How to Pay Your Avista Bill Online, by Phone, or Mail

How Avista's payment methods work

Avista Utilities serves electricity and natural gas customers across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, through automatic bank withdrawals, or by mailing a check. Each method has different timing and setup requirements, so the right choice depends on when your payment is due and how you prefer to manage money.

Avista does not charge a fee for most payment methods, but some options process faster than others. If your bill is due soon, knowing which method reaches them quickest matters — a mailed check can take 7 to 10 days to arrive and clear, while an online payment or phone payment usually posts within one business day.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay online through Avista's website without creating an account, or set up automatic payments from your bank account to avoid late fees.
• Phone payments are processed the same day you call, but Avista charges a fee for this method unless you use their automated system.
• Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to arrive, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
• Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except automatic bank withdrawals.
• Late fees explore if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you sent it.

Paying online through Avista's website

Go to Avista.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You do not need to log into an account to make a one-time payment. Enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your bank account or debit card information. The payment posts within one business day.

If you want to set up automatic monthly payments, you will need to create an online account first. Log in, go to your account settings, and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You can choose the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn from your bank account. Automatic payments have no fee and are the most reliable way to avoid late charges.

Online payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day typically post the next business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Avista considers the payment on time if it arrives by the next business day.

Paying by phone

Call Avista's automated payment line at 1-800-227-9187. You will need your account number and either a bank account or debit card. The automated system has no fee. If you speak to a representative instead of using the automated system, Avista charges a fee for the transaction — ask the amount before you confirm the payment.

Phone payments process the same day you call if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day. After 5 p.m. or on weekends, your payment is processed the next business day. Keep the confirmation number the system gives you as proof of payment.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Avista's mailing address varies by region, so always use the address printed on your statement, not a general company address. Mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to account for postal delivery time.

Avista receives mail at regional payment centers, and processing can take several business days after arrival. A check mailed 10 days before the due date may arrive on time, but a check mailed 3 days before the due date will likely arrive after the important date and trigger a late fee. If you are cutting it close, use an online or phone payment instead.

Setting up automatic payments from your bank

You can set up a bill payment through your own bank's bill pay system without logging into Avista's website. Log into your bank's online banking portal, go to bill pay, and add Avista as a payee. Enter Avista's mailing address and your Avista account number. Your bank will mail a check on the date you specify, so allow 7 to 10 days for delivery and processing.

Bank bill pay is useful if you prefer to manage all your payments in one place, but it is slower than paying directly through Avista's website or phone line. Use this method only if your due date is more than two weeks away. For bills due sooner, pay through Avista's website or phone system instead.

What happens if you miss the due date

Late fees explore if payment is not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on the due date shown on your bill. The amount of the late fee varies by state and by Avista's current policy — check your bill or Avista's website for the current fee. A late payment also appears on your account and may affect your credit score if it is reported to credit bureaus.

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact Avista before the important date to discuss your options. They may offer a short extension or a payment plan. Waiting until after the due date passes makes it harder to negotiate and guarantees a late fee.

Finding your account number and due date

Your Avista account number is printed on your bill, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Service Account Number." The due date is also on your bill, typically shown as "Due Date" or "Payment Due By." If you cannot find your bill, log into your Avista online account or call 1-800-227-9187 to look up both pieces of information.

Keep your account number handy whenever you pay, whether online, by phone, or by mail. Without it, Avista cannot match your payment to your account, and your bill may not be credited on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Avista bill without an account number?

No. Your account number is required for all payment methods. If you do not have your bill, call Avista at 1-800-227-9187 and provide your service address or phone number to look up your account number.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Online payments typically post within one business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. Pacific Time or on weekends post the next business day. Check your account online or call to confirm the payment was received.

Is there a fee to pay my bill online?

No. Avista does not charge a fee for online payments or automatic bank withdrawals. Phone payments through a representative do carry a fee, but the automated phone line is free.

What if I pay by mail and my check arrives after the due date?

A late fee will be applied to your account. Avista considers the payment due on the date shown on your bill, not the date you mailed it. For bills due within two weeks, use online or phone payment instead.

Can I change or cancel an automatic payment after I set it up?

Yes. Log into your Avista online account, go to your autopay settings, and modify or cancel the payment. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date. If you need to cancel when ready, call 1-800-227-9187.