If you are applying for an NBI Clearance, one of the first things you may want to know is how much NBI Clearance costs and how you can pay the required fee.
The amount you actually pay can depend on the NBI service, payment channel, and any applicable electronic payment or transaction charges. The NBI’s current online application guide states that the basic clearance fee is ₱130, with a minimal e-payment service charge usually around ₱25–₱30.
At the same time, the NBI Citizen’s Charter currently displays fee entries of ₱115, ₱165, and ₱415, so applicants should check the amount presented in the current NBI application/payment process rather than relying on an old fee table.
This guide explains the NBI Clearance fee, possible additional charges, payment methods, first-time job seeker exemptions, and what to do if your payment status does not update.
Important: This is an independent informational guide and is not the official website of the National Bureau of Investigation. NBI fees and payment procedures can change. Always verify the amount shown during your current NBI application before completing payment.
How Much Is the NBI Clearance Fee?
The NBI’s current online application guide states that the basic NBI Clearance fee is ₱130, excluding the applicable electronic payment service charge.
The same NBI guide explains that the e-payment service charge is usually around ₱25–₱30, depending on the payment process.
This means an applicant should distinguish between:
- The basic NBI Clearance fee
- The electronic payment or transaction charge
- Any other applicable service or delivery charge
The amount displayed to you during the actual payment process should be treated as the amount to pay for your transaction.
NBI Clearance Fee at a Glance
| Item | Amount / Information |
|---|---|
| Basic NBI Clearance fee | ₱130 according to the current online application guide |
| E-payment service charge | Usually around ₱25–₱30 |
| First-time job seeker | Free when eligible and applying under the applicable program |
| Overseas mailed application | ₱130 clearance fee + ₱70 mailing cost according to NBI’s overseas instructions |
| Payment amount | Check the amount displayed in the current NBI payment process |
The NBI’s official online application guide provides the ₱130 basic fee and e-payment charge information.
For applicants abroad using the mailed-clearance procedure, the NBI currently specifies ₱130 for the clearance plus ₱70 mailing cost, for a total of ₱200 in Philippine currency or its US-dollar equivalent.
Why Do You See Different NBI Clearance Fee Amounts Online?
You may find different NBI Clearance prices when searching online.
This can happen because NBI fees and payment systems have changed over time, while older websites and articles may continue displaying previous amounts.
There is also a difference between the NBI’s Citizen’s Charter fee table and its current online application instructions. The Citizen’s Charter currently lists ₱115, ₱165, and ₱415 under the fee section, while the current online application guide states a basic clearance fee of ₱130 plus an e-payment service charge.
For this reason, applicants should not assume that an old article’s fee is still applicable.
Which amount should applicants follow?
For an online application, check the amount shown in the current NBI payment process before confirming the transaction.
You can also verify the latest information through the official NBI website.
Is NBI Clearance Free for First-Time Job Seekers?
Eligible first-time job seekers can receive an NBI Clearance free of charge under the applicable First Time Job Seeker program.
The NBI’s current Citizen’s Charter specifically identifies its First Time Job Seeker NBI Clearance service as free of charge.
However, being a first-time applicant does not automatically mean that every applicant qualifies for the free service.
You need to meet the requirements for the first-time job seeker program.
What documents are needed for the free NBI Clearance?
The NBI has a separate Citizen’s Charter for first-time job seekers that explains the applicable process and requirements.
Applicants should prepare the required supporting documentation before using the first-time job seeker process.
Internal link: NBI Clearance for First-Time Job Seekers
Is the NBI Clearance Fee the Same for Everyone?
Not necessarily.
The amount you pay can depend on the service and payment circumstances.
For example:
- Standard NBI Clearance
- First-time job seeker clearance
- Application from abroad
- Mailed clearance
- Electronic payment charges
may involve different costs or procedures.
This is why it is better to look at the specific NBI service you are using instead of assuming that every NBI Clearance application has exactly the same final amount.
NBI Clearance Payment Methods
The NBI’s current online application guide lists several payment options.
These include:
- GCash
- Maya
- 7-Eleven
- Bayad Center
- Online Banking
The available payment methods can depend on the current NBI payment system and transaction interface.
Paying NBI Clearance Through GCash
GCash is one of the payment methods identified in the NBI’s current application instructions.
After selecting the applicable payment option, follow the instructions displayed for your transaction.
Save your payment reference and confirmation after completing the transaction.
Internal link: How to Pay NBI Clearance Using GCash
Paying Through Maya
Maya is also listed among the NBI’s current payment options.
The exact interface can change, so follow the instructions shown during your current application.
Paying Through 7-Eleven
The NBI’s online application guide also identifies 7-Eleven as an available payment method.
If you choose an over-the-counter payment channel, keep your receipt or payment reference until your NBI transaction is completed.
Paying Through Bayad Center
Bayad Center is another payment option listed by the NBI.
Make sure you provide the correct payment reference associated with your NBI application.
Paying Through Online Banking
The NBI’s current online application instructions also identify online banking as a payment option.
Available banks and payment interfaces may change, so use the options displayed in the current NBI application.
What Happens After You Pay the NBI Clearance Fee?
After payment, your transaction should be reflected in the NBI application system.
Keep your:
- NBI reference number
- Payment reference
- Payment receipt
- Appointment information
- Confirmation details
The NBI’s current application instructions also note a 15-day grace period once a transaction is marked “PAID,” allowing applicants who miss their exact target window to generally visit their selected branch within that period.
Because system rules can change, check the instructions attached to your current transaction.
What If My NBI Payment Is Not Reflected?
Sometimes an applicant may complete a payment but not immediately see the expected status.
