What’s Needed to Pay my Bill Online?
To pay a bill online, you must have access to an online bill pay service. If you have a checking account, it’s likely that your bank offers online bill pay - probably for free. If not, you can open free checking accounts online that offer the feature. To get started with online banking, see below:
Using ACH Debit
You can also pay your bill online by logging into your biller’s website and providing bank information. This allows you to make one-time payments or regular payments each time a bill comes due. The process is called ACH debit.
How Much Does it Cost to Pay my Bill Online?
In most cases you won’t pay any fee. In fact, you should save money on stamps and replacement check orders. Some banks and online bill pay services charge a modest monthly fee, but you should be able to pay your bills online without cost if you do a little legwork.
Wire Transfers
In some cases, it may make sense to do a wire transfer. If you need to get your bill paid immediately, wire transfers get the job done. However, they require a little bit of work and you usually have to pay a fee to your bank. However, if the matter is urgent it may be your only option.
Other Options
Depending on your biller, there may be other options. Call them and ask "How can I pay my bill online?" if you're in danger of falling behind on payments.
Some companies accept credit card payments, but you should only take advantage of that option in rare emergencies. You might also be able to use services such as PayPal. You'll never know unless you ask.
