Complete information on fees can be found in DXCC Rule 16.

In 1990 fees (other than postage) were added to the DXCC program. The basic application fee of USD $10 was established at this time. This fee was not charged to ARRL members until 1998. A surcharge of USD $10 was charged for non-ARRL members. In the US, only ARRL members may participate in the DXCC program. In addition, a surcharge of USD $10 was charged for subsequent applications in a calendar year.

On April 2, 2012 ARRL implemented the online DXCC application to streamline the application and field checking process of paper QSL cards.  DXCC application fees were lowered and the subsequent application surcharge was removed.  DXCC players now have three distinct methods to apply QSO credits toward their DXCC awards.
 

1. Logbook of The World

2. Online DXCC application

3. Traditional paper application

DXCC fees are assessed according to the calendar year of January 1 to December 31.

DXCC application fees are based on the application method.  Logbook of the world is the least costly way to confirm contacts and apply these QSOs toward DXCC awards. The applicant may need to pay 12 cents per QSO, but this is far less expensive than paper cards when you consider the cost of acquiring and shipping the card to ARRL to be checked.  In addition to money, LoTW also saves time.  QSLs sent via the QSL bureau may take several months or even years to get a response.  LoTW QSOs have been confirmed sometime minutes after the QSO.

The Online DXCC application is an efficient method to apply your paper QSL cards toward your DXCC awards.  The applicant can enter QSL card data at anytime and save it until they are ready to make an application.  Cards do not have to be sorted in band/mode order.
 

Because the traditional paper application involves the most handling, this application method will incur the greater cost of the three application methods.
 

To participate in the DXCC program, hams in the US and its possessions MUST be ARRL members. Foreign non-ARRL members may participate in DXCC, but they must pay a surcharge.

Subsequent Submissions in a Calendar Year

Applicants are allowed to make more than one submission in a calendar year. There is no penalty for making more than one application in a calendar year.  In fact, DXCC participants are encouraged to make more applications to streamline the workload and maintain more accurate standings among DXers.

There is a 101 QSO per application limit at conventions and when cards are presented at ARRL HQ. There are no limits when mailing cards to ARRL HQ. There are also no limits on the number of cards that can be checked when bringing cards to an approved card checker.

No. Each additional certificate is USD $12.

The USD $7 fee is charged when cards are brought to a convention, but ONLY when DXCC staff is present.

A fee of $9 is charged when applications are presented in person at ARRL HQ and processed "while you wait."

ARRL accepts most major credit cards for payment. Cash, check, money order, and bank checks are also OK. Cash payment is strongly discouraged. ARRL is NOT responsible for the loss of cash. 

Note: DXCC cannot accept IRCs for payment.

No. If you are not sure of the exact fee, review Rule 15 and send an amount based on your understanding of the rule. DXCC also accepts most major credit cards. This is recommended if you are not able to determine the fees for your submission.

If you have a small amount due to DXCC, it is best to settle this right away. When sending in an additional payment, be sure to add a note in the envelope explaining the reason for your payment. If there is no note with your payment, you may not receive proper credit because we cannot identify you.  

We generally do not allow a large balance. If you have a large balance, however, it is best that you take care of this right away. Such a balance may cause delays with future submissions. We may choose to hold an application for payment. If this happens, we will send a letter or e-mail to explain the situation.

View the latest DXCC fee schedule

If you have any questions about your credit slip, call or e-mail the DXCC desk at dxcc@arrl.org or 860-594-0234.

If a credit card charge is declined, you will receive either an e-mail or a letter describing the problem. Applications are normally held for credit card problems, so it is important that you respond to us as soon as possible. During times of increased turnaround, credit cards may expire before the application is processed. You can help avoid delays if you notify us of any changes before your DXCC application is processed.

When you are ready to send your application, check your application to be sure that you copied the card number and the expiration date correctly. Make sure that your name is on the application form at the top EXACTLY as it shows on your credit card. If the expiration date is within 8 weeks, it would be wise not to use the card. If you forget to check and expiration is imminent, contact DXCC as soon as you receive your updated card.

Yes. This can be useful where a credit card account is not available.

No. The cost is often prohibitive as there are additional fees to pay for these services. If you want to use a non-standard form of payment, please contact DXCC in advance to see if it is practical.

Actually, the fees are lower than you think. Most companies adjust their fees in order to make profits. DXCC fees are not like that. The current fees were not designed to make money or break even. It might be more realistic to say that DXCC fees help to minimize losses. Processing DXCC applications actually costs considerably more than the revenue that is generated.

Previously, except for card and plaque mailings, postage was generally included in fees. The included returns for non-card applications, applications presented to field checkers, applications checked at conventions, certificates etc. This has changed and effective with the July 1, 2006 fee changes the applicant is now responsible for all postage fees in addition to the fees as shown in Rule 16. Applications that do not contain sufficient funds will be billed to the applicant.

Fees are subject to change. You should check Rule 16 before submitting to be sure that your remittance is based on the latest fees.