Before paying again, check:
- Whether the payment was successfully completed
- Your payment reference
- Your NBI reference number
- Your bank or e-wallet transaction history
- Whether the NBI system has updated the payment status
Avoid making a second payment immediately if you are unsure whether the first transaction succeeded.
Keep your receipt and transaction information so you can use it when contacting NBI support.
The NBI provides clearance-related contact information through its official contact resources.
Can You Pay NBI Clearance Without an Appointment?
The payment process is connected to the NBI application and appointment procedure.
The NBI’s current office locator instructs applicants to apply and pay online through the official online NBI Clearance Portal before going to the clearance office.
Therefore, applicants should complete the applicable online process rather than assuming that simply arriving at a branch and paying will follow the same procedure.
Internal link: NBI Clearance Appointment
NBI Clearance Fee for Renewal
Renewal should be treated separately from a standard first-time application.
The NBI has continued expanding its digital renewal services. In July 2026, the agency announced that NBI eClearance became available through the eGovPH Super App, allowing eligible users to renew their NBI Clearance digitally.
Because renewal procedures can differ from a new application, applicants should check the current renewal process and the amount displayed for their particular transaction.
Internal link: NBI Clearance Renewal
NBI Clearance Fee for Applicants Abroad
Applicants outside the Philippines can follow the NBI’s overseas clearance procedure.
For the NBI’s mailed-clearance procedure, the agency currently specifies:
- ₱130 clearance fee
- ₱70 mailing cost
- ₱200 total
The NBI states that applicants should enclose ₱200 Philippine currency or its US-dollar equivalent for these two charges.
Other overseas processing circumstances may involve additional requirements, so applicants abroad should follow the NBI’s specific instructions.
Internal link: NBI Clearance for Filipinos Abroad
NBI Clearance Fee for OFWs
OFWs may need an NBI Clearance for employment, immigration, visa processing, or other purposes.
The NBI maintains a dedicated information page for Overseas Filipino Workers and provides clearance-related contact details.
If you are an OFW, determine whether you are applying while in the Philippines or from abroad because the applicable procedure can be different.
Does the NBI Clearance Fee Include Delivery?
For a normal online NBI Clearance application, do not assume that the basic clearance fee automatically includes delivery.
The basic fee and payment charges are separate from special services such as the NBI’s overseas mailed-clearance process.
For example, the NBI specifically lists a ₱70 mailing cost for its mailed-clearance procedure for applicants abroad.
Always check the applicable service before assuming delivery is included.
NBI Clearance Fee vs Payment Service Charge
It is useful to understand the difference between the government fee and the payment-related charge.
NBI Clearance fee
This is the charge associated with the NBI Clearance service itself.
E-payment service charge
This is an additional charge associated with the electronic payment process.
The NBI’s current online application page states that the basic fee is ₱130 and that the e-payment service charge is usually around ₱25–₱30.
Mailing cost
Applicants using certain overseas mailed-clearance procedures may also have a mailing cost.
The NBI currently specifies ₱70 for mailing under its published overseas procedure.
NBI Clearance Fee Payment Checklist
Before completing your payment, check:
☐ Your NBI application is complete
☐ Your name and personal information are correct
☐ Your reference number is correct
☐ Your selected payment method is correct
☐ You have sufficient funds
☐ You save the payment reference
☐ You keep your receipt
☐ You save your appointment information
☐ You check that your payment status has updated
Keeping these details can make it much easier to resolve a payment problem later.
Common NBI Clearance Payment Mistakes
Paying using an old fee amount
Old articles may contain outdated NBI prices.
Always check the current amount displayed during your application.
Losing the payment reference
Save your receipt and payment confirmation immediately.
Paying twice
If your first payment appears delayed, verify the transaction before submitting another payment.
Entering the wrong reference number
Check the reference number carefully before confirming payment.
Assuming the payment fee includes every service
A basic clearance fee, payment charge, and special mailing or service charge can be separate.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBI Clearance Fees
How much is NBI Clearance in 2026?
The NBI’s current online application guide states that the basic clearance fee is ₱130, plus a minimal e-payment service charge usually around ₱25–₱30.
Is NBI Clearance free for first-time job seekers?
Eligible first-time job seekers can receive the NBI Clearance free of charge under the applicable program.
How can I pay for NBI Clearance?
The NBI currently lists GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, and online banking among its payment options.
Is there an additional payment charge?
The NBI’s current online application guide states that a minimal e-payment service charge, usually around ₱25–₱30, may apply.
How much is NBI Clearance for applicants abroad?
For the NBI’s mailed-clearance procedure, the published cost is ₱130 for the clearance plus ₱70 for mailing, totaling ₱200 in Philippine currency or its US-dollar equivalent.
Can I pay NBI Clearance through GCash?
Yes. GCash is listed as one of the current NBI payment methods.
What should I do after paying?
Save your payment receipt and reference number, then check your NBI transaction and appointment details. Follow the instructions provided by the current NBI application system.
What if my payment is successful but my NBI status is not updated?
Keep your payment receipt and reference information and verify the transaction before making another payment. If the issue persists, contact the NBI through its official clearance-related channels.
Final NBI Clearance Fee Checklist
Before paying for your NBI Clearance:
Application
- Complete your NBI application
- Check your personal information
- Confirm your appointment
Payment
- Check the current fee
- Review any e-payment charge
- Select your preferred payment method
- Confirm your reference number
- Complete the payment
After payment
- Save the receipt
- Save the payment reference
- Check the payment status
- Keep your appointment details
The safest approach is to check the amount shown in the current NBI payment process before completing the transaction, because published NBI fee information can differ between documents and can change over time. The current NBI online application guide states ₱130 as the basic fee, while the Citizen’s Charter currently displays other fee entries.