Dear AERC Members,
As with nearly every organization today, the American Endurance Ride Conference continues to face increasing operating costs. Expenses associated with providing member services, maintaining our technology, supporting rides, and conducting the day-to-day business of the organization have steadily increased. The Board and staff remain committed to managing these costs responsibly while preserving the services and programs that benefit our members.
One expense that has grown significantly—and one that we can help control—is the cost of processing credit card payments. Currently, AERC pays nearly $20,000 each year in credit card pro-cessing fees. Those dollars provide no direct benefit to our members and simply represent the cost of accepting electronic payments.
To help offset this expense, effective September 1, 2026, AERC will begin assessing a 3% processing fee on all payments made by credit card.
To provide complete transparency, this fee will appear as a separate line item on your invoice or statement rather than being built into the cost of your membership, ride sanctioning fees, or other services.
We also recognize that many members prefer the convenience of electronic payments. To provide a lower-cost alternative, we are currently working to implement an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment option. Once available, ACH payments will be subject to only a 0.75% processing fee, substantially less than the cost of credit card transactions. While AERC will still incur some expense with ACH payments, it will significantly reduce processing costs compared to credit cards.
Members who wish to avoid any processing fees may continue to pay by check, which remains available at no additional cost.
We understand that no one likes additional fees, and this deci-sion was not made lightly. However, we believe it is a fair approach that allows those choosing the convenience of electronic payment to share in the cost of providing that service, rather than passing those expenses on to the entire membership through increased dues and fees.
We appreciate your understanding and your continued support of AERC. Every dollar we save on administrative expenses is a dollar that can be directed toward supporting endurance riding and the programs that benefit our members.
Thank you for your continued membership and support.
Mollie Krumlaw-Smith, AERC Treasurer
Re-printed from August 2026 issue of the Endurance News magazine.