How to pay Cleco directly
Cleco (Cleco Corporation) is the electric utility serving central Louisiana. You can pay your Cleco bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on when you need to pay and whether you want to set up automatic payments.
Cleco does not charge a fee for payments made through their website or by phone using a bank account. Payments made by credit or debit card do carry a processing fee, which Cleco will show you before you confirm the transaction. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach Cleco and post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at cleco.com, by phone at 1-800-622-6662, or by mail to the address on your bill without any fee if you use a bank account.
- Credit and debit card payments online or by phone include a processing fee that varies by card type and payment amount.
- Automatic payments from your bank account can be set up through your Cleco online account and will deduct on your bill due date each month.
- If you mail a check, send it at least 10 business days before your due date to avoid a late payment.
- You can also pay in person at authorized payment locations, which Cleco lists on their website by zip code.
Paying online through your Cleco account
Go to cleco.com 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 (found on your bill) and other identifying information. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in the account menu.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance due, a partial amount, or a different amount if you choose. Select your payment method: bank account (no fee) or debit/credit card (with a fee). Review the processing fee before you confirm. The payment will process when ready, though it may take one to two business days to show on your account.
To set up automatic payments, go to the payment or account settings section of your online account and choose the option to enroll in autopay. You will select your bank account as the payment method and confirm the date each month when Cleco should deduct the payment. Automatic payments are free and will continue until you cancel them.
Paying by phone
Call Cleco's customer service line at 1-800-622-6662. Have your account number ready, which appears on your bill. A representative will ask how much you want to pay and will guide you through entering your payment method information.
Payments by phone using a bank account are free. If you pay by credit or debit card, the representative will tell you the processing fee before you authorize the charge. The payment processes when ready, though it may take one to two business days to appear on your account. Cleco's phone lines are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours; hours may vary by season.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order for the amount due. Do not send cash. On the check, write your Cleco account number in the memo line so the payment is applied to the correct account. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible, as it contains your account number in a format Cleco's system can read quickly.
Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill. Cleco's mailing address may differ depending on your location within their service area. Allow at least 10 business days for the check to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is fewer than 10 business days away, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
In-person payment locations
Cleco has authorized payment locations throughout their service area where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Visit cleco.com and use their payment location finder, or call 1-800-622-6662 to find the nearest location to you. Payment locations include some grocery stores, utility payment centers, and other retail partners.
Bring your account number and the amount you want to pay. In-person payments typically post to your account within one to two business days. Some payment locations may charge a small fee for accepting cash or card payments; ask before you pay.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Cleco before the due date to discuss your options. You may be able to set up a payment arrangement, which allows you to pay part of the bill by the due date and the remainder by a later date. Cleco may charge a fee to establish a payment arrangement, and you must make all payments on time to keep the arrangement active.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask Cleco about their information programs. Some programs may help with past-due balances or provide other support. Cleco can also refer you to local agencies that offer bill payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my Cleco bill online?
No fee if you pay from a bank account. Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that Cleco shows you before you confirm. The fee amount depends on your card type and the payment amount.
How long does it take for my payment to show on my account?
Payments made online or by phone typically post within one to two business days. Mailed checks take at least 10 business days to arrive and process. In-person payments also usually post within one to two business days.
Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay each month?
Yes. Log into your Cleco online account, go to account settings or payment options, and enroll in autopay. Select your bank account as the payment method and choose the date each month when the payment should be deducted. There is no fee for automatic payments.
What happens if I miss my due date?
Cleco will charge a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date. Your service may also be disconnected if the bill remains unpaid for a certain period. Contact Cleco when ready if you have missed a payment to discuss your options.
Can I pay someone else's Cleco bill?
Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number. The payment will be applied to their account. Some payment methods may require you to be the account holder; call Cleco at 1-800-622-6662 if you have questions.