Log in to your PG&E account to view your bill and make a payment
PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) serves Northern and Central California. To pay your bill online, you log in through their website at pge.com, enter your account number and password, and choose a payment method. The payment processes when ready for most methods, though the money may take a few business days to reach PG&E's account depending on your bank.
You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment — PG&E offers a guest payment option where you enter your account number and the amount due without logging in. However, creating an account lets you see your billing history, set up automatic payments, and receive alerts when your bill is ready.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay as a guest using only your account number, or create a full account to track your history and set up automatic payments.
- PG&E accepts credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and checks mailed to their payment address.
- Online payments typically post within one to three business days, though your bank may show the charge when ready.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email or security questions.
- Automatic payments can be set to deduct from your bank account on a date you choose each month.
Creating a PG&E online account
Go to pge.com and click "Sign Up" or "Create Account" in the upper right corner. You will need your PG&E account number (found on your paper bill or in any email from PG&E), your service address, and an email address. PG&E will send a verification link to that email — click it to confirm your account is real.
After verification, create a password at least 8 characters long. PG&E requires a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like ! or @). Write this password down or save it in a password manager, because resetting it later requires either your email access or answering security questions about your account.
Once your account is active, log in at pge.com using your email address and password. You will see your current bill, past bills, and usage history. This view is the same whether you pay when ready or set up automatic payments.
Paying a one-time bill without creating an account
If you do not want to create an account, PG&E's website has a guest payment option. On the pge.com homepage, look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" and select the guest option. Enter your PG&E account number (the number on your bill, not your phone number), and PG&E will pull up your current balance.
Review the amount due and choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. Enter the card or bank details, confirm the amount, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready — save this for your records. The payment will post to your account within one to three business days.
Guest payments are one-time only. If you pay this way every month, you will enter your account number and payment method each time. Creating an account takes five minutes and eliminates this repetition.
Payment methods PG&E accepts
PG&E accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards online. Debit cards work the same way as credit cards. Both card types are processed when ready, though the charge may not appear in your bank account for one to two business days.
Bank account transfers (also called ACH or electronic check) are free and usually post within one to three business days. You will need your routing number and account number, which appear on the bottom left of any check from your bank. This method is slower than a card but costs nothing.
You can also mail a check to PG&E's payment address, which appears on your bill. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post. If you are behind on your bill, do not rely on mail — use online payment or call PG&E at the number on your bill to arrange a payment plan.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank account
Log in to your PG&E account and look for "Billing" or "Payment Settings" in the menu. Select "Automatic Payments" or "Autopay" and choose "Bank Account" as your payment method. Enter your routing number and account number (from a check or your bank's website), and select the day of the month you want the payment to come out.
PG&E will deduct the full amount due on that date each month, starting the following billing cycle. You can change the date, pause the payment, or cancel it anytime by logging back into your account. If your bill varies month to month (as most do), the payment amount will change automatically based on your usage.
Automatic payments from a bank account are free and reliable. If your account does not have enough money on the scheduled date, the payment will fail and you will receive a notice. Set the date a few days after you normally get paid to avoid overdrafts.
What to do if you forget your password
On the PG&E login page, click "Forgot Password" below the password field. Enter your email address and PG&E will send a reset link to that email. Click the link, create a new password (same requirements as before: 8+ characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters), and log in.
If you do not have access to the email address you used to create your account, click "Forgot Password" again and select "Answer Security Questions" instead. PG&E will ask you questions about your account — such as your service address or the last four digits of your phone number — and let you reset your password if you answer correctly.
If you cannot answer the security questions either, call PG&E at the number on your bill. A representative can verify your identity and reset your password over the phone, or help you create a new account with a different email address.
Payment timing and when the money reaches PG&E
Online payments show a confirmation number when ready after you submit them. However, the money does not reach PG&E's account right away. Credit and debit card payments usually post within one to three business days. Bank account transfers (ACH) also take one to three business days, though some banks process them faster.
Your own bank may show the charge when ready as "pending," even though PG&E has not received it yet. Do not assume the payment is complete until your PG&E account shows it posted. Check your account a few days after paying to confirm.
If you are behind on your bill and facing a shutoff notice, call PG&E before paying online. A representative can tell you the exact important date and may be able to delay shutoff while your payment processes. Paying online is faster than mailing a check, but it is not instantaneous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my PG&E bill over the phone?
Yes. Call the number on your bill and a representative will take your payment by phone using a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments and post within one to three business days. There is no fee for this service.
Does PG&E charge a fee to pay online?
PG&E does not charge a fee for online payments made by bank account transfer. Credit and debit card payments may have a fee — check the payment screen before you submit to see if one applies. The fee amount varies depending on the card type and PG&E's current policy.
What if my payment fails or is rejected?
If a payment fails, PG&E will send you a notice by email or mail. The most common reason is insufficient funds in your bank account or an expired card. Log back into your account, update your payment method, and try again. If the problem persists, call PG&E to troubleshoot.
Can I cancel an automatic payment after I set it up?
Yes. Log into your PG&E account, go to Payment Settings, and turn off Automatic Payments. You can do this anytime, even if a payment is scheduled for the next day. After you cancel, you will need to pay manually each month or set up a new automatic payment later.
Is my account information safe when I pay online?
PG&E uses encryption to protect your payment information. Your account number, card details, and bank information are not stored in plain text on their servers. However, use a find internet connection (not public WiFi) when logging in, and never share your password with anyone claiming to be from PG&E.