How to pay ComEd in person, online, by phone, or by mail

ComEd is the electric utility that serves northern Illinois, including Chicago and its suburbs. You can pay your ComEd bill through several methods: online through your ComEd account, by phone, by automatic bank draft, in person at a payment location, or by mail. The fastest way is usually online or by phone, which both process when ready. Paying by mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach ComEd, so mail your payment well before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Your due date appears on your bill statement, typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you miss the due date, ComEd charges a late fee and may disconnect your service if the account falls 60 days past due. Knowing your account number (found on your bill) and having your payment amount ready will speed up whichever method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • ComEd bills are due 20 to 25 days after the bill date, and late fees explore if you miss the important date.
  • Online payment through your ComEd account and phone payment both process the same day and are the fastest options.
  • Automatic bank draft removes the risk of forgetting a payment and is free to set up through your ComEd account.
  • In-person payment locations include ComEd offices and authorized retailers, though this method is slower than online or phone.
  • Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.

Paying online through your ComEd account

Log into your ComEd account at comed.com using your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. ComEd accepts payment from a checking account, savings account, or debit card. The payment processes when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen.

Online payment is free and leaves a record in your account history. You can also set up automatic payments this way, which removes the need to remember your due date each month. If you set up automatic payment, ComEd will deduct the full bill amount from your bank account a few days before the due date.

Paying by phone

Call ComEd's payment line at 1-800-334-7661 to pay by phone. Have your account number and payment method ready (checking account, savings account, or debit card). A representative will walk you through the payment and provide a confirmation number. Phone payment is free and processes the same day.

If you prefer not to speak with a representative, ComEd also offers an automated phone payment system on the same number. Follow the prompts to enter your account number and payment details. The automated system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Setting up automatic bank draft

Automatic bank draft (also called autopay or automatic payment) deducts your full bill from your bank account a few days before the due date each month. You set this up through your ComEd online account by selecting "Billing and Payment" and then "Automatic Payment." Enter your bank account number and routing number, and ComEd will handle the rest. There is no fee for this service.

Automatic payment is useful if you want to stop thinking about your electric bill. You can change or cancel automatic payment at any time through your account. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month (which is common in winter and summer), you can still use automatic payment — ComEd will deduct whatever the current bill is.

Paying in person at a ComEd location or authorized retailer

ComEd has payment centers in Chicago and surrounding areas where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. Find the nearest location by visiting comed.com and searching "payment locations," or call 1-800-334-7661 for the address and hours. Payment centers are typically open during business hours on weekdays.

You can also pay in person at certain authorized retailers, including some grocery stores and check-cashing services. These locations accept cash and debit cards. In-person payment takes longer than online or phone payment because you must travel to the location and wait in line, but it is an option if you do not have online or phone access.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill and mail it to the address printed on your bill statement. Include your account number on the check. Mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to may support it arrives on time. ComEd typically receives mail payments 7 to 10 business days after you send them.

Keep a copy of your check or money order receipt for your records. If your payment does not appear in your account within 15 days of mailing, contact ComEd to confirm it was received. Mailing a payment is the slowest method and carries the highest risk of arriving late, so use this option only if other methods are not available to you.

What happens if you miss a payment

ComEd charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount and appears on your next statement. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, ComEd may send a disconnection notice. If you do not pay within the timeframe given in that notice (usually 10 to 15 days), ComEd will shut off your service.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact ComEd when ready at 1-877-426-6331 to discuss a payment plan or hardship programs. ComEd offers extended payment plans for customers facing financial hardship, which allow you to spread your bill over several months. Calling before your service is disconnected gives you more options than waiting until after disconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ComEd charge a fee to pay online or by phone?

No, ComEd does not charge a fee for online or phone payment. Both methods are free and process the same day. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee, but ComEd's official website and phone line do not.

Can I pay a partial amount instead of my full bill?

Yes, you can pay any amount toward your bill through any payment method. However, if you pay less than the full amount by the due date, ComEd will charge a late fee on the remaining balance. Paying a partial amount does not prevent disconnection if your account falls 60 days past due.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my account?

Online and phone payments process when ready and appear in your account the same day. You will receive a confirmation number on screen or by phone. If you pay before 5 p.m. central time on a business day, the payment usually shows in your account by the next morning.

What if I want to stop automatic payments?

Log into your ComEd account, go to "Billing and Payment," and select "Automatic Payment." You can cancel or change your automatic payment at any time. The change takes effect on your next billing cycle. If you cancel automatic payment, you will need to pay your bill manually each month.

Can I pay someone else's ComEd bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill 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 regardless of whose name appears on the payment method. If you are paying a family member's bill regularly, ask them to add you as an authorized user on their account so you can manage payments directly.