Nicor's online bill pay system lets you pay from your bank account or debit card without calling or visiting an office

Nicor Gas, which serves northern Illinois, offers bill payment through its website, mobile app, phone line, and mail. The online method is fastest — you can pay when ready and see the transaction recorded in your account within hours. You do not need to set up automatic payments if you prefer to pay each bill manually, though the option exists if you want recurring charges.

To pay online, you log into your Nicor account at nicorgas.com, navigate to the bill pay section, and enter your bank account or debit card details. The system accepts one-time payments and allows you to schedule future payments up to 30 days ahead. There is no fee for paying from a bank account, but paying by debit card incurs a processing charge of roughly 2.5 percent of the bill amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Paying online from a bank account is free and processes within hours; debit card payments charge a percentage fee.
  • You can schedule payments up to 30 days in advance through the Nicor website or mobile app.
  • Phone payments and mail payments are slower but available if you do not have online access or prefer not to use it.
  • Automatic payment (budget billing) is optional and can be set up or cancelled at any time through your account.
  • If your payment does not post within 24 hours, contact Nicor directly to confirm the transaction was received.

Setting up a one-time payment online

Log into your Nicor account using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by entering your account number, service address, and email. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in the main menu.

Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a different sum. Choose your payment method: bank account (free) or debit card (fee applies). If paying from a bank account, provide your routing number and account number. If using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Review the details and confirm the payment. The system will show you a confirmation number when ready.

The payment typically posts to your account within one business day. You can check the status by logging back into your account and viewing your payment history. Nicor will also send a confirmation email to the address on file.

Scheduling future payments and automatic billing

The Nicor website allows you to schedule a payment for a specific date up to 30 days in the future. This is useful if you want to pay on payday or when you know funds will be available. Follow the same steps as a one-time payment, but select the date you want the payment to process instead of "pay today."

If you prefer not to think about paying each month, you can set up automatic payments (sometimes called budget billing or autopay). This charges your bank account or card on a set date each month for your bill amount. You can change the payment date, pause the service, or cancel it entirely through your account settings. Automatic payments do not lock you in — you can stop them whenever you choose.

Paying by phone or mail if you cannot pay online

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can call Nicor's customer service line at 1-888-642-6748 to pay by phone. A representative will take your payment information over the phone. This method is available during business hours and may take longer to process than online payment.

You can also mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check and send it to the mailing address listed in the "Payment" section of your statement. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to post, so mail your payment early if your due date is approaching.

Understanding fees and payment timing

Bank account payments through Nicor's website are free. Debit card payments incur a processing fee — the exact percentage varies but is typically around 2.5 percent of the amount paid. For example, a $100 payment by debit card would cost approximately $2.50 in fees. Phone payments and mail payments are free.

Payments made online before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day usually post the same day or the next business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends may not process until the following business day. If you are paying close to your due date, pay at least one business day early to avoid late fees. Nicor's due date is typically 21 days after your bill is issued.

What to do if your payment does not appear in your account

After you submit a payment online, you should see a confirmation number on your screen and receive a confirmation email. Check your email (including spam folders) to confirm the payment went through. Log back into your Nicor account within 24 hours and look at your payment history to see if the transaction has posted.

If more than 24 hours have passed and the payment does not appear, contact Nicor customer service at 1-888-642-6748. Have your confirmation number ready. The representative can look up the payment in their system and tell you whether it was received. If the payment was lost or rejected, they can help you resubmit it or troubleshoot the issue with your bank account or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Nicor bill without creating an online account?

Yes. You can pay by phone at 1-888-642-6748, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at a payment location. However, creating an online account is free and gives you the fastest payment option and the ability to view your balance and usage anytime.

What happens if I pay late?

Nicor typically adds a late fee if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies but is usually a percentage of your bill. If you are unable to pay on time, contact Nicor before the due date to discuss your options — they may be able to work out a payment plan.

Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them later?

Yes. Automatic payments can be cancelled anytime through your online account or by calling customer service. You do not need to provide a reason, and there is no penalty for stopping automatic payments.

Is it safe to enter my bank account number on the Nicor website?

Nicor's website uses encryption to protect your financial information. The site is the official Nicor payment portal, so entering your bank details there is as safe as paying any other utility online. Never enter your information on a link from an email or text message — always go directly to nicorgas.com.

How long does a mailed check take to post to my account?

Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is within two weeks, use online or phone payment instead to avoid late fees.