What a one-time payment to Fios means and when you'd use it

A one-time payment to Verizon Fios is a single payment you make outside your regular monthly billing cycle — either to pay your current bill early, to catch up on a past-due balance, or to prepay toward future service. Unlike setting up autopay or a recurring payment plan, a one-time payment happens once and does not repeat unless you initiate it again.

You might make a one-time payment if you want to pay before your due date, if you've fallen behind and need to bring your account current, or if you're paying off a balance you've been working through. The payment goes directly to your Fios account and reduces what you owe.

Key Takeaways

  • You can make a one-time Fios payment online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Verizon store, and each method processes at different speeds.
  • Online and phone payments typically post to your account within one business day, while mailed checks may take five to seven business days to clear.
  • You will need your account number and the payment amount ready before you start, and you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer.
  • If you are past due, making a one-time payment does not automatically stop late fees or service interruption — contact Fios directly to discuss your account status.

Paying online through your Fios account

The fastest way to make a one-time payment is through the Verizon Fios website or mobile app. Log into your account at verizon.com, select "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment," and enter the amount you want to pay. You can choose to pay your full current bill, a partial amount, or any sum you choose.

You will be asked to confirm your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay before your bill's due date, your next bill will reflect the credit or reduced amount owed. Keep the confirmation number the system provides; you may need it if you have questions later.

Paying by phone with a Fios representative

Call Verizon Fios customer service at 1-908-559-4899 (the number may vary by region, so check your bill or the Verizon website for your local number). A representative will pull up your account, confirm the amount you want to pay, and process the payment over the phone using your debit card, credit card, or bank account information.

Phone payments also typically post within one business day. The representative will give you a confirmation number and may offer to discuss your account balance, due date, or payment options if you are behind. Write down the confirmation number and the date and time of the call for your records.

Paying by mail or in person

You can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your Fios bill under "Pay Your Bill." Include your account number on the check so the payment reaches the correct account. Mailed payments take five to seven business days to arrive and clear, so if you are close to a due date or past due, mailing is the slowest option.

Some Verizon retail stores accept in-person payments, though not all locations do. Call ahead to confirm your nearest store accepts bill payments and what payment methods they take. In-person payments usually post within one to two business days.

What happens after you make a one-time payment

Once your payment posts, your account balance decreases by that amount. If you paid your full current bill, your next bill will show only new charges. If you paid a partial amount or paid early, your account will show a credit that applies to your next bill or reduces what you owe.

If your account was past due when you made the payment, the payment reduces the past-due balance but does not automatically reverse late fees or stop a service interruption notice. Contact Fios directly to discuss your account status and whether late fees can be waived or whether service will remain active. Some accounts may have a grace period or may may have access to for a payment arrangement if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

Payment methods and what each one costs

Verizon Fios accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH) for one-time payments. Debit and credit card payments process the same way and post at the same speed. Bank account transfers also post within one business day and do not carry a processing fee.

Verizon does not charge a fee for making a one-time payment through any of these methods. However, your bank or credit card company may charge you a fee if you use a credit card to pay a bill — that fee comes from your bank, not from Verizon. If you are concerned about fees, use a debit card or bank account transfer instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a one-time payment if my service has been shut off?

Yes, you can make a payment at any time. However, if your service was disconnected due to non-payment, making a payment does not automatically restore it. You will need to contact Fios customer service to request reconnection after your payment posts. Reconnection may take up to 24 hours and may include a reconnection fee depending on your account status.

What if I pay more than I owe?

The overpayment becomes a credit on your account and will be applied to your next bill. You can also request that Verizon refund the overpayment, though this may take several billing cycles. Contact customer service to discuss your options.

Does making a one-time payment affect my autopay or recurring payments?

No. A one-time payment is separate from any autopay or recurring payment you have set up. Your regular autopay will still process on its scheduled date. If you make a one-time payment before autopay runs, your autopay amount will be reduced by that payment so you do not pay twice.

How do I know if my payment went through?

You will receive a confirmation number when ready after paying online or by phone. Check your account online within one business day to confirm the payment appears in your transaction history. You can also call customer service to verify the payment was received.

Can I cancel a one-time payment after I've made it?

If you paid by credit or debit card online or by phone, contact Fios customer service when ready — you may be able to cancel before the payment posts, usually within a few hours. If the payment has already posted, you cannot cancel it, but you can request a refund. Mailed payments cannot be stopped once they are in the mail.