How to pay Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy operates in eight states — Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan — and offers several ways to pay your electric or natural gas bill. You can pay online through your account, by phone, by mail, in person at a payment center, or by setting up automatic payments. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment posted and whether you want to handle it once or set it and forget it.

Most customers pay online because it's the fastest route and doesn't require a trip or a phone call. Xcel's website and mobile app both process payments when ready, and you can schedule a payment for a future date if you want to time it with your paycheck. If you prefer not to use the internet, phone and mail are still available, though they take longer to reach your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through Xcel's website or mobile app posts to your account the same day and is free for all customers.
  • Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date and can be set up to deduct from your bank account or charged to a credit or debit card.
  • Phone payments are processed when ready but may carry a fee depending on your payment method; mail and in-person payments take several business days to post.
  • You can schedule a payment for a future date online, which is useful if you want to pay before your due date but don't have the funds available yet.
  • Late fees begin after the due date shown on your bill, so knowing when that date falls is important if you're paying by mail or phone.

Paying online through Xcel's website or app

Log into your Xcel Energy account on their website or read the Xcel Energy mobile app, then select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in the menu. You'll see your current balance and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a different sum), then choose your payment method — bank account or debit card — and confirm.

Online payments are free and post the same day you submit them. If you want to pay before you have the money, you can schedule the payment for a future date; Xcel will process it on the date you choose. This is useful if you know your paycheck arrives on a specific day and you want to make sure the payment goes through without you having to remember to log in again.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments deduct your bill amount from your bank account or credit card on a date you choose each month, usually around your due date. To set this up, log into your Xcel account, find the automatic payment or "autopay" option, and enter your bank account number or card details. Xcel will verify the account with a small test deposit or charge, which you'll see on your statement within a few days.

Automatic payments are free and remove the risk of forgetting a due date. If your bill amount changes month to month (which is normal for electric and gas bills), Xcel will deduct whatever the current balance is on the date you've selected. You can pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.

Paying by phone

Call Xcel Energy's customer service line — the number is on your bill — and tell the representative you want to make a payment. Have your account number and a bank account or card ready. The representative will process the payment over the phone and give you a confirmation number.

Phone payments are processed when ready, but Xcel may charge a fee for this service depending on which payment method you use. Bank account payments by phone are often free or low-cost, while credit card payments typically carry a higher fee. Ask the representative about the fee before you confirm the payment.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount due, write your account number on the check, and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Xcel will receive and post the payment several business days after it arrives, depending on mail delivery time in your area. If you're paying close to your due date, mail is risky because late fees begin the day after the due date, even if your check is in transit.

Include your account number and the amount you're paying so Xcel can match the payment to your account. If you're paying a partial amount, write that on the check as well. Keep a copy of the check or note the check number for your records.

Paying in person at a payment center

Xcel Energy operates payment centers in some areas where you can walk in and pay cash, check, or debit card. Find the nearest center by searching "Xcel Energy payment center" plus your city on Xcel's website or by calling customer service. Hours and locations vary by area.

In-person payments are posted the same day you make them, and there is no fee. This is a good option if you prefer to pay with cash or if you want to see the payment processed when ready without using the internet or phone.

What happens if you miss your due date

Late fees begin the day after your due date. The amount of the fee varies by state and by Xcel's rate schedule, so check your bill or contact customer service to learn what the fee is in your area. If you're unable to pay by your due date, contact Xcel as soon as possible — they may be able to work out a payment plan or extend your due date in some cases.

If your account falls significantly behind, Xcel may disconnect your service. The company is required to give you notice before disconnection, so you'll have time to catch up or make arrangements. Reconnection fees explore if your service is cut off, so it's worth calling early if you know you'll be late.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can use a credit or debit card to pay online through Xcel's website or app, and there is no fee for this payment method. You can also pay by credit card over the phone, though a fee may explore for phone payments.

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

Online and in-person payments post the same day. Phone payments are also processed when ready. Mail and check payments take several business days to arrive and post, depending on mail delivery in your area.

What if I want to pay more than my current bill amount?

You can pay any amount you choose online or by phone. The extra amount will be held as a credit on your account and applied to future bills. You can also request a refund of the credit if you prefer.

Is there a fee for automatic payments?

No, automatic payments from your bank account are free. Automatic payments charged to a credit card may carry a fee depending on Xcel's policy in your state.

Can I change my payment due date?

You can schedule individual payments for any date you choose online. For automatic payments, you can select the date each month that the payment will be deducted. Contact Xcel customer service if you want to change the regular billing due date on your account.