When is my monthly payment plan activated?

You must submit the electronic or handwritten signature of the credit card holder, agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. You must also pay the $150 minimum enrollment deposit to activate EF’s Monthly Payment Plan.

When can I enroll in EF’s Monthly Payment Plan?

All travelers are automatically enrolled in EF’s monthly payment plan when we receive your application and $150 minimum enrollment payment.

May I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. However, you are responsible for ensuring there are sufficient funds available for each monthly deduction.

When is my checking account or credit card charged?

Your checking account or credit card will be automatically charged on the 26th day of every month or on the following business day if the 26th is a weekend or holiday. Your last payment will be charged to your checking account or credit card on or before the final payment deadline of 35 days prior to departure.

What happens if my checking account or credit card is declined?

A non-refundable $30 fee will be assessed each time a checking account payment is returned due to insufficient funds. A non-refundable $20 fee will be assessed each time a credit card or debit card is declined. The following months, we will attempt to process both the payment due and the payment past due. Smithsonian Student Travel reserves the right to withdraw you from the plan for checking account returns or credit card declines for two consecutive months.

Will I be notified if my credit card is declined?

Yes. You will be contacted via email. The decline will be noted in your online account schedule. The following month, we will attempt to charge both the payment due and the payment past due.

How much is my monthly payment?

It depends on the cost of your tour and how much time there is before you leave. We will divide the cost of your tour over the number of months until your final payment due date. Monthly and final payments are recalculated if tour items such as optional excursions, insurance, room upgrades, special travel requests or departure fee changes are added or removed and exceed $125.

What if I would like to pay more than my monthly payment?

If you would like to make additional payments, you are more than welcome to do so. However, your monthly scheduled payment amounts will not be recalculated. We will deduct any additional payments you make from your final payment(s).

When does my monthly playment plan end?

Your last payment will appear on your credit card statement on the 26h of the month on or before your final payment deadline of 35 days prior to your tour departure date. You are responsible for any additional charges you incur after that point (e.g. purchasing insurance or optional excursions), and we will send you an invoice for any remaining balance.

What happens to my monthly payment plan if I use a travel voucher?

Your monthly payment amount will be recalculated once you redeem your voucher.

Where can I view my account?

You can view and manage your account and scheduled payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by logging in to your account.

Can I have my monthly statements sent to me in the mail?

No. In order to keep your plan up-to-date, we maintain all statements online.