The NBS FACTS fee is a per-transaction charge that retailers pass to you when you use their payment plan at checkout
When you choose to split a purchase into payments through a retailer's NBS FACTS payment plan, the retailer may charge you a fee for setting up and processing that plan. This fee is separate from any interest you might pay on the outstanding balance. The amount varies by retailer and by the size of your purchase — there is no single fixed fee across all stores.
The fee covers the retailer's cost to integrate with the NBS FACTS system, verify your information, and process your installment schedule. Some retailers absorb this cost themselves and do not pass it to you; others build it into the plan terms you see before you confirm. You should see the total fee amount before you complete the transaction, not after.
This is different from a late fee (which you pay only if you miss a payment) or interest (which accrues on your remaining balance if the plan charges interest at all). The FACTS fee is charged upfront or rolled into your first payment, depending on how the retailer structures it.
Key Takeaways
- The NBS FACTS fee is a one-time charge the retailer may impose when you set up a payment plan, and you will see the amount before you confirm the purchase.
- The fee amount depends on the retailer and the purchase size, not on a standard rate — compare the total cost across retailers if you have options.
- This fee is separate from interest charges and late fees, which are different costs that may explore under different conditions.
- Some retailers do not charge a FACTS fee at all, so check the plan terms carefully before you commit.
How the fee appears on your receipt and statements
When you complete a purchase using NBS FACTS, the fee will appear as a line item on your receipt at the point of sale. It may be labeled as "FACTS fee," "payment plan fee," "processing fee," or similar language depending on the retailer's system. The receipt will also show your total amount due, including the fee.
On your billing statement or payment schedule, the fee is typically included in your first payment or shown as a separate charge in the first billing cycle. If the retailer rolls the fee into your first installment, your first payment will be higher than the remaining payments. If they charge it separately, you may see it as a distinct line on your statement before your regular installment amounts begin.
Keep your receipt and your first statement together so you can verify that the fee shown matches what you agreed to at checkout. If the amounts do not match, contact the retailer's customer service with both documents.
When retailers do and do not charge the FACTS fee
Not every retailer charges a FACTS fee, and not every purchase qualifies for one. Some retailers offer FACTS plans with no fee as a promotional tool to encourage larger purchases. Others charge the fee only on purchases above a certain dollar amount — for example, a retailer might charge a fee on plans over $500 but not on smaller splits.
Furniture stores, electronics retailers, and appliance chains are the most common places you will see NBS FACTS plans, and fee policies vary widely across them. A store may charge a fee on a 12-month plan but not on a 6-month plan, or vice versa. The only way to know is to check the terms at checkout or ask the sales associate before you commit.
If you are comparing payment plan options across retailers, the FACTS fee should factor into your total cost. A plan with a lower interest rate but a higher upfront fee might cost more overall than a plan with a higher rate and no fee, depending on how long you take to pay it off.
How the fee affects your total cost
The FACTS fee is a fixed cost added to your purchase price, so it increases what you owe from day one. If you are splitting a $1,000 purchase into 12 monthly payments and the retailer charges a $50 FACTS fee, you are paying $1,050 total — not $1,000. That $50 is due regardless of whether you pay on time or early.
If the plan also charges interest, the interest accrues on the full amount including the fee. So in the example above, interest would be calculated on $1,050, not $1,000. This means the fee effectively increases the interest you pay as well, since interest is usually a percentage of the total balance.
Paying off the plan early does not refund the FACTS fee. Once you have paid it, it is gone. Some retailers offer interest refunds if you pay early, but the upfront fee is separate and non-refundable.
FACTS fees compared to other payment plan costs
A payment plan can charge you in three ways: an upfront fee (the FACTS fee), interest on your balance, and late fees if you miss a payment. Understanding the difference helps you calculate the true cost.
| Cost Type | When You Pay It | What It Covers | Can You Avoid It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| FACTS fee | Upfront or in your first payment | Retailer's cost to set up and process the plan | Only by choosing a different retailer or payment method |
| Interest | Spread across your payments or at the end | Cost of borrowing money over time | Yes, if the plan is interest-free, or by paying early |
| Late fee | Only if you miss a payment | Retailer's penalty for non-payment | Yes, by paying on time |
Many retailers offer zero-interest FACTS plans, which means you pay only the upfront fee and your regular installments — no additional interest charges. In that case, the FACTS fee is your only extra cost beyond the purchase price itself. If the plan does charge interest, you need to factor in both the fee and the interest rate when comparing options.
What to ask before you agree to a FACTS plan
Before you confirm a payment plan at checkout, ask the retailer or check the terms for these specific details: Is there a FACTS fee, and if so, what is the amount? Is the fee a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the purchase? When is the fee due — upfront, in the first payment, or spread across all payments?
Also ask whether the plan charges interest, what the interest rate is, and whether it is a promotional zero-interest offer or a permanent rate. Find out what happens if you pay the plan off early — do you get an interest refund, and is the FACTS fee refundable? Confirm the payment schedule: how many payments, how much per payment, and what date each payment is due.
Write down or take a photo of the plan terms before you leave the store or complete the online transaction. This protects you if there is a dispute later about what you agreed to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate or waive the FACTS fee?
The fee is set by the retailer's agreement with NBS, so you cannot negotiate it down. However, you can choose not to use the FACTS plan and pay with a different method instead. Some retailers may waive the fee during a promotion or for a large purchase — it never hurts to ask, but do not expect it.
Is the FACTS fee the same as interest?
No. The FACTS fee is a one-time upfront charge for setting up the plan. Interest is a percentage of your balance that accrues over time as you carry the debt. A plan can have a fee, interest, both, or neither. Check your plan terms to see which applies to you.
Do I have to pay the FACTS fee if I pay off the plan early?
Yes. The fee is charged upfront and is not refundable, even if you pay the entire plan balance in full before the scheduled end date. Some retailers refund interest if you pay early, but the FACTS fee is separate and stays charged.
What if the FACTS fee on my receipt does not match what I was told?
Contact the retailer's customer service with your receipt and your first billing statement. Bring both documents and explain the discrepancy. The retailer should correct the error or refund the overcharge if they charged you more than the agreed amount.
Can I return the item and get the FACTS fee refunded?
That depends on the retailer's return policy and how they handle fees on returned items. Some retailers refund the fee as part of the return, while others keep it. Ask about the fee refund policy before you complete the return, or check your retailer's return terms online.