How to pay PG&E through their website or mobile app
The fastest way to pay PG&E is through their official website at pge.com or their mobile app. You can log into your account, view your current balance, and make a one-time payment in minutes. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information to complete the payment.
When you pay online, the payment posts when ready to your account, though it may take one to two business days to clear from your bank. PG&E does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their website or app. If you set up automatic payments, your bill will be paid on a date you choose each month, and you can change or cancel this arrangement anytime.
The PG&E app also lets you view your usage history, report outages, and get alerts about your account. You can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Key Takeaways
- PG&E's website and mobile app are free and let you pay when ready without leaving your home.
- Automatic payments through the website or app have no fee and can be changed or stopped at any time.
- Paying by phone through PG&E's automated system or a representative costs a fee, usually around $2 to $4.
- Mailing a check or money order takes five to seven business days to reach PG&E and should include your account number.
- Third-party payment services charge convenience fees that can be higher than paying directly through PG&E.
Paying PG&E by phone
You can pay PG&E over the phone by calling 1-800-743-5000. A representative can take your payment information and process it when ready. This method works if you don't have internet access or prefer speaking to someone directly.
Phone payments carry a fee, typically $2 to $4 depending on the payment method you use. You can also use PG&E's automated phone system to pay without speaking to a representative, which may have a lower fee. Have your account number and payment method ready when you call.
Mailing a check or money order to PG&E
You can mail a check or money order to PG&E, and there is no fee for this method. Write your account number on the check or money order so the payment reaches the correct account. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it has a barcode that speeds up processing.
Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. Send your payment to the address listed on your bill; PG&E has multiple regional payment centers, and using the correct address ensures faster posting. If you're close to your due date, mailing is risky because late payments can result in a late fee or service interruption.
Paying through third-party payment services
You can pay PG&E through third-party services like PayPal, Venmo, or other bill payment platforms. These services charge a convenience fee — a charge added to your payment for using their service — that is usually higher than paying directly through PG&E or by mail. The fee varies by service and can range from a few dollars to a percentage of your bill.
Third-party services are useful if you already use them for other bills and want to manage everything in one place. However, because of the added cost, they are not the cheapest option. Always check the fee before confirming the payment.
Setting up automatic payments with PG&E
Automatic payments let PG&E withdraw money from your bank account or charge your card on a date you choose each month. You set this up through your online account or by calling 1-800-743-5000. There is no fee for automatic payments made through PG&E's website or app.
You can change the payment date, pause the arrangement temporarily, or cancel it entirely at any time. If your bill amount varies month to month (which is common with PG&E), the automatic payment will adjust to match your current bill. This method is reliable for avoiding late payments and late fees.
What to do if you can't pay your full bill
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact PG&E before the due date to discuss your options. You may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. PG&E also has programs for customers with low income that may reduce your bill or provide other support.
Paying even a partial amount before the due date shows good faith and may prevent late fees or service interruption. Call 1-800-743-5000 to speak with a representative about a payment arrangement. The sooner you reach out, the more options you typically have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PG&E charge a fee for paying online?
No. PG&E does not charge a fee when you pay through their website, mobile app, or automatic payment plan. Third-party payment services do charge fees, so paying directly through PG&E is always free.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments post when ready to your account, though your bank may take one to two business days to process the charge. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed by PG&E.
Can I pay my PG&E bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can use a credit card to pay through PG&E's website, app, or by phone. Some third-party payment services also accept credit cards, but they will charge a convenience fee on top of your bill.
What happens if I miss my due date?
PG&E typically charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date. If you continue to miss payments, your service may be interrupted. Contact PG&E when ready if you miss a due date to discuss payment options or a plan.
Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them later?
Yes. You can cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account or by calling 1-800-743-5000. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can restart automatic payments whenever you want.