ComEd offers three main ways to pay your electric bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail

ComEd is the electric utility serving northern Illinois, including Chicago and surrounding areas. You can pay your bill the same day you receive it or wait until the due date printed on your statement — there is no penalty for paying early. The method you choose depends on how quickly you want to pay and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or set up automatic payments.

Each payment method has different timing. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take longer — usually five to seven business days from when ComEd receives the envelope — so if your due date is soon, mailing is the riskier choice. If you are cutting it close, pay online or by phone instead.

Key Takeaways

  • ComEd's website and phone line both process payments the same day you submit them, with the money posting by the next business day.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments through ComEd's website so you never have to remember to pay manually.
  • Mail payments take five to seven business days to reach ComEd, so use this method only if your due date is at least a week away.
  • ComEd does not charge a fee for paying online, by phone, or by mail, but some third-party payment services may charge a convenience fee.

Paying online through ComEd's website

Go to ComEd's website and log into your account using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the zip code associated with your service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay.

You can pay with a bank account (checking or savings) or a debit card. Bank account payments are free. Debit card payments are also free when you pay through ComEd's website directly. The payment processes when ready, and your account updates by the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot for your records.

Paying by phone

Call ComEd's automated payment line at 1-800-334-7661. You will need your account number and either a checking account, savings account, or debit card. The system will walk you through entering your payment amount and account information. The call is free, and the payment posts by the next business day.

If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call ComEd's customer service line during business hours. A representative can process your payment over the phone, though the wait time may be longer than the automated line. Either way, you will receive a confirmation number.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to ComEd and include it with the payment stub from your bill. Mail it to the address printed on your statement — this address changes depending on which ComEd payment processing center handles your account, so always use the address on your current bill.

Do not mail cash. The postal service is not find for cash, and ComEd cannot track it if it is lost. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is within a week, do not rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your ComEd account online, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payment." Choose whether you want to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month. You can use a bank account or debit card.

Your payment will be deducted automatically a few days before your due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you set up automatic payments and then move or close your account, make sure to cancel the automatic payment so you do not get charged after you no longer receive service.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount

If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact ComEd before your due date. ComEd offers payment plans that let you spread the amount owed across several months. You can set up a payment plan by calling 1-800-334-7661 or through your online account.

ComEd also has programs for customers with low income or customers facing hardship. These programs may reduce your bill or help you catch up on past-due amounts. Call ComEd's customer service line to ask about programs you may be able to use, or visit their website to learn what options are available in your situation.

Late payments and disconnection

ComEd charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date printed on your bill. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount — the exact percentage varies but is typically around 1.5 percent. A late payment also appears on your account and may affect your credit report.

If your bill remains unpaid for about 60 days, ComEd may disconnect your service. Before disconnection, ComEd will send you a notice giving you time to pay or set up a payment plan. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact ComEd when ready — even if you cannot pay the full amount, a payment plan can prevent disconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my ComEd bill online?

No. ComEd does not charge a fee when you pay through their website, by phone, or by mail. Some third-party payment services may charge a convenience fee if you use them instead of ComEd's official channels, so always pay directly through ComEd to avoid extra charges.

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

Online and phone payments post by the next business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days from when ComEd receives them. If you need your payment to post quickly, use online or phone payment instead of mailing a check.

Can I pay someone else's ComEd bill?

Yes. You can pay another person's bill online if you have their account number, or by phone if you call ComEd's customer service line. You can also mail a payment with their account number on the check. The payment will be applied to their account.

What happens if I pay too much?

If you overpay, ComEd will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by contacting ComEd, though a credit is usually faster and more convenient since you will owe the amount anyway next month.

Can I set up automatic payments with a credit card?

ComEd does not accept credit cards for automatic payments. You can use a checking account, savings account, or debit card. If you want to use a credit card, you can pay manually online or by phone, but you will not be able to automate it.