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

BGE's main payment methods and where to send money

BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) accepts payments through their website, by phone, through the mail, and in person at payment centers. The fastest route is online at bge.com — you can pay when ready without waiting for mail delivery or phone queues. If you prefer not to use the website, you can call BGE's automated payment line at 1-888-685-0123 or mail a check to the address printed on your bill.

Each method has a different processing time. Online payments typically post within one business day. Phone payments process the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach BGE's processing center and post to your account, so mail early if your bill is due soon.

BGE does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system. Some third-party payment processors charge convenience fees — usually 1 to 3 percent of your bill — but BGE's own channels are free.

Key Takeaways

• BGE's website (bge.com) is the fastest free payment method and posts within one business day.
• Phone payments at 1-888-685-0123 process the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday.
• Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.
• BGE does not charge fees for payments made directly through their website or phone line.
• You can set up automatic recurring payments through your BGE account to avoid missing a due date.

Paying online through your BGE account

To pay online, go to bge.com and sign in to your account using your BGE account number and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by entering your account number, service address, and ZIP code. Once you are logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" — the exact wording varies depending on which version of the website you see.

Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full bill, a partial amount, or more than the amount due. Choose your payment date — BGE allows you to schedule a payment up to 30 days in advance. Select your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer) or debit or credit card. Bank account payments are free; card payments may carry a fee depending on your card issuer, not BGE.

Review the details and confirm the payment. BGE will show you a confirmation number when ready. The payment posts to your account within one business day, though it may take longer to appear on your bank statement depending on your bank.

Paying by phone

Call BGE's automated payment line at 1-888-685-0123. You will need your BGE account number and a debit or credit card. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad, then guide you through selecting your payment amount and card details.

Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. The automated system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can pay at any time even if you cannot reach a live representative.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call BGE's customer service line during business hours — the number is on your bill — and ask to make a payment. A representative can process your payment over the phone, though wait times may be longer than the automated line.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your check or money order payable to BGE. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — BGE prints a specific mailing address for payments on each statement, and using that address ensures your payment reaches the right processing center.

Mail your payment at least 10 to 14 days before your due date to account for postal delivery and BGE's processing time. Checks typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.

Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If you do not see the payment post within 12 business days, contact BGE to confirm they received it.

Setting up automatic payments

BGE allows you to set up automatic recurring payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember. Log in to your BGE account online, go to "Billing" or "Payment Settings," and select "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." Choose whether you want to pay your full bill each month or a fixed amount.

Select your payment method — bank account (free) or debit or credit card — and the date you want the payment to occur each month. BGE will process the payment automatically on that date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account, and you will receive a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.

Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees and do not want to log in each month. However, if your bill amount varies significantly, you may want to review it before the automatic payment processes so you can adjust the amount if needed.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact BGE as soon as possible. BGE offers payment plans that allow you to spread your balance over several months. You can request a payment plan through your online account, by phone, or by mail.

BGE may also have programs available if you are experiencing financial hardship — the specifics vary by location and your situation. Calling customer service to discuss your situation is the first step; representatives can explain what options may be available to you and what information you will need to provide.

Paying even a partial amount by your due date is better than paying nothing, because it shows BGE you are working to resolve the balance and may help you avoid a late fee or service disconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment was received?

Online and phone payments show a confirmation number when ready and post within one business day. Log in to your BGE account to see the payment listed under your payment history. For mailed checks, wait 12 business days and then check your account online or call customer service if you do not see it posted.

Can I pay someone else's BGE bill?

Yes, but you will need their account number. You can pay online using their account number, or call the payment line and provide it. The payment will post to their account. If you are paying in person at a payment center, bring the bill or account number with you.

What happens if I pay late?

BGE charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount is listed on your statement. If you are more than 30 days late, BGE may disconnect your service. Contact them when ready if you know you will be late so you can discuss a payment plan or other options.

Is there a fee to pay by credit card?

BGE does not charge a fee, but your credit card issuer may. Some cards charge a cash advance fee or processing fee for utility payments. Check with your card issuer before paying with a credit card if you want to avoid unexpected charges.

Can I change my payment date if I set up automatic payments?

Yes. Log in to your BGE account, go to your automatic payment settings, and select a new date. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment. You can also pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account.