Mackinac Bridge Authority approves credit card convenience fees, lower deposit limits for MacPass

Fast facts:

• Citing credit card transaction fees the Mackinac Bridge Authority pays, the Authority approved a new 2.3 percent convenience fee to recoup some of those costs beginning Jan. 1.
• The Authority approved lowering initial MacPass deposits from $80 to $40, and refill deposits from $50 to $20.
• The Authority also voted to discontinue acceptance of American Express credit cards, noting their higher average transaction costs.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Recognizing the increased costs for credit and debit card transaction fees, the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today approved collecting a 2.3 percent convenience fee for tolls paid by credit cards to recoup some of those expenses.

Authority members cited the rising costs of transaction fees from credit card companies, which totaled $341,761.51 in 2024, as the reason for the new convenience fees. The current average credit card fees for tolls paid is 3.07 percent; roughly 12-13 percent of all tolls are paid by credit card.

"Though this convenience fee will not cover all credit card processing costs, it will help defray those costs in a way that will allow us to continue directing most of our toll revenues to the neverending job of maintaining and operating the Mackinac Bridge," said Authority Chairman Patrick "Shorty" Gleason.

The convenience fee will add roughly $0.09 for the typical $4 toll for passenger vehicles. The new fee would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Customers who pay in the toll lanes can avoid the credit card fees by paying cash. MacPass holders can make deposits with cash or electronic checks to avoid the fees.

To make it easier for customers to open and refill their MacPass commuter toll program accounts, the Authority also reduced the initial account minimum deposit from $80 to $40, and refill deposit minimums from $50 to $20. Those changes are expected to take effect Dec. 1, or as soon as possible.

Noting the relatively higher credit card processing fees for American Express, currently at 4.79 percent, the Authority also approved discontinuing acceptance of those credit cards for payment beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The MBA took action today at its meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. A recording of the meeting is available to view on YouTube.