How to Pay Your PG&E Bill Online
PG&E's Online Payment Options
PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) lets you pay your bill through their website, mobile app, or by phone without visiting a payment center or mailing a check. You can set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments, and most online payments post to your account within one business day.
PG&E serves customers in Northern and Central California. If you receive a bill from them, you have a PG&E account and can use their online payment system. You do not need to create a separate account — you log in with your existing PG&E customer information.
The main routes are the PG&E website (pge.com), the PG&E mobile app, or calling their automated phone line. Each method works the same way and reaches the same payment system, so you can choose whichever is most convenient for you.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your PG&E bill online through their website, mobile app, or by phone using your account number and the amount you want to pay.
- One-time payments usually post within one business day, and you can schedule a payment for a future date if you want to pay before your due date arrives.
- Setting up automatic recurring payments means your bill gets paid on the same day each month without you having to log in again.
- PG&E accepts payments from a bank account (checking or savings) or a debit card, but credit card payments come with a processing fee.
Paying Through the PG&E Website
Go to pge.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section on the homepage. You will see a button or link that says "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment." Click it and you will be taken to the payment portal.
Log in with your PG&E account number and password. If you do not have a password set up yet, you can create one during this step or use the "Forgot Password" link. Once you are logged in, the system shows your current bill amount and due date.
Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance or a partial amount), choose your payment method, and enter the payment details. If you are paying from a bank account, you will need your routing number and account number. If you are using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Review the details and confirm the payment.
Using the PG&E Mobile App
read the official PG&E app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and log in with your account number and password (the same credentials you use on the website).
Tap the "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment" button. The app shows your current balance and lets you enter the amount you want to pay. Select your payment method, enter the payment details, and confirm. The process is identical to the website version, and payments post on the same timeline.
The app also lets you view your bill history, check your usage, and set up automatic payments without logging in each time. Many customers find the app faster than the website if you pay regularly.
Paying by Phone
Call PG&E's automated payment line at 1-800-743-5000. You will need your account number and the amount you want to pay ready before you call. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad, then guide you through selecting a payment amount and payment method.
You can pay from a bank account or debit card over the phone. The system will ask for your routing and account number (for bank payments) or card details (for debit card payments). Confirm the payment details and the system will give you a confirmation number. Write this number down or take a photo of it for your records.
Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments and post within one business day. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to an automated system rather than navigating a website.
Setting Up Automatic Recurring Payments
If you want your bill paid automatically each month, you can set up a recurring payment through the website, app, or phone. On the website or app, look for an option that says "Enroll in Automatic Payments," "Set Up Recurring Payment," or "AutoPay." On the phone, the automated system will offer this option after you complete your first payment.
You choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out (for example, the 15th or the last day of the month). PG&E will charge your bank account or debit card on that day each month for your current bill amount. The amount may vary month to month depending on your usage, so the system charges whatever your bill is that month.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the website, app, or by calling customer service. If you cancel, you will need to go back to making one-time payments or choose a different payment method.
Payment Methods and Fees
PG&E accepts payments from a checking or savings account (sometimes called an ACH or bank transfer payment) and debit cards at no extra charge. If you pay from your bank account, the payment posts within one business day. Debit card payments also post within one business day.
Credit card payments come with a processing fee that PG&E does not charge — instead, a third-party payment processor charges you a fee (usually between 2% and 3% of your payment amount). PG&E's website will show you the exact fee before you confirm the payment. You can choose to pay the fee or select a different payment method.
PG&E does not charge you for paying online, by app, or by phone. The only cost is the credit card fee if you choose to use a credit card.
Scheduling a Payment for a Future Date
When you make a payment through the website, app, or phone, you can choose to pay right away or schedule the payment for a future date. This is useful if you want to pay before your due date but do not have the money available until later in the month.
On the website or app, after you enter the payment amount, look for an option that says "Schedule Payment," "Pay Later," or "Choose Payment Date." Select the date you want the payment to go through. The system will confirm that date and hold your payment information until that day arrives.
Scheduled payments post on the date you choose, so if you schedule a payment for the 20th, it will process on the 20th. Make sure you have enough money in your account on that date, or the payment may fail. If a scheduled payment fails, PG&E will usually send you a notice and let you try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my bill?
Most online payments post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday, it may not show until Monday. Scheduled payments post on the date you choose. If you need the payment to post by a specific date, schedule it for the day before your due date to be safe.
Can I pay someone else's PG&E bill online?
You can only pay a bill if you have the account number and can log in to that account. If you want to pay a family member's or roommate's bill, you will need their account number and permission to access their account. PG&E does not let you pay a bill without logging in to it.
What if my payment fails?
If your payment fails, PG&E will send you a notice explaining why (usually insufficient funds or an incorrect card number). You can try again with a different payment method or amount. If you scheduled a payment and it fails, you will need to set up a new payment manually.
Can I change or cancel a payment after I confirm it?
If you just confirmed the payment and it has not posted yet, contact PG&E customer service right away at 1-800-743-5000. They may be able to cancel it if it has not processed. Once a payment posts to your account, you cannot cancel it, but you can request a refund through customer service.
Do I need to create a separate online account to pay my bill?
No. You log in with your PG&E account number (found on your bill) and a password. If you do not have a password, you can create one the first time you try to pay online. Your online payment account is the same as your PG&E customer account.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.