I've made a (huge expensive) payment mistake

[flowershoes 2]

So. I'm at the final stages of filling out all my information on that dreaded ustraveldocs website. I get to the page where it gives me a few options how to pay for my visa. I chose electrontic funds transfer (EFT). The next page gives me the unique account number I'm to deposit the funds in, and then the amount of $240AUD. I hesitated, briefly concered that I'd read on the other page that I was supposed to pay $264 with the current exchange rate, but this page, WITH THE BANKING DETAILS, CLEARLY SAYS $240.

So I pay it.

Of course, I'm wrong, and I realise my mistake minutes later, so, in a panic, I pay a further $24 to amend my payment error.

I have my own banking reciepts to as proof of payment. My question to you guys: IS THIS ENOUGH? The small print seems fairly unforgiving and I'm afraid I'm in a state of panic, what with my interview being six days away. I'm very nearly tempted to pay it again through the post office and count that $264 as a loss. Maybe sell a kidney or something.

[AleGwi 11]

Taking to the street to sell yourself is the only option I feel...

Lol no seriously, that sucks! Can you not call your card company and get the payment stopped/reversed and then pay it again?

Alternatively, call the company that the EFT is going through and ask them.

All in all though, I think you will be ok because you have receipts for the full amount, albeit it in two parts I wouldn't be surprised if this was possible so that people could perhaps pay it in instalments. As long as the correct full amount goes into the specific account and you have the receipts for this to take to your interview, then there should be no problem.

If you're like me though and don't want to chance it, then I would try one of my first options

[clairegie 265]

Best way to find out is to call them.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/au/au-main-contactus.asp#hours

[ivanalex1980 34]

did you pay 240 usd? so why is it wrong? that is exactly the amount you had to pay

[Zedayn 485]

I would just call them. There may or may not be a problem with it, and if you have to resubmit the correct payment amount they should at least be able to refund what you already paid.

did you pay 240 usd? so why is it wrong? that is exactly the amount you had to pay

The OP paid 240 AUD, not in US dollars, so the payment needed will vary based on the exchange rate.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Usually the payments are made in US dollars, the credit card company makes the calculation for you, and charges your credit card at a not so favorable rate. You could just call you CC company, and see what you were actually charged.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The worst is when the website makes the calculation for you, at an unfavorable rate, then credit card company makes the calculation again, when they make payment. So, you get charged twice for the exchange.

[CJC 18]

I would email the US Consulate and check with them. One would think that so long as you have receipts for the total amount that it should be ok but that is just a guess.

Don't worry, it isn't a monumental mistake - I am sure there is a workaround.

Have a great day!

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from K-1 Process to US Embassy & Consulate Discussion Forum~

~Inquiry about that stage of process~

[Alisha78 0]

i dont get it whats the problem exactly ? a huge expensive payment ? i thought we were talking about thousands of US Dollars lol

[David & Diana R 1,005]

So. I'm at the final stages of filling out all my information on that dreaded ustraveldocs website. I get to the page where it gives me a few options how to pay for my visa. I chose electrontic funds transfer (EFT). The next page gives me the unique account number I'm to deposit the funds in, and then the amount of $240AUD. I hesitated, briefly concered that I'd read on the other page that I was supposed to pay $264 with the current exchange rate, but this page, WITH THE BANKING DETAILS, CLEARLY SAYS $240.

So I pay it.

Of course, I'm wrong, and I realise my mistake minutes later, so, in a panic, I pay a further $24 to amend my payment error.

I have my own banking reciepts to as proof of payment. My question to you guys: IS THIS ENOUGH? The small print seems fairly unforgiving and I'm afraid I'm in a state of panic, what with my interview being six days away. I'm very nearly tempted to pay it again through the post office and count that $264 as a loss. Maybe sell a kidney or something.

You said the payment site generated a "unique" account number. Was this number the same for both payments? If it was different I would just pay the amount again in it's entirety in US dollars. But that's just me. If I lost the 240 I would simply chalk it up to a mistake. I would hate for a mistake like this to ties things up for day, weeks or months? But that's just me. It's possible you could get a refund of the overpayment but I would not consider that in making my decision in what to do. Good luck and

God Bless,

Mele Kalikimaka

Edited December 19, 2013 by David & Zoila

[flowershoes 2]

I would email the US Consulate and check with them. One would think that so long as you have receipts for the total amount that it should be ok but that is just a guess.

Don't worry, it isn't a monumental mistake - I am sure there is a workaround.

Have a great day!

This is what I did! After all that panic I got an extremely nanchalant email back from them telling me to just bring both receipts in!! PHEW!

i dont get it whats the problem exactly ? a huge expensive payment ? i thought we were talking about thousands of US Dollars lol

Well, this website specifically says if you make an error in payment, you must pay again in full. I don't know about you, but $528 is a lot of money!!

[CJC 18]

Awesomeness flowershoes! I am happy to hear the consulate got back to you so quickly and with that answer. Phew indeed!

All the best for your interview too