The challenge
Accepting cards meant receiving a monthly processing bill at different rates for different card types — an unpredictable expense in a budget with no line for it.
Collecting and retaining a fee to cover processing created its own administrative burden.
A limited staff was handling payment mechanics that automation should own.
The approach
The court moved to Government Window's model, in which a nominal service fee is disclosed to and paid by the payer, separate from the fine amount.
Online and IVR channels were configured so routine payments complete without staff involvement.
Counter card acceptance was brought onto the same platform and the same reporting.
The results
The court no longer collects or retains fees to cover card processing, and no longer receives a variable monthly processing bill.
Automated channels have measurably decreased the workload on a limited staff.
Processing credit and debit cards is, in the court's description, simple.