A convenience fee is an additional charge that businesses may apply when customers use certain payment methods, such as credit cards or online payment systems. This fee is intended to cover the costs associated with processing these transactions, which can be higher than traditional payment methods like cash or checks. These fees are often seen in industries like ticketing, utilities, and online services, where customers may prefer the ease of digital payments. It's important for consumers to be aware of these fees, as they can increase the total cost of a purchase and vary by provider.