Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Can You Pay USCIS with a Credit Card?
May 14, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, you can pay U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees with a credit card, either through their online filing portal or by submitting a specific authorization form with a paper application.
Should You Pay Uscis With A Credit Card?
Deciding to use a credit card involves weighing the potential upsides and downsides.
Benefits
- Convenience: Paying online with a card is often faster than mailing a check or money order.
- Rewards: You may be able to earn points, miles, or cash back on the transaction.
- Payment Flexibility: It allows you to pay the fee immediately and pay off the balance over time.
- Record Keeping: The charge provides a clear, dated record of your payment on your credit card statement.
Costs
- Interest Charges: If you carry a balance, interest will increase the total amount you ultimately pay.
- Potential for Debt: Large government fees can contribute to credit card debt if not managed carefully.
- Transaction Issues: A payment can be declined due to card limits, incorrect information, or fraud alerts.
How to Pay Uscis With A Credit Card
Paying your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees with a credit card is a convenient option. Follow these general steps to ensure your payment is processed smoothly and securely.
Confirm Eligibility: Before preparing your application, verify that the specific form you are filing accepts credit card payments. Check the official instructions for your form on the USCIS website, as not all forms or filing locations have this option.
Complete Form G-1450: You must fill out and sign Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Ensure all information, including your credit card number, expiration date, and signature, is accurate to avoid rejection.
Choose the Right Card: A significant expense like a USCIS fee is an excellent opportunity to earn travel points or cash back. To find a card that maximizes rewards, you can use Kudos' Explore Tool to compare your options.
Submit Your Forms Correctly: Place the completed Form G-1450 on top of your main application or petition. Submitting the forms together in the correct order helps ensure the payment is processed with your case file.
Monitor Your Account: After filing, keep an eye on your credit card statement. Verify that the correct fee amount has been charged by USCIS. If the charge is declined, USCIS will reject your application.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Paying your USCIS fees with a credit card offers convenience, but it's wise to consider the potential effects on your credit score. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind before you pay.
- Credit Utilization. This large payment can increase your credit utilization ratio, which compares your balance to your credit limit. A ratio above 30% may negatively affect your credit score, so be mindful of your available credit.
- Payment History. Ensure you can pay the credit card bill on time and, ideally, in full to avoid interest. A single late payment can damage your payment history, which is a major factor in your credit score.
- Available Credit. The charge will reduce your available credit, which could be a factor if you have other large purchases planned. This temporary reduction can impact your overall financial flexibility and borrowing power in the short term.
Alternative Ways To Pay Uscis
Pay Directly From Your Bank Account
If you prefer not to use a credit card, you can authorize a direct payment from your bank account. This method, known as an Automated Clearing House (ACH) withdrawal, electronically debits the fee from your checking or savings account. To use this option, you will need to provide your bank account and routing numbers in the online payment portal. This is a secure and widely used alternative for those who wish to avoid credit transactions while still paying online.
Pay by Mail
For many forms, USCIS still accepts payment by mail. This traditional method involves sending a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order with your application. It is critical to make the payment instrument payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” and not an abbreviation. This approach completely bypasses online payment systems but requires careful adherence to mailing instructions to ensure your application is accepted without delay.
Choose the Right Card to Pay Uscis
Paying your USCIS fees is a significant expense, but it's also a prime opportunity to earn substantial rewards with the right credit card. With thousands of cards on the market, finding the optimal one can be a challenge. Kudos simplifies this with an AI-powered tool that helps you compare nearly 3,000 cards to find your perfect match based on your preferences, whether you're looking for cash back, travel points, or low interest rates.
If you want to make your credit cards work harder for you, Kudos is the essential free smart wallet for online shopping. We're currently giving new users $20 after their first qualifying purchase—just sign-up for free with code “GET20” and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of credit cards does USCIS accept?
USCIS accepts major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for most application fees.
Is there an extra fee for using a credit card?
No, USCIS does not charge any additional convenience fees for processing payments made with a credit card.
What happens if my credit card payment is declined?
If your credit card payment is declined, USCIS will reject your application and return it without processing.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
