How to Pay Your CenterPoint Gas Bill

CenterPoint Energy gas bills can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location — each method has different timing and fees

CenterPoint Energy serves natural gas customers in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. The fastest way to pay is online through your account at centerpointenergy.com, which processes the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Central). Phone payment and in-person payment at authorized locations also post the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the company, so use it only if you are paying well ahead of your due date.

CenterPoint does not charge a fee for online payment from a bank account or for phone payment using a debit or credit card. If you pay by mail with a check, there is no fee either. Some third-party payment processors charge convenience fees if you use a credit card online or pay through a mobile app — CenterPoint's own website does not, but you should confirm the fee before you submit payment through any other platform.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through centerpointenergy.com from a bank account posts the same day and has no fee.
• Phone payment at 713-207-2700 (Texas) or your state's local number also posts same-day with no fee for debit or credit cards.
• Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
• Third-party payment apps may charge a convenience fee even though CenterPoint's own website does not.
• If your bill is past due, CenterPoint may require payment in full rather than allowing a partial payment.

Paying online through your CenterPoint account

Log in to centerpointenergy.com with your account number and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your account number and service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date.

CenterPoint accepts bank account transfers (ACH) and debit cards with no fee. If you use a credit card, CenterPoint's website does not charge a fee, but your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee — check with your card issuer first. Payment from a bank account usually posts within one business day. Debit and credit card payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Central time on a business day.

You can also set up automatic recurring payments through your online account so your bill is paid on the same date each month. This prevents missed payments but does not adjust for seasonal usage changes, so review your bill each month to make sure the amount is still correct.

Paying by phone or at a payment location

Call CenterPoint's payment line at 713-207-2700 if you are in Texas. Other states have different numbers: check your bill or centerpointenergy.com for your state's phone line. Payment by phone accepts debit and credit cards with no fee and posts the same day. You will need your account number and the card information ready when you call.

CenterPoint also accepts in-person payments at authorized payment locations, which vary by state and region. These locations include some grocery stores, check-cashing services, and utility payment centers. Payment posted at these locations usually appears on your account within one business day. Call CenterPoint or check their website to find a payment location near you.

Paying by mail

Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check or money order. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee. CenterPoint will not credit your account until the check arrives and is processed, which can add another 2 to 3 business days.

If your bill is due on the 15th, mail your payment by the 1st to be safe. Late fees explore if payment is not received by the due date, even if you mailed it on time. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead.

What happens if you miss a payment

CenterPoint typically allows 15 to 20 days after the due date before they issue a late notice. If you do not pay within that grace period, CenterPoint will add a late fee to your account (the amount varies by state). If you remain unpaid for 30 days or more, CenterPoint may disconnect your service without further notice.

If you receive a disconnect notice, you can usually avoid service interruption by paying the full past-due balance plus any late fees and reconnection charges. Some states require CenterPoint to offer a payment plan if you contact them before the disconnect date. Call CenterPoint when ready if you receive a disconnect notice — waiting until the last day makes it harder to arrange a plan.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact CenterPoint before your account becomes past due. CenterPoint offers budget billing and payment arrangements for customers who are behind. Budget billing spreads your annual gas costs evenly across 12 months so your bill is the same each month, which can make budgeting easier but does not reduce what you owe.

A payment arrangement lets you pay your past-due balance in installments over a set period. The terms depend on how much you owe and your payment history. CenterPoint is more likely to offer a plan if you contact them before you miss a payment than if you wait until after. Call 713-207-2700 or use your online account to request a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my CenterPoint bill with a credit card without a fee?

CenterPoint's website does not charge a fee for credit card payment, but your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee. Call your card issuer to ask. Paying from a bank account or by debit card has no fee from either CenterPoint or your bank.

What time does online payment post on the same day?

Online payments from a bank account or debit card post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Central time on a business day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Credit card payments may take one additional business day.

How long does mail payment take to show up on my account?

Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive at CenterPoint, plus 2 to 3 days for processing. Plan for 10 to 14 days total. Send payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

CenterPoint allows 15 to 20 days after the due date before charging a late fee. If you remain unpaid for 30 days or more, they may disconnect your service. Contact CenterPoint when ready if you cannot pay on time to discuss a payment plan.

Can I set up automatic payments and change the amount each month?

Automatic payments stay the same each month unless you manually change them. You can log into your account and adjust the amount before each payment posts, but you cannot set it to automatically adjust based on your bill. Review your bill each month and update the payment amount if needed.