Inklingo

How to Say "fee" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fee” is “pago” — use 'pago' for a general, required sum of money that must be paid, like rent or a bill..

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pago

/PAH-go//ˈpa.ɣo/

nounA1general
Use 'pago' for a general, required sum of money that must be paid, like rent or a bill.
A close-up view of two hands performing a transaction: one hand is placing a stack of paper currency and a few coins into the open palm of the second hand.

Examples

El pago de la renta es el primer día del mes.

The rent payment is on the first day of the month.

Ella recibió el pago por su trabajo inmediatamente.

She received the payment for her work immediately.

Aceptamos el pago con tarjeta de crédito o en efectivo.

We accept payment by credit card or in cash.

Always Masculine

Even though money (la moneda) is feminine, 'pago' is a masculine noun, so use 'el pago' or 'un pago'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'pago' as the action when you mean the verb 'pagar' (to pay).”

Correction: Remember 'pago' is the thing (the payment), while 'pagar' is the action (to pay).

comisión

nounB1general
Choose 'comisión' when referring to a charge for a service, especially for a professional or intermediary, like a real estate agent or salesperson.

Examples

El agente inmobiliario se llevó una comisión muy alta.

The real estate agent took a very high commission.

prima

/pree-mah//ˈpɾi.ma/

nounB1general
Use 'prima' for a regular payment, most commonly for insurance policies.
A small stack of gold coins being dropped into a large, stylized blue shield symbol, representing an insurance premium payment.

Examples

Tenemos que pagar la prima del seguro de coche antes del lunes.

We have to pay the car insurance premium before Monday.

La prima mensual subió este año.

The monthly premium went up this year.

Context is Key

When used in finance, 'prima' almost always means the payment you make to keep an insurance policy active.

tasa

/TAH-sah//ˈtasa/

nounB2formal
Opt for 'tasa' when referring to an administrative or government charge for a service or permit, like renewing a passport or a municipal fee.
A person handing a gold coin to a clerk at a wooden counter.

Examples

Debes pagar una tasa para renovar el pasaporte.

You must pay a fee to renew your passport.

Las tasas aeroportuarias están incluidas en el billete.

The airport taxes are included in the ticket.

Tasa vs. Impuesto

A 'tasa' is usually a fee you pay in exchange for a specific service (like getting a license), while an 'impuesto' is a general tax that goes to the government for everything.

derecho

/deh-REH-choh//deˈɾe.t͡ʃo/

nounB2formal
Use 'derecho' for a charge levied by an authority, often for official processes or imports/exports, like customs duties or legal fees.
A hand placing coins on a counter next to official-looking documents, representing the payment of a fee or duty.

Examples

Hay que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar el coche.

You have to pay the customs duties to import the car.

La factura incluye los derechos de matrícula de la universidad.

The bill includes the university's registration fees.

Confusing 'Tasa' and 'Derecho'

Learners often confuse 'tasa' and 'derecho' as both refer to official charges. Remember that 'tasa' is typically for administrative services from local or national government, while 'derecho' often implies a legal right or a charge for a more significant official process or import/export.

Related Translations

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