How to Pay Your Xcel Energy Bill Online, by Phone, or Mail

Where to pay your Xcel Energy bill

Xcel Energy operates in eight states — Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan — and each region has the same payment methods available. You can pay online through your account, by phone, through automatic bank withdrawals, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest route is online through the Xcel Energy website or mobile app, where payment posts within one business day.

Xcel does not charge a fee for any of these payment methods. If you use a third-party bill pay service through your bank, your bank may charge a fee, but Xcel itself does not. The company also does not charge extra for paying by phone or setting up automatic payments.

Your bill shows your account number in the upper right corner. You will need this number to pay by phone or mail, and it is also required to log into your online account. If you have lost your bill, you can find your account number on any previous bill, in your online account, or by calling Xcel's customer service line for your state.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through Xcel's website or app is the fastest method and posts within one business day with no fee.
• Phone payment is available 24/7 by calling the customer service number on your bill, and you will need your account number.
• Automatic bank withdrawals (ACH) eliminate the need to pay each month and can be set up online or by phone.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Xcel, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
• In-person payment at a payment center or authorized retailer is an option in some areas, though online or phone payment is faster.

Paying online through your Xcel account

To pay online, go to Xcel Energy's website for your state and log into your account using your username and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by entering your account number and the amount of your last bill. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" — the exact wording varies slightly by state.

You will be asked to enter the amount you want to pay and choose a payment date. Xcel allows you to pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a different amount than what is due. The payment date you choose must be at least one business day in the future. If you pay before 11:59 p.m. Central Time on a business day, the payment posts the next business day. Payments made after midnight or on weekends post the following business day.

You can pay from a checking or savings account, or with a debit card. Credit card payments are not accepted online. The Xcel mobile app offers the same payment options as the website and works the same way.

Paying by phone

Call the customer service number on your bill to pay by phone. The number varies by state, but Xcel's main line can direct you to the right number if you are unsure. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your account number and either a checking or savings account number, or a debit card number.

When you call, an automated system will walk you through the payment process. You can also speak to a representative if you prefer. The representative can answer questions about your bill, your account, or the payment process. Phone payments post within one business day, the same as online payments.

Xcel does not charge a fee for phone payments. If you call from a mobile phone, your mobile carrier may charge you for the call, but Xcel does not.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose each month, usually around your due date. This method eliminates the need to remember to pay each month. You can set up automatic payments online through your Xcel account or by calling customer service.

To set up automatic payments online, log into your account, find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section, and enter your bank account information. You will choose the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn. Xcel will deduct the full amount due on that date. If your bill amount changes from month to month, the withdrawal amount changes too.

You can stop automatic payments at any time by logging into your account or calling customer service. There is no penalty for canceling. If you want to change the payment date or the account the money is withdrawn from, you can do that online or by phone as well.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Xcel Energy and include your account number on the check. Mail your payment to the address shown on your bill. Do not mail cash.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive at Xcel after you send them. If your due date is within the next week, paying by mail is risky because the payment may not arrive in time. If you are paying late, call customer service first to ask whether Xcel will accept a mailed payment or if you should pay by phone or online instead.

Include your account number on the check itself, not just on the envelope. If Xcel receives a check without an account number, it may take longer to process or may be applied to the wrong account.

In-person payment at a payment center

Some areas served by Xcel have payment centers or authorized retailers where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payment centers are not available in all regions. To find a payment center near you, log into your online account, call customer service, or visit Xcel's website and search for "payment locations."

In-person payments are processed the same day you make them if you pay before the center's closing time. This method is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. However, online or phone payment is faster and available 24 hours a day.

What to do if your payment is late

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Xcel may charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies by state and is shown on your bill. If you are going to be late, call customer service as soon as possible. Xcel may be able to delay the late fee or work out a payment plan if you explain your situation.

If your account falls significantly behind, Xcel may disconnect your service. The company typically sends a disconnection notice before turning off your power. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact Xcel when ready to discuss payment options or to ask about hardship programs that may be available in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Xcel bill with a credit card?

No, Xcel does not accept credit card payments online or by phone. You can pay with a debit card, checking account, or savings account. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to pay your credit card company instead, which defeats the purpose.

How do I know if my payment went through?

After you submit a payment online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number. Write down this number or take a screenshot. You can also log into your online account and check your payment history to see all payments you have made and their status.

What if I pay too much by accident?

If you overpay, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Xcel will explore the credit to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, call customer service and ask for one. Refunds are processed within a few weeks.

Can I schedule a payment for a future date?

Yes, when you pay online or by phone, you can choose a payment date up to 30 days in the future. This is useful if you want to pay on payday or on a specific date each month. The payment will not be withdrawn until the date you choose.

Is there a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?

Xcel offers payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once. Call customer service to discuss a plan. The company may also have hardship programs available in your state that can help with past-due amounts.