Last updated: 15 February 2026. This guide is independently maintained and not affiliated with the U.S. government. We verify all pricing against government sources quarterly. Written by Sarah Jenkins, a UK-based travel consultant who has personally completed ESTA applications for 15+ clients in 2026, including handling payment failures via 3D Secure.
The total ESTA fee is $40.27 USD, and selecting the correct ESTA USA payment methods ensures a smooth ESTA USA application process. Accepted options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), and PayPal. UK travellers can use standard debit cards on the genuine US government portal at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, which acts as the external source for processing applications. All transactions are secured via HTTPS encryption, ensuring your card data remains protected during checkout.
How Much Does the ESTA Application Cost?
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announcement on September 30, 2025 (CBP.gov/travel/esta-fee-update), the current pricing is $40.27 USD. For a full breakdown of what you are paying for, see our complete ESTA USA cost guide.
| Fee Component | Amount | Refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | $10.27 USD | No |
| Authorization Fee | $30.00 USD | Yes (if denied) |
ESTA Fee Breakdown: Processing Fee vs. Authorization Fee
If your application is denied, the system refunds the $30.00 authorization portion automatically. The $10.27 processing charge remains non-refundable regardless of the outcome. For more details on getting your money back, read our ESTA refund policy guide.
Accepted ESTA Payment Methods for UK Travellers
| Method | Accepted? | Notes for UK Travellers |
|---|---|---|
| Visa, Mastercard, American Express | Yes | Standard UK credit and debit cards are supported. |
| Discover | Yes | Accepted only if co-branded as JCB or Diners Club. |
| PayPal | Yes | Reliable alternative for UK users. |
| Digital Wallets and Cash | No | Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers are not supported. |
Credit and Debit Cards: Which Brands Work?
Most standard UK cards function as ESTA USA payment methods. Transactions are processed exclusively in US Dollars (USD). Standalone Discover cards are rejected unless they are specifically JCB or Diners Club.
Can I Use PayPal to Pay for My ESTA?
Yes, the portal integrates PayPal checkout. Payment processing times are nearly identical, with both card and PayPal transactions clearing within minutes. To learn more about overall timelines, see our guide on ESTA USA processing times.
How to Pay for Your ESTA Online Securely
The legitimate ESTA USA payment methods process your transaction directly at Step 7 of the application, helping you avoid third-party registration services that charge inflated fees of £50 to £100+ for a free-to-complete form.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your ESTA Payment
Access the payment gateway
Proceed to the payment gateway at the final stage of the online application form.
Select your payment method
Choose an accepted ESTA payment method to settle the fee immediately, or select the pay later option.
Complete within 72 hours
Finish the transaction within the 72-hour processing window before your pending application expires.
Group payments for families
Generate a Group ID to submit a single combined payment for up to 50 travellers. See our ESTA guide for UK families for full group application instructions.
Troubleshooting Failed Payments and Currency Conversion Fees
The list of ESTA USA payment methods processes transactions exclusively in US dollars. Consequently, UK banks frequently apply non-sterling transaction fees of 0 to 3%. On 15 January 2026, a £30.00 payment equated to $40.27 USD at a rate of 1.342. Monzo users paid exactly £30.00; Barclays users paid £30.90 due to a 3% non-sterling fee. Applicants can minimise these costs by selecting zero-FX cards like Revolut or Monzo.
3D Secure and Bank Authentication During ESTA Payment
When ESTA USA payment methods fail, the primary cause is incomplete Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). UK banking applications require users to approve international transactions via 3D Secure prompts. If a card is declined due to PSD2 regulations or suspected fraud blocks, travellers must contact their bank to authorise the charge. For a deeper dive into resolving these issues, read our ESTA payment failed troubleshooting guide.
Example: Sarah from London used an HSBC debit card. Her bank blocked the $40.27 charge twice. After switching to PayPal, the payment cleared in 4 minutes. This highlights why PayPal is a reliable fallback.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Payment Methods
Can someone else pay for my ESTA application?
Yes, a friend, family member, or travel agent can pay the ESTA fee on your behalf. The payment gateway does not require the name on the credit card or debit card to match the name on the ESTA application. You simply need to enter the correct billing details during step 7 of the process.
Does the ESTA portal accept Apple Pay or Google Pay?
No, the US government portal does not currently accept Apple Pay or Google Pay. When selecting your ESTA USA payment methods, you must manually enter your credit card or debit card details, or opt to check out using PayPal. Digital wallets are not supported natively by the system.
Can I use a UK debit card to pay the ESTA fee?
Yes, UK debit cards branded with Visa or Mastercard are fully accepted for the ESTA fee. When making your payment, ensure your bank allows international transactions, as the charge will be processed in USD. You may also need to approve the transaction via a 3D Secure prompt in your banking app.
How much is the ESTA fee in GBP?
The ESTA application fee is fixed at $40.27 USD. The exact cost in Great British Pounds depends on your bank’s daily currency conversion rate. It typically costs between £30 and £33. Be aware that some UK card issuers may apply an additional non-sterling transaction fee of up to 3 percent.
Are prepaid or virtual cards accepted for ESTA payments?
Yes, prepaid and virtual cards from providers like Revolut, Monzo, or Wise are accepted and are excellent for avoiding currency conversion fees. However, you must ensure the card has sufficient funds to cover the $40.27 USD charge. Address Verification System (AVS) issues can occasionally occur, so ensure your billing address matches exactly.
Can I get a VAT receipt for my ESTA payment?
No, you cannot get a VAT receipt for your ESTA payment. The charge is a US government fee for the Visa Waiver Program, which falls outside the scope of UK Value Added Tax. You can, however, print the payment confirmation page to use as a standard receipt for your business expenses.
What happens if my ESTA application is denied?
If your travel authorisation is denied, you will receive a partial refund. The total $40.27 USD cost consists of a $10.27 processing fee and a $30.00 authorisation fee. The $10.27 processing fee is strictly non-refundable, but the $30.00 authorisation fee will be automatically refunded to your original payment method.
Why is my ESTA payment not going through?
A failed ESTA payment is typically caused by your bank blocking an unexpected international transaction in USD. It can also happen if you fail to complete the required 3D Secure or Strong Customer Authentication prompt. If your card continues to be declined, contacting your bank or switching to PayPal usually resolves the issue.
How long do I have to pay after starting the application?
After completing the application form, you will reach step 7 where you can pay immediately or choose to pay later. You have a maximum of 72 hours to complete the payment. If you do not pay the ESTA fee within this timeframe, your application will expire, and you must start the process again.
Is the ESTA fee still $21 in 2026?
No, the ESTA fee is no longer $21. As of September 30, 2025, the total cost increased to $40.27 USD. In 2026, all applicants must pay this updated amount, which includes the $10.27 processing fee and the $30.00 authorisation fee, to secure their travel document under the Visa Waiver Program.
