How to Pay Your University of Maryland Bill Online and by Mail

UMD bill payment methods and where to send payments

University of Maryland students and families can pay bills through the university's online portal, by mail, or in person at the Bursar's Office. The fastest method is the online portal, which processes payments when ready and shows confirmation right away. Mail and in-person payments take longer to post to your account — typically three to five business days for mail and one to two business days for in-person payments.

The online portal is called Testudo, and it is the central system where UMD students view their bill, make payments, and manage their account. You log in with your UMD directory ID and password. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers (ACH). Credit and debit card payments charge a processing fee, which the portal displays before you confirm. ACH transfers from a bank account do not charge a fee.

If you prefer to mail a check or money order, send it to the address listed on your bill or on the Bursar's Office website. Include your student ID number on the check so the payment reaches the correct account. If you are paying in person, the Bursar's Office is located in McKeldin Library on the College Park campus and accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Key Takeaways

• Testudo, UMD's online portal, is the fastest way to pay your bill and shows confirmation when ready after payment.
• Online payments by credit or debit card charge a processing fee; ACH bank transfers do not.
• Mailed checks take three to five business days to post, so send payment well before your due date to avoid late fees.
• The Bursar's Office in McKeldin Library accepts in-person payments and can answer questions about your bill or payment status.

Logging into Testudo and locating your bill

Go to testudo.umd.edu and enter your UMD directory ID (the username you use for email and other university systems) and your password. If you do not have a directory ID or have forgotten your password, contact the UMD Help Desk at the phone number or email listed on the login page.

Once logged in, look for the "Student Accounts" or "Billing" section. This section shows your current balance, due date, and a breakdown of charges (tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, and other costs). You can view past bills and payment history here as well. If you have a zero balance or a credit, the system will show that too.

If your bill shows charges you do not recognize or believe are incorrect, contact the Bursar's Office before paying. They can explain any charge and correct errors. Paying a bill you dispute does not waive your right to ask for a correction later, but resolving it first prevents confusion.

Paying online through Testudo

From the billing section in Testudo, select the option to make a payment. The system will ask you to choose a payment method: credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or more than the balance if you want to create a credit.

For credit or debit card payments, you will see the processing fee before you confirm. This fee is a percentage of the payment amount and goes to the payment processor, not to UMD. For ACH transfers, provide your bank account number and routing number. ACH payments take one to two business days to clear, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

After you submit the payment, Testudo generates a confirmation number. Write this down or save the confirmation page. The system updates your account balance within minutes for card payments and within one to two business days for ACH transfers. If your payment does not appear after that time, contact the Bursar's Office with your confirmation number.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your check or money order payable to the University of Maryland. On the memo line, write your student ID number so the payment is matched to your account. Include a copy of your bill or a note with your name, student ID, and the amount enclosed.

Mail the payment to the address shown on your bill or on the Bursar's Office website. Use first-class mail or a tracked service if you want to confirm delivery. The Bursar's Office processes mail payments in the order received, and it typically takes three to five business days from the date received for the payment to post to your account. If your due date is within a week, use online payment or in-person payment instead.

Keep a copy of the check or money order number and the date you mailed it. If the payment does not appear on your account after five business days, contact the Bursar's Office with these details so they can trace it.

Paying in person at the Bursar's Office

The Bursar's Office is in McKeldin Library on the College Park campus. They accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your student ID and a form of payment. If you are paying by check, write it payable to the University of Maryland and include your student ID on the memo line.

The office is open during regular business hours, which are posted on the Bursar's Office website. Hours may vary during holidays and breaks, so check before you go. In-person payments post to your account within one to two business days. You will receive a receipt at the time of payment.

If you cannot visit in person, you can mail a check or use Testudo instead. The Bursar's Office staff can also answer questions about your bill, explain charges, or discuss payment plans if you are unable to pay the full amount by the due date.

Late payments and what happens if you miss the due date

If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, UMD may charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee is set by the university and is shown on your bill or in the billing section of Testudo. Late payments can also affect your registration for future semesters — some universities hold registration or transcript release until the balance is paid.

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Bursar's Office as soon as possible. They may be able to set up a payment plan that breaks your balance into smaller installments over several months. Payment plans have their own due dates and terms, which the Bursar's Office will explain in writing.

If you have a financial hardship and cannot pay even with a payment plan, ask about other resources. Some universities have emergency funds or can connect you with financial counseling. The Bursar's Office can point you toward these resources if they exist at UMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments through Testudo?

UMD's Testudo system does not offer automatic recurring payments. You must log in and make each payment manually. However, you can set a reminder on your phone or calendar for your due date so you do not forget to pay.

What if I pay more than my bill amount?

The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use the credit toward future semester bills, or you can request a refund. Contact the Bursar's Office to request a refund; they will process it according to the university's refund schedule, which may take several weeks.

Is there a difference between paying online and mailing a check?

Online payment is faster — it posts within minutes for cards and one to two days for bank transfers. Mailed checks take three to five business days to post. Online payment by card charges a fee; mailed checks and ACH transfers do not. Choose based on your due date and whether you want to pay a processing fee.

What should I do if Testudo is down or I cannot log in?

If the portal is unavailable, you can mail a check or visit the Bursar's Office in person. If you cannot log in because you forgot your password, use the password reset link on the Testudo login page or contact the UMD Help Desk. Do not wait until the last day to pay in case technical issues arise.

Can I pay someone else's UMD bill?

Yes, but you will need their student ID number and permission to access their account or make a payment on their behalf. The easiest way is for the student to log into Testudo and authorize you as an authorized payer, or you can contact the Bursar's Office to ask about their policy for third-party payments.