A recent meeting of the Mackinac Bridge Authority resulted in the addition of a 2.3% convenience fee added to the toll for anyone choosing to pay by credit card.
The change is credited towards raising transaction costs related to credit card usage. During its latest meeting, the Authority said the fees were resulting in a $350,000 in 2024.
The Authority also decided to discontinue the acceptance of American Express cards with the turn of the year due to the excessive transaction fees AmEx charges. American Express has only been available for use at the toll since 2020, when COVID restrictions made the bridge go contactless.
To help with the new fee, the Authority also made the decision to lower the prices for the MacPass program.
MacPass is the bridge's pre-paid toll account that allows people to cross without having to stop at the tolls. The $80 initial payment will now be $40, with refills cutting in half from $40 down to $20.
Patrons can avoid the fee altogether by paying with cash. The changes will take place in January 2025.
