Nicor Pay Bill: The Main Payment Methods
Nicor Gas offers three primary ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online method is the fastest and most widely used — you can pay when ready from your bank account or credit card without waiting for a check to arrive. Phone payments go through Nicor's automated system or a representative, and mail payments require you to send a check to the address printed on your bill.
Each method has different timing. Online and phone payments post to your account within one business day. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days from the time Nicor receives them, so you need to account for postal delivery time when choosing this option. If your bill is due soon, online or phone payment is the safer choice.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through Nicor's website is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
- Phone payments can be made through an automated system or a live representative and also post within one business day.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days after Nicor receives them, so plan ahead if you choose this route.
- You can set up automatic recurring payments online to avoid missing due dates.
- Late fees explore if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you sent it.
Paying Online Through Nicor's Website
To pay online, visit Nicor Gas's website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and your ZIP code. You can pay as a guest without creating a login, though creating an account lets you save payment methods and view past bills.
Nicor accepts payments from a checking or savings account (no fee) and from credit or debit cards (a small fee applies). The fee for card payments varies but is typically 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid. If you use your bank account, there is no additional charge. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number when ready — save this for your records.
One-time payments post within one business day. If you want to avoid logging in each month, you can set up automatic payments from your bank account on a date you choose. Automatic payments are free and can be cancelled anytime through your account settings.
Paying by Phone
Nicor's automated phone system is available 24/7 at the number on your bill. You will need your account number and the bank account or card you want to charge. The system will confirm the amount and due date before processing the payment. Like online card payments, phone payments from a credit or debit card carry a fee, while bank account payments do not.
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call during business hours and request a manual payment. A representative can answer questions about your account, discuss payment plans if you are behind, or help you set up automatic payments. Phone payments post within one business day, the same as online payments.
Paying by Mail
To pay by mail, write a check to Nicor Gas and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address is specific to your region and should not be guessed. Include your bill stub or a note with your account number so Nicor can match the payment to your account quickly.
Mail payments take longer because of postal delivery and processing time. Nicor typically receives mail 3 to 5 business days after you send it, then processes it within 2 to 5 more business days. If your due date is within two weeks, do not rely on mail. Late fees explore based on the due date on your bill, not the date Nicor receives the check, so a check mailed on time but arriving late will still incur a late fee.
Automatic Payments and Recurring Billing
Setting up automatic payments removes the risk of missing a due date. You can arrange this online through your Nicor account or by calling a representative. Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account on a date you select — typically a few days before your due date. You can change the date or cancel automatic payments anytime.
Nicor also offers budget billing, which averages your annual gas costs and spreads them into equal monthly payments. This is separate from automatic payment but can be combined with it. Budget billing smooths out the spikes in winter heating bills, though you will owe a balance adjustment in spring if your actual usage was higher than the average.
What Happens If Your Payment Is Late
Late fees are assessed if payment is not received by the due date printed on your bill. The fee amount varies by region but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount. If you are more than 30 days late, Nicor may disconnect your service. You will receive a disconnection notice before this happens, usually giving you 10 to 14 days to pay or contact Nicor about a payment plan.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact Nicor before the bill becomes overdue. Representatives can discuss a payment plan, which spreads the balance over several months. Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one and agree to the terms. If you are facing hardship, ask about Nicor's low-income information programs, which vary by state and region.
Payment Methods Comparison
| Method | Speed to Post | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (bank account) | 1 business day | Free | 24/7 |
| Online (card) | 1 business day | 2–3% fee | 24/7 |
| Phone (bank account) | 1 business day | Free | 24/7 automated; business hours for representative |
| Phone (card) | 1 business day | 2–3% fee | 24/7 automated; business hours for representative |
| Mail (check) | 7–10 business days | Free | Anytime |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Nicor bill with a credit card without a fee?
No. Credit and debit card payments through Nicor's website or phone system carry a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. Paying from a checking or savings account is free. If you want to use a card for rewards, compare the rewards value against the fee to see if it makes sense financially.
What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up on my account?
Online payments post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment does not appear, check your confirmation number and contact Nicor with it. Nicor can verify whether the payment was received and processed. Keep your confirmation email or number until the payment shows on your account.
Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them later?
Yes. You can cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account or by calling Nicor. Cancellation takes effect for the next scheduled payment, so if a payment is set to go out in two days, you may need to cancel it before that date to stop it. After cancellation, you will need to pay manually each month.
What happens if I mail a check but Nicor receives it after the due date?
Late fees will explore because they are based on the due date on your bill, not when Nicor receives the check. If you are mailing a payment, send it at least 10 business days before the due date to account for postal delivery and processing time. For bills due soon, use online or phone payment instead.
Does Nicor offer payment plans if I can't pay my full bill?
Yes. Contact Nicor before your bill becomes overdue and ask about a payment plan. A representative will discuss your situation and may be able to spread your balance over several months. Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one. Some regions also offer low-income information programs that may reduce or cover part of your bill.