Paying the $25 Visitation Background Fee: Keefe, JPay & GTL Fee Comparison

Applying to visit someone? You'll need to pay a one-time $25 background check fee - non-refundable - for each adult visitor. This applies whether you're setting up in-person visits, phone calls, or video visits.

Arizona accepts the background fee through three approved vendors: Keefe, JPay, or GTL. Each offers multiple payment options - storefront, phone, mobile app, or online. Pick whichever works best for you. As you'll see below, the convenience fees vary, so your choice of vendor and payment method can save you a few bucks.

Have your Application Visitor ID ready before you start. ADCRR requires electronic payment, and you'll need this ID number when submitting the $25 fee - no matter which vendor or method you choose.

The $25 background fee stays the same regardless of how you pay. The convenience fee is where things differ. Keefe charges no fee - whether you pay online, through their app, by phone, or at a storefront. JPay charges $0.95 across all payment methods. GTL's fees depend on the option: CheckFreePay runs $1.00 for internet, mobile, or phone, and $2.50 at storefronts. Western Union through GTL costs $1.00 online or by phone, but jumps to $4.50 at storefronts.

• ✓ If you want to avoid convenience fees altogether, choose the option listed as “No Fee” (Keefe).
• ✓ If you’re comparing paid options, JPay’s $0.95 fee is typically lower than GTL’s $1.00 for internet/mobile/phone transactions.
• ✓ Be extra careful with storefront/walk-up payments - those are where fees can jump (for example, GTL (CheckFreePay) lists $2.50 and GTL (Western Union) lists $4.50 for storefront).
• ✓ If you’re already at a storefront location, confirm which GTL storefront service is being used (CheckFreePay vs. Western Union), since the fee isn’t the same.