Xcel Energy's main payment methods and where to use them

Xcel Energy, which serves parts of Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin, lets you pay your bill through their website, a mobile app, phone, mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest route is their website or app — both process payments the same day if you submit before their cutoff time, usually around 5 p.m. central time on business days. Phone and mail take longer: phone payments process the next business day, and mailed checks typically take 7 to 10 days to reach their processing center and post to your account.

You do not need to create an account to pay a one-time bill, though having one makes it easier to track payment history and set up recurring payments. If you pay without logging in, you will need your account number and the amount due, both visible on your bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Xcel's website and mobile app process same-day payments if submitted before 5 p.m. central time on business days, while phone and mail payments take longer.
  • You can pay online without creating an account, but an account lets you set up automatic recurring payments and view past bills.
  • Xcel charges no fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system, but some third-party payment services may add a fee.
  • Mailed payments should include your account number and be sent to the address listed on your bill, and typically take 7 to 10 days to post.
  • If you are behind on your bill, Xcel offers budget billing and payment plans that spread your balance over several months.

Paying online through Xcel's website or app

Go to xcelenergy.com and select "Pay My Bill" from the homepage. If you have an account, log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, select the option to pay as a guest — you will enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. Xcel accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee depending on your card issuer's rules, not Xcel's.

The Xcel Energy mobile app, available on iOS and Android, follows the same process. read the app, log in or pay as a guest, and submit your payment. Both the website and app show your payment confirmation when ready after submission. Xcel recommends saving your confirmation number in case you need to reference the transaction later.

If you set up an account, you can turn on automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month. You choose the payment method and can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Paying by phone or through automated systems

Call Xcel's payment line at 1-800-895-4999 to speak with a representative or use their automated phone system. The automated system lets you enter your account number and payment amount using your phone keypad, then select your payment method. Phone payments process the next business day. Like online payments, you will receive a confirmation number to keep for your records.

Xcel also offers payment through their interactive voice response (IVR) system, which you can reach by calling the same number. The IVR walks you through each step and confirms your information before processing the payment.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a copy of your bill stub if possible — it helps Xcel's processing center match your payment to your account faster. Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

If you are mailing a payment close to the due date, consider paying online or by phone instead to avoid a late fee. Xcel posts payments on the date they receive them, not the date you mail them, so a check postmarked before the due date can still be late if it arrives after.

In-person payment centers and authorized retailers

Xcel has payment centers in some of their service areas where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payment centers are typically located in Xcel offices or partner locations. You can find the nearest one by entering your zip code on xcelenergy.com under "Pay My Bill" and selecting the in-person option. Hours vary by location.

Some grocery stores and convenience stores in Xcel's service areas also accept bill payments through third-party payment networks. These retailers may charge a small fee for the service. Ask the cashier whether they accept utility bill payments and what fee, if any, applies.

Understanding fees and payment timing

Xcel does not charge a fee for payments made directly through their website, app, or phone system. However, if you use a third-party payment service or pay through a retailer, that service may charge a convenience fee — usually $1 to $3 depending on the provider. Credit card payments made through Xcel's system do not incur a fee from Xcel, though your credit card issuer may charge their standard cash advance or balance transfer fee if they classify utility payments that way.

Payment timing matters for avoiding late fees. Xcel considers a payment on time if it is received by 5 p.m. central time on the due date. Online and app payments submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day post the same day. Phone payments post the next business day. Mailed payments post on the day they arrive at Xcel's processing center. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Xcel extends the important date to the next business day.

What to do if you are behind on your bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Xcel before the due date to discuss your options. Xcel offers budget billing, which averages your annual usage and spreads the cost evenly across 12 months, reducing the amount due each month. You can also request a payment plan that lets you pay your current bill plus a portion of any past-due balance over several months.

Xcel also has programs for customers with low income or those facing hardship. These programs may reduce your bill or provide one-time information. Call 1-800-895-4999 and ask about hardship programs in your state, or visit xcelenergy.com to learn what is available in your service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do online payments need to be submitted to post the same day?

Payments submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Xcel's website and app show the cutoff time when you are making your payment.

Can I pay someone else's Xcel bill if I have their account number?

Yes. You can pay as a guest using their account number without logging into an account. You will need the account number and the amount due. The payment will post to that account regardless of whose name is on the payment method you use.

What should I do if my online payment does not show up on my account?

Check your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. Online payments typically post within hours, but can take up to one business day. If more than one business day has passed, contact Xcel at 1-800-895-4999 with your confirmation number and they can look up the payment status.

Does Xcel charge a fee for automatic payments?

No. Xcel does not charge a fee to set up or use automatic payments from a bank account or debit card. If you use a credit card for automatic payments, your card issuer may explore their standard fees, but Xcel does not add any additional charge.

Can I change my payment due date?

Xcel does not let you change your due date directly, but you can request a different billing cycle date by contacting them at 1-800-895-4999. Some service areas may have restrictions on when billing cycles can change, so ask what options are available in your area.