BGE's online payment options and where to find them

BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) lets you pay your bill through their website, mobile app, or by setting up automatic payments. You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, but creating one makes it easier to track your balance and payment history.

The fastest route is the BGE website at bge.com. Look for the "Pay My Bill" button on the homepage — it takes you directly to a payment portal where you can enter your account number and pay immediately. If you have a BGE account set up, you can also log in first to see your current balance before paying.

BGE also offers a mobile app (available on iOS and Android) that lets you pay on the go. The app shows your bill amount, due date, and payment history in one place, and you can set up automatic payments from there as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay a one-time BGE bill on bge.com without logging in, or through the BGE mobile app.
  • Creating a BGE online account lets you see your balance, payment history, and due dates before you pay.
  • Automatic payments (called "Budget Billing" or recurring payments) can be set up through your account to pay the same amount each month on a date you choose.
  • BGE accepts payment by debit card, credit card, and bank account transfer, though credit card payments may include a processing fee.
  • If you pay by phone instead, BGE's automated system is available 24/7 at 1-888-685-0123.

Setting up a BGE online account

Creating an account takes about five minutes and requires your account number (found on your bill), your zip code, and a password you choose. Go to bge.com and select "Create Account" or "Sign Up" — BGE will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent charges on your account.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to see your current balance, view past bills, check your due date, and review your payment history. This is especially useful if you want to confirm a payment went through before your due date or if you need to dispute a charge.

If you forget your password, BGE's login page has a "Forgot Password" link that will walk you through resetting it. You will need access to the email address you registered with.

Payment methods and fees

BGE accepts three main payment methods online: debit card, credit card, and bank account transfer (ACH). Debit card and bank account payments typically have no fee. Credit card payments may include a processing fee — BGE's website will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment, so you can decide whether to use a different method.

Bank account transfer is often the cheapest option if you want to avoid fees. You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find at the bottom of a check or by logging into your bank's website.

If you prefer not to pay online, BGE also accepts payments by phone (1-888-685-0123), by mail (send a check to the address on your bill), or in person at a BGE payment location. Phone payments are available 24/7, but mail payments take longer to process.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments mean your bill gets paid on the same day each month without you having to log in. This is useful if you want to avoid late fees or if you simply prefer not to think about the payment. To set up automatic payments, log into your BGE account, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments."

You will choose the payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), the amount you want paid each month, and the day of the month the payment should go through. BGE recommends choosing a date a few days before your due date to give the payment time to process.

You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. If you cancel, make sure you have a plan to pay your next bill manually, or you may miss your due date.

What to do if your payment does not go through

If a payment fails online, BGE will usually send you a notification by email or text (if you have those set up in your account). Common reasons include an expired card, insufficient funds in your bank account, or a mismatch between the address on your account and the address on your card.

Check your account to see the payment status. If it shows "Failed" or "Declined," try paying again with a different payment method. If the problem persists, call BGE's customer service at 1-888-685-0123 to troubleshoot. Have your account number and the payment method you tried ready when you call.

If you are close to your due date and worried about a late fee, paying by phone with a representative can sometimes be processed faster than online. A late payment fee applies if your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your bill, so it is worth calling if you are unsure whether your payment went through.

Understanding your bill before you pay

Before you pay, take a moment to check that the amount matches what you expect. Your BGE bill shows your usage (in therms for gas, kilowatt-hours for electric), your rate per unit, and any taxes or fees. If the amount seems unusually high, it could mean a meter reading error, a change in your usage, or a rate adjustment.

If you spot an error or have questions about a charge, contact BGE's customer service before paying. They can explain the charge or correct a mistake. Paying the bill does not prevent you from disputing it later, but calling first can sometimes resolve the issue faster.

BGE's website also shows your usage history in graph form if you log into your account. This lets you compare your current month to the same month last year and spot unusual spikes in usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my BGE bill without creating an account?

Yes. Go to bge.com, click "Pay My Bill," and enter your account number. You can pay a one-time bill without logging in. However, creating an account makes it easier to track your balance and set up automatic payments.

Is there a fee for paying with a credit card?

BGE may charge a processing fee for credit card payments, but not for debit card or bank account payments. The fee amount appears on the payment screen before you confirm, so you can choose a different method if you prefer to avoid it.

What if I miss my due date?

A late payment fee applies if your bill is not paid by the due date. You can still pay online after the due date, but the fee will be added to your balance. If you are having trouble paying, contact BGE to ask about payment plans or hardship programs.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Bank account and debit card payments usually post within one to two business days. Credit card payments may take slightly longer. You can check your payment status in your BGE account under "Payment History" or "Recent Transactions."

Can I change the date my automatic payment goes through?

Yes. Log into your BGE account, go to "Automatic Payments," and select the payment you want to change. You can update the date, amount, or payment method anytime. Changes usually take effect within one to two billing cycles.