How to Pay Your ComEd Electric Bill

ComEd bill payment methods and where to send your money

ComEd is the electric utility that serves northern Illinois, including Chicago and its suburbs. When you receive a ComEd bill, you have several ways to pay: online through your ComEd account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose affects how quickly ComEd records your payment and whether you pay a fee.

Your bill shows a due date, usually 21 days from the bill date. If you pay after that date, ComEd may charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill. Paying on time keeps your account in good standing and avoids disconnection risk if you fall behind on future bills.

ComEd does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website or mobile app, or for payments by phone using an automated system. Payments made through a third-party bill pay service (like your bank's bill pay feature) may take longer to reach ComEd because they go through the mail. In-person payments at a ComEd office or authorized payment location are processed when ready but may carry a small fee depending on the location.

Key Takeaways

• ComEd bills are due 21 days from the bill date, and late fees explore if you pay after that date.
• Online and phone payments through ComEd's system are free and post to your account within one business day.
• Payments mailed by check or sent through your bank's bill pay system take 7 to 10 business days to reach ComEd.
• You can set up automatic payments from your bank account or credit card to avoid missing a due date.
• If you cannot pay your full bill, contact ComEd about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.

Paying online or by phone without a fee

The fastest and cheapest way to pay ComEd is through their website at ComEd.com or their mobile app. Log in with your account number and password, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method — bank account or debit card. The payment posts within one business day and costs nothing.

You can also pay by phone by calling ComEd's automated payment line at 1-800-334-7661. Have your account number and bank account or card information ready. This method also posts within one business day and has no fee. Do not use this number to speak with a representative about your bill; use it only to make a payment.

Both methods let you pay a partial amount if you cannot pay the full bill at once. However, paying less than the full amount by the due date still counts as a late payment, and ComEd may charge a late fee on the unpaid balance.

Mailing a check or using your bank's bill pay

If you prefer to mail a check, write it to ComEd and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address changes depending on which ComEd office handles your account. Checks typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, mailing a check risks a late fee.

Many banks offer bill pay through their website or app, which lets you send a check to ComEd from your bank account. This method is free but also takes 7 to 10 business days. The bank mails the check on your behalf, so you have no control over the exact arrival date. Use this method only if you have time before the due date.

Always keep a record of the check number and date you mailed it. If ComEd reports your account late but you mailed the payment on time, you can show proof of mailing to dispute the late fee.

Paying in person at a ComEd office or authorized location

ComEd has payment centers in Chicago and surrounding areas where you can pay in cash or by card when ready. Find the nearest location at ComEd.com under "Pay Your Bill." Payments made in person are recorded the same day, so this method is useful if your due date is very close.

Some authorized payment locations — such as certain grocery stores, check-cashing services, or community centers — also accept ComEd payments. These locations may charge a convenience fee of $2 to $5, depending on the location. Ask before you pay whether a fee applies.

Bring your account number or your bill with you. You do not need an appointment. Hours vary by location, so check online before you go.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees

ComEd offers automatic payment, also called autopay, which withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You can set it up online or by phone. Autopay is free and removes the risk of forgetting to pay or mailing a check late.

You can choose to pay the full bill amount automatically, or you can set a fixed amount and pay the rest manually. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it covers at least the minimum payment to avoid late fees. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your ComEd account.

Autopay works best if your bill amount is roughly the same each month. If your bill varies widely with the seasons, you may want to review the amount before each payment goes through, or use manual payment instead.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact ComEd before your account becomes late. Call 1-800-334-7661 and ask about a payment plan or hardship program. ComEd may offer to spread your bill over several months, or to connect you with a nonprofit agency that helps with utility bills.

Some ComEd customers may be may be able to access for the Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP), which is run by the state of Illinois. LIHEAP pays a portion of your bill if your household income is below a certain level. You explore through your local community action agency, not through ComEd directly. ComEd can tell you how to find the agency in your area.

If you do not pay and do not contact ComEd, your account will eventually be disconnected. ComEd must give you notice before disconnection, but the notice period is short — sometimes as little as 10 days. Paying or contacting ComEd about a plan before that notice arrives is much easier than dealing with a disconnection.

Understanding your bill due date and late fees

Your ComEd bill shows two dates: the bill date (when ComEd created the bill) and the due date (when payment must arrive). The due date is typically 21 days after the bill date. This is the date by which ComEd must receive your payment, not the date you mail it.

If your payment arrives after the due date, ComEd charges a late fee. The fee is usually a percentage of your bill — the exact percentage is shown on your bill. Late fees add up quickly if you fall behind on multiple bills, so paying on time is important even if you can only pay part of the bill.

If you believe a late fee was charged in error — for example, because you mailed a check on time but it arrived late — contact ComEd to dispute it. Have your proof of mailing or payment confirmation ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my ComEd bill with a credit card online?

Yes, you can pay with a debit card or credit card through ComEd.com or the mobile app. There is no fee for this payment method. Some third-party payment processors charge a fee if you use a credit card, so check before you confirm the payment.

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

Payments made through ComEd's website or app post within one business day. Payments made through your bank's bill pay system take 7 to 10 business days because they are mailed as checks. If your due date is approaching, use ComEd's online payment to avoid a late fee.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

ComEd charges a late fee, usually a percentage of your bill. Your account is marked as late, which can affect your credit report if it stays unpaid. If you continue to miss payments, ComEd may disconnect your service after giving you notice.

Can I set up autopay to pay only part of my bill?

Yes, you can set autopay to withdraw a fixed amount each month and pay the rest manually. Make sure the fixed amount is at least enough to cover the minimum payment, or you will still be charged a late fee on the unpaid balance.

Is there a fee for paying at a ComEd payment center?

ComEd's own payment centers do not charge a fee. Some authorized payment locations run by third parties may charge a convenience fee of $2 to $5. Ask before you pay whether a fee applies at that location.