banking. Please refer to Make a payment within Canada

Can I pay in person?

Service Point does not accept in-person payments. You can use one of the electronic methods listed on this site.

Can someone else pay for me?

Yes, someone else can pay your balance. If the third party or your guest has access to internet banking, they can set-up McGill University as one of their payees and use your McGill ID as the account number. They do not require a copy of the e-bill to do this, only the amount that they wish to pay.

Can more than one person make payments towards my account?

Yes, more than one person can make a payment towards your outstanding balance. As the student, you are responsible for coordinating the payments so that your account is not over- or under-paid..

Can I take my e-bill to the bank and use it to pay my fees?

No, as the e-bill is not printed on invoice paper that has the MICR line with the bank account information. You can ask a teller to help you set up McGill as a bill to pay through online banking or at your banks’ ATMs.

I do not feel comfortable with online banking, how can I pay?

You can ask a teller at your bank to help you set up McGill as a bill. Then you can make a payment to that bill at your banks’ ATMs, or through telephone banking.

In general, payments should appear on your account within the following time frames:

  • Online banking: 1-3 business days
  • CIBC International Student Pay: 2-5 business days
  • Convera: 2-5 business days
  • Wire: 2-10 business days
  • Mailed payment: once mail is received, 2 business days. Mailing time can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, or longer, depending on point of origin.

What is the best way to make a payment from outside of Canada?

McGill does not recommend one option over another for payments from outside of Canada. You will need to review your options, and decide for yourself. Here is a brief comparison of the three main international payment options:

Question CIBC International Student Pay Convera
How is the payment done? Wire, or ACH (US-only) Variety of online and in-person payment options including bank transfer (wire), ACH (US-only), UnionPay, Tenpay, AliPay, WeChat Pay, POLIpayments, India Net Banking, Trustly, and Sofort
Who determines the exchange rate? CIBC Convera
Do I know the exchange rate before I make the payment? Yes Yes, you will see all of your payment options and costs upfront before choosing your payment method
How long before the payment is in my account 2-5 business days 2-5 business days
Are there additional costs? There are no additional transaction charges from CIBC or from McGill. In some cases, your bank or payment provider may charge an additional fee. There are no additional transaction charges from Convera or from McGill. In some cases, your bank or payment provider may charge an additional fee.

My company (government, band, etc) is paying some (all) of my fees. What do I need to do?

If I give e-payment privileges to a guest, does it mean that I am no longer responsible for paying my fees?

No, you are always in control of your record, and continue to be responsible for the payment of your fees by the deadline. Interest and late payment fees will apply should payment not be made by a payment deadline, and students are held responsible for these charges. This was the case even before guest access was introduced.

Where can I find the Automatic Banking Machines (ABMs) on campus?

There are a total of nine Automatic Banking Machines (ABMs) on campus. The 9 machines listed below provide withdrawal and transfer services.

  • Laird Hall entrance, Macdonald Campus
  • Burnside Hall (basement)
  • McIntyre Medical Building (1st floor)
  • McConnell Engineering Building (main floor)
  • Bronfman Building (basement, Cafeteria)
  • 3459 rue McTavish – Redpath (basement, Cafeteria)
  • 3625 avenue du Parc – New Residence Hall (reception)
  • 475 des Pins Avenue West – McGill Sports Complex
  • 688 rue Sherbrooke (2nd floor)

There are many banks in the downtown area that are within easy walking distance from campus. It has been noted that at the beginning of the school year banks in close proximity to the downtown campus experience long line-ups, in particular due to out-of-province students wanting to open accounts. Students who wish to meet with a banking officer are advised to make an appointment to avoid long delays.

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