The fastest way to pay Optimum is through their online portal or mobile app, where payment posts the same day you submit it
Optimum is a Canadian internet, TV, and phone provider owned by Altus Group. To pay your bill, you log into your account on Optimum's website or use their mobile app, enter your payment amount, and choose a payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The payment typically processes within hours during business days.
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can mail a cheque to the address printed on your bill, call their payment line at 1-866-652-2666, or pay in person at a participating retail location. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Optimum's processing centre, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
Key Takeaways
- Online and app payments through Optimum's portal post the same business day and are the fastest option.
- You can pay by debit card, credit card, or direct bank transfer through the online portal.
- Mailed cheques take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Calling 1-866-652-2666 lets you pay by phone using a debit or credit card without setting up an online account.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank account can prevent missed due dates entirely.
Paying through the Optimum website or app
Go to optimum.ca and sign in with your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number, email address, and the postal code on your bill. Once logged in, look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account (direct debit). Debit and credit card payments process when ready. Bank account transfers may take one business day. Review the details and confirm. You will receive an email receipt with a confirmation number.
The Optimum mobile app works the same way. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, sign in with your account credentials, and tap the payment option. Many people find the app faster for one-time payments because it remembers your payment method.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call 1-866-652-2666 during business hours. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. A representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number. This method works if you do not want to create an online account or prefer speaking to someone.
To pay by mail, write a cheque payable to Optimum and include your account number on the cheque. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address changes depending on your province, so always check your current bill rather than using an old one. Optimum receives mail at regional processing centres. A cheque mailed on a Monday typically arrives by Friday of the following week, but weather and postal delays can add time. If your due date is within 10 days, do not use mail.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments mean Optimum withdraws money from your bank account on your due date each month, so you never have to remember to pay. Log into your Optimum account online, go to "Billing" or "Account Settings," and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Pre-Authorized Debit." Enter your bank account number and routing number (also called transit number in Canada). You can choose to pay the full balance, a set amount, or the minimum payment each month.
Once set up, automatic payments continue until you cancel them. You can change the amount or payment date anytime through your account. If your balance varies month to month, paying the full balance automatically means you will not carry a balance into the next month. If you prefer to pay a fixed amount, you can do that instead — just make sure it covers at least the minimum to avoid late fees.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
Optimum charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount depends on your province and service type. If you are more than 30 days late, Optimum may suspend your service — internet, TV, or phone will stop working until you pay the overdue amount plus any late fees.
If you know you will be late, call 1-866-652-2666 before the due date and explain your situation. Optimum sometimes offers a short extension or a payment arrangement, though this is not may provide. Paying online or by phone the same day you call gives you the best chance of avoiding suspension.
Choosing a payment method that works for you
Online and app payments are fastest and free — they post the same day and you get an when ready receipt. Use these if you have internet access and want to pay on your schedule. Phone payments are also fast and free, and they work if you do not have an online account or prefer speaking to someone. Use this method if you need a confirmation number right away or have questions about your bill.
Automatic payments are best if you want to stop thinking about your bill entirely. They are free and reliable, though you should check your account monthly to make sure the amount is correct. Mail is the slowest option and should only be used if you do not have internet access or a phone line. Never rely on mail if your due date is fewer than 10 days away.
Credit card payments through the online portal do not earn you cash back or points on the payment itself — Optimum treats it as a bill payment, not a purchase. If you want to use a credit card for the rewards, check whether your card issuer counts bill payments toward your rewards category. Debit card and bank account payments do not earn rewards at all.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If your online payment was rejected, the most common reason is an incorrect card number, expiration date, or security code. Check all three and try again. If you see an error message about your bank account, make sure you entered your account number and routing number correctly — one digit wrong will cause the payment to fail.
If you paid online but do not see the payment reflected in your account within 24 hours, log back in and check your payment history. Payments usually appear within a few hours during business days. If more than 24 hours have passed and the payment does not show, call 1-866-652-2666 with your confirmation number and they can look it up in their system.
If you accidentally paid twice or paid more than you owed, Optimum will credit the overpayment to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling customer service, though this takes longer than letting it sit as a credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Optimum bill with a gift card or prepaid card?
Yes, if the gift card or prepaid card has a Visa or Mastercard logo and is registered with your name and address. Enter it like a regular credit card on the payment page. Some prepaid cards block bill payments, so if yours is rejected, contact the card issuer to ask whether they allow this type of transaction.
What if I want to pay someone else's Optimum bill?
You can pay online using their account number if you have it, but you will need to create a separate login or use their account credentials. If you want to send money without accessing their account, you can mail a cheque with their account number written on it, or call 1-866-652-2666 with their account number and pay by phone using your card.
Does Optimum charge a fee to pay my bill online?
No. Online payments, app payments, phone payments, and mail payments are all free. Optimum does not charge you to pay your bill through any method. The only cost is if you pay late — then you owe a late fee in addition to your bill.
Can I set up automatic payments if I do not have a bank account?
Automatic payments require a Canadian bank account for direct debit. If you do not have one, you can pay online or by phone using a debit or credit card instead. These are just as reliable — you straightforward have to remember to pay each month, or set a phone reminder for your due date.
What is the difference between paying online and paying by phone?
Online and phone payments both post the same day and are free. The difference is convenience: online is faster if you prefer self-service, and phone is better if you have questions about your bill or want to speak to someone. Both give you a confirmation number when ready.