This article gives a day by day overview of each step in the Tuition Express process.
Tuition Express Processing Timeline
Recurring ACH (checking/savings) and Credit Card items are processed at the same time as described below. Point of Sale (POS) transactions are processed individually as they occur. See: When are Point of Sale payments credited to my account?
Recurring Credit Card Timeline
- Center transmits credit card payment request by 7:00 pm local time. The center can submit multiple batch payment requests throughout the day.
- Tuition Express processes center request (see note 1 below).
- Funds are credited to center’s bank account in 48 hours (see note 2 below).
Email notifications for declines are no longer sent after each batch. This functionality is planned to return in 2026.
We recommend generating the Credit Card and ACH Decline Report to review any declined transactions.
Recurring ACH Processing (from checking and savings)
Note: Each day below refers to a regular business day for the bank industry and does not include weekends or bank holidays.
Day 0
- Center transmits automatic debit request by scheduling batch payment collection (see note 1 below).
- Tuition Express processes all center requests at the start of every hour.
Day 1
- Tuition Express initiates deposit into center’s bank account.
- Per Item fees related to transaction are calculated and prepared for processing.
- Parents accounts are debited (note: The time of day the parents accounts are debited depends on the State in which you live and the internal policies of the bank).
- Tuition Express processes both center deposit and fee related withdrawal between 3:00PM-4:00PM pacific time.
Day 2
- Funds deposited to center bank account (see note 2 below).
- Non-sufficient funds (NSF) / Returns are processed. Center notified via email of all NSF clients and the amount. (Note: Center may be sent a “Notification of Change” (NOC) and charged a fee. NOC’s are typically a result of bank mergers. Unlike returns, center receives requested amount and is notified to make changes to the parent’s bank account information or be subject to further charges).
- Tuition Express initiates withdrawal of NSF amount and related NSF fees.
Day 3
- Centers bank account reflects withdrawal of any NSF / Returns that have been debited along with all related bank fees.
- Returns continue to be processed on original batch due to some banks responding slower then others.
Day 4
- Centers bank account reflects withdrawal of any NSF / Returns that have been debited along with all related bank fees.
- Returns continue to be processed on original batch due to some banks responding slower then others.
Notes
#1 Payment requests submitted before 7:00 pm merchant local time are typically processed the following business day subject to bank funding and processing approvals.
#2 Your bank may place a 24 hour hold on your deposit. Consult with your bank for a waiver if this occurs.