How to Pay Your MDU Bill Online and by Mail

MDU bill pay basics

MDU Energy (formerly Montana-Dakota Utilities) serves customers across Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming with electricity and natural gas. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment posted and whether you want to set up automatic payments.

MDU does not charge a fee for paying online through their website or by phone using a bank account or debit card. If you pay by credit card online, MDU passes a processing fee to you — the amount varies by processor. Mailed checks have no fee but take longer to reach MDU's office and post to your account.

Your bill arrives by mail or email depending on your account settings. The due date is printed on your bill, and late fees explore if payment is not received by that date. If you are having trouble paying, contact MDU directly to discuss your options before the bill becomes past due.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay MDU bills online at their website, by phone, by mail, or at a payment center without a fee if you use a bank account or debit card.
• Credit card payments online carry a processing fee that MDU does not charge but passes through from the payment processor.
• Online and phone payments post within one to two business days; mailed checks take five to seven business days or longer depending on mail delivery.
• Setting up automatic payments through MDU's website removes the need to remember due dates and prevents late fees.
• If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact MDU before the important date to discuss payment plans or hardship options.

Paying online through MDU's website

Log in to your MDU account at mdu.com using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by entering your account number and the zip code associated with your service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in the account menu.

Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a different amount if you choose. Select your payment method: bank account (ACH), debit card, or credit card. Bank account and debit card payments have no fee. Credit card payments include a processing fee that appears before you confirm the transaction.

Review the payment details, including the amount, method, and the date the payment will post. MDU typically posts payments made before 5 p.m. Mountain Time within one business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Paying by phone

Call MDU's customer service line at 1-800-228-3571 to pay by phone. Have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will ask which amount you want to pay and confirm your payment details before processing the transaction.

Phone payments using a bank account or debit card have no fee. Credit card payments include a processing fee. The payment posts within one to two business days, depending on the time of day you call and whether it is a business day.

MDU's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Sunday hours vary by season. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message, but your payment will not be processed until the next business day.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to MDU Energy. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — MDU has multiple payment processing centers, and using the address on your specific bill ensures faster posting.

Mailed payments typically take five to seven business days to arrive and post to your account, depending on mail delivery times and the processing center's workload. If your due date is fewer than seven days away, mailing a check risks a late fee. Pay online or by phone instead if the due date is approaching.

Keep a copy of the check or the confirmation number from your bank's online bill pay service for your records. Do not mail cash.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date and reduce the risk of late fees. Log in to your MDU account online and look for "Autopay," "Automatic Payment," or "Recurring Payment" in the account settings menu. Select the amount you want to pay each month — you can choose the full bill amount or a fixed dollar amount.

Choose the payment method (bank account or debit card) and the day of the month you want the payment to come out. MDU will deduct the payment automatically on that day each billing cycle. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.

Automatic payments using a bank account or debit card have no fee. If you set up automatic payments and your bill amount changes significantly, review your account periodically to make sure the payment still covers your bill.

Paying at an MDU payment center or authorized location

MDU operates payment centers in some cities where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payment centers are located in larger towns across MDU's service territory. Check MDU's website or call customer service to find the nearest location and its hours.

In-person payments are posted when ready or within one business day. This method works well if you prefer to pay with cash or want a receipt on the spot. Some authorized retailers and utility payment networks also accept MDU payments — ask at your local grocery store or pharmacy whether they offer this service.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

If you know you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact MDU before the important date. Call 1-800-228-3571 and explain your situation. MDU may offer a payment plan that spreads your bill over several weeks or months, or they may discuss other options depending on your circumstances.

Late fees explore to balances not paid by the due date. Continuing to miss payments can result in service disconnection. If you are facing a hardship, ask MDU whether they have emergency information programs or whether they can refer you to local resources that may help with utility bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online payments made before 5 p.m. Mountain Time typically post within one business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. You will see the payment reflected in your account balance online once it posts.

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

No. MDU does not charge a fee for credit card payments, but the payment processor does. That fee is shown to you before you confirm the transaction. Bank account and debit card payments have no fee.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

Late fees explore to balances not paid by the due date shown on your bill. The amount of the late fee varies. If you are a few days late, contact MDU to ask whether the fee can be waived, especially if this is your first late payment.

Can I set up automatic payments for a partial amount instead of my full bill?

Yes. When you set up automatic payments, you can choose a fixed dollar amount rather than the full bill amount. This works if you want to make regular payments but still pay the remainder manually or if your bill varies and you want to cover a base amount automatically.

Is there a way to pay my MDU bill without going online?

Yes. You can pay by phone at 1-800-228-3571, by mail, or in person at an MDU payment center. Phone and in-person payments post faster than mail. All three methods work without needing an online account.