CenterPoint Energy bill payment options and where to send your money

CenterPoint Energy is a natural gas and electric utility serving parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest way is online — payment posts the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day. If you mail a check, allow 7 to 10 business days for it to reach their office and post to your account.

Your bill shows your account number in the upper right corner. You will need this number to pay online or by phone. If you have not received a bill yet or cannot find your account number, you can look it up on the CenterPoint website using your service address.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the CenterPoint website or their mobile app posts the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Central Time.
  • Phone payment (1-713-207-2700 for Texas customers) takes a few minutes and also posts the same day for business day calls.
  • Mailed checks should be sent to the address on your bill and take 7 to 10 business days to post.
  • Payment locations vary by state and region; CenterPoint's website lists authorized retailers and payment centers near you.
  • Setting up autopay through your bank or CenterPoint's system prevents missed payments and late fees.

Paying online through CenterPoint's website or app

Go to centerpoint.energy and sign in to your account. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option (the exact wording varies slightly by state). Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account.

CenterPoint charges a fee for credit card payments but not for debit card or bank account payments. The fee amount depends on your state and the card type; check the payment screen before you confirm. If you use a debit card or bank account, there is no fee. Payment posts when ready if you submit before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day; payments after that time or on weekends post the next business day.

You can also read the CenterPoint mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and pay the same way. The app shows your current balance, past bills, and usage history in one place.

Paying by phone

Call CenterPoint's automated payment line at 1-713-207-2700 (for Texas customers; other states have different numbers listed on your bill or the website). You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account to complete the payment. The call takes about five minutes. Like online payment, phone payments post the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. Central Time.

If you prefer to speak with a representative rather than use the automated system, you can call customer service during business hours. The number is on your bill. A representative can take your payment information over the phone, though this may take longer than the automated line.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to CenterPoint Energy. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address is specific to your region and changes depending on which CenterPoint office serves your area. Do not send cash through the mail.

Allow 7 to 10 business days for your payment to arrive and post to your account. If your bill is due soon, mailing a check cuts it close; use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee. If you are mailing a payment close to the due date, consider paying online or by phone as a backup to make sure the payment posts on time.

In-person payment locations

CenterPoint has authorized payment centers and retail locations where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. These locations vary by state and region. To find one near you, visit centerpoint.energy, search for "payment locations," and enter your zip code. The results will show hours, address, and accepted payment methods for each location.

Payments made in person at an authorized location usually post within one to two business days. This is faster than mail but slower than online or phone payment. In-person payment is useful if you do not have online access or prefer to pay with cash.

Setting up automatic payments

Autopay removes the need to remember your due date each month. You can set it up through CenterPoint's website or through your own bank's bill pay system. If you set it up through CenterPoint, you authorize them to withdraw the full bill amount (or a fixed amount you choose) from your bank account on a date you select, usually a few days before the due date.

To enroll through CenterPoint, log into your online account, find the autopay or recurring payment option, and enter your bank account details. You can change or cancel autopay at any time. If you set it up through your bank instead, your bank sends a check or electronic payment to CenterPoint on your behalf — this gives you more control but takes slightly longer to post.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you are behind on your bill or cannot pay the full amount, contact CenterPoint before your service is disconnected. You can call customer service (the number is on your bill) and ask about payment plans or hardship programs. CenterPoint may allow you to split your bill into smaller payments over several weeks or months, depending on your situation and the amount owed.

Some states also have utility information programs that help people pay overdue bills. These are usually run by local nonprofits or government agencies, not by CenterPoint itself. If you think you may be in financial hardship, ask CenterPoint's customer service representative whether your state has a program you can contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CenterPoint charge a fee to pay my bill?

CenterPoint does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made by debit card or bank account. Credit card payments do carry a fee that varies by state and card type; the amount appears on the payment screen before you confirm. In-person and mailed payments have no fee.

What time does my online payment post?

Payments submitted online before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Can I pay someone else's CenterPoint bill?

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. If paying by mail, include the account number on your check so CenterPoint knows which account to credit.

What happens if I pay late?

CenterPoint charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies by state. If you are a few days late, contact customer service to ask whether the fee can be waived. If you fall significantly behind, CenterPoint may disconnect your service; they typically send a disconnection notice before this happens.

How do I know my payment went through?

If you pay online or by phone, you will see a confirmation number on the screen when ready. Save or write down this number. You can also log into your account later to see the payment listed in your transaction history. For mailed checks, allow 7 to 10 business days, then check your online account to confirm the payment posted.