The fastest way to pay PG&E is through their website or mobile app

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) lets you pay your bill in several ways, and the quickest is usually their online portal or mobile app. You log in with your account number and password, enter a payment amount, and choose a payment date — the money typically leaves your account within one business day. You do not need to wait for a bill in the mail or call anyone.

If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one at pge.com using your account number (found on any bill) and your service address. Once you are set up, you can pay any time, see your usage history, and get alerts when your bill is ready.

PG&E also has a mobile app for iPhone and Android that works the same way. Some people find it easier to use the app if they pay regularly, since you can save your payment method and complete a payment in under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Paying online through pge.com or the PG&E mobile app is the fastest method and usually processes within one business day.
  • You can pay by bank account (ACH), debit card, or credit card online, though credit cards may carry a processing fee.
  • Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days to reach PG&E, so send it well before your due date to avoid late fees.
  • Calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 lets you pay over the phone with a debit or credit card, but you will speak to a representative and may wait on hold.
  • If you are behind on your bill, contact PG&E directly to discuss payment plans before the account is shut off.

Paying by bank account costs nothing and is the cheapest option

If you pay online and choose to transfer money directly from your checking or savings account (called an ACH payment), PG&E does not charge you a fee. This is the least expensive way to pay and works well if you have a few days before your due date, since ACH transfers take one to two business days to process.

To set up an ACH payment, you will need your bank routing number and account number. These appear on the bottom left of any check you write. You enter them once in your PG&E account, and you can reuse them for future payments without re-entering them.

Many people set up automatic ACH payments so the bill is paid the same day each month without them having to remember. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.

Credit and debit cards work online but may cost extra

You can pay with a debit card or credit card through pge.com or the app, but PG&E charges a processing fee — usually around 2 to 3 percent of your payment amount. On a $150 bill, that could be $3 to $4.50 extra. The fee varies depending on which payment processor PG&E uses that day, so you will see the exact amount before you confirm the payment.

Debit cards and credit cards process faster than ACH — usually the same day or next business day — so they are useful if your due date is very soon. If you are paying with a credit card, remember that PG&E reports the payment to the card company, so it counts as a charge on your account even though you are paying a bill.

Some people use a rewards credit card to earn points on their utility bill, but the processing fee often wipes out the benefit. Do the math before you choose this method.

Paying by mail takes longer but requires no account setup

You can write a check and mail it to PG&E, but this method is slow. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, and PG&E needs a few more days to process it. If your due date is in 10 days, mailing a check now might result in a late fee even if you send it today.

The mailing address is on your bill. Write your account number on the check so PG&E can match it to your account. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mailing a check makes sense only if you do not have internet access, do not have a bank account for ACH, and do not want to call. For most people, it is slower and riskier than the other options.

Paying by phone connects you to a representative

You can call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and pay your bill over the phone with a debit or credit card. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your card information. The payment usually processes the same day.

Phone payments are useful if you have questions about your bill or your account at the same time you are paying. They are slower than online payment because you have to wait for someone to answer, and they may not be available outside business hours.

Like online card payments, phone payments with a credit or debit card may include a processing fee. Ask the representative for the fee amount before you give your card information.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you are behind on your PG&E bill or cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact PG&E before your account is shut off. Call 1-800-743-5000 or log into your online account and look for a "Payment Arrangements" or "Hardship" option.

PG&E offers payment plans that let you spread what you owe across several months. They may also have programs that reduce your bill if your household income is below a certain level. The sooner you contact them, the more options you usually have.

If you are facing disconnection, some areas have local information programs that can help pay your bill. You can search for these through 211.org or by calling 2-1-1 from any phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay every month?

Yes. Through your PG&E online account, you can set up automatic ACH payments that happen on the same date each month. You can change the amount or cancel anytime. This is the most hands-off way to pay and avoids late fees if you forget.

What if I pay online but the payment does not show up right away?

Online payments usually appear within one business day. If you paid by ACH, it may take one to two days. If you paid by card, check your email for a confirmation receipt with a transaction number. If more than two business days have passed and the payment still does not show, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 with your receipt number.

Do I have to create an online account to pay my bill?

No. You can mail a check, call to pay by phone, or pay in person at a PG&E payment center. However, an online account is free and lets you pay faster and see your bill anytime without waiting for the mail.

Is there a fee for paying by bank account transfer?

No. ACH payments (bank account transfers) through PG&E's website or app are free. Credit and debit card payments usually have a 2 to 3 percent processing fee, and mailed checks have no fee but take much longer to process.

What happens if I miss my due date?

PG&E typically adds a late fee to your next bill. If you are more than 30 days late, your service may be shut off. If you know you will be late, call PG&E before the due date to discuss a payment plan or ask about hardship programs that might help.