MDU Resources online bill pay lets you settle your electric, gas, or water bill from your computer or phone without mailing a check or calling customer service.
MDU Resources serves customers across Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The online payment system works the same way regardless of which utility you use — electric, natural gas, or water — and you can pay in full or make a partial payment whenever you need to.
You do not need to set up an account in advance. You can walk through a one-time payment right now if you have your bill handy, or you can create a login to manage payments over time and see your billing history.
Key Takeaways
- MDU's online bill pay accepts one-time payments without requiring you to create an account, though an account makes repeat payments faster.
- You will need your account number (found on your bill) and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account.
- Payments typically post within one business day, but allow extra time if you pay close to your due date.
- The online system is available 24 hours a day, and you can set up automatic recurring payments if you prefer not to pay manually each month.
How to make a one-time payment without logging in
Start at the MDU Resources website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link — this is usually on the homepage or in the top navigation. Click it and select your state and utility type (electric, gas, or water).
Enter your account number. You can find this on your bill — it is typically printed near the top or in the account information section. The system will pull up your account and show your current balance.
Choose your payment amount. You can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or any amount in between. Then select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account (checking or savings). Enter the payment details and confirm.
The system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you ever need to contact MDU about this specific payment. Most payments post within one business day, though it can take up to two business days depending on when you submit.
Creating an MDU online account for easier future payments
If you pay your bill regularly, creating an account saves time. Go to the MDU Resources website and select "Create Account" or "Sign Up." You will need your account number and an email address.
Set a username and password. MDU may ask for additional information like your service address or phone number to verify your identity. Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to view your bill, see your payment history, and make payments without re-entering your account number each time.
From your account dashboard, you can also set up automatic recurring payments. This means MDU will charge your chosen payment method on the same day each month (usually your due date). You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.
Payment methods MDU accepts online
MDU accepts debit cards, credit cards, and direct bank transfers. If you use a credit card, be aware that some card issuers may charge a cash advance fee or treat utility payments as a cash advance — check with your card company first if you are unsure.
Bank account payments (ACH transfers) typically have no fee and are the cheapest option if you want to avoid credit card charges. You will need your routing number and account number, both of which appear on the bottom left of your checks.
MDU does not charge a fee for online payments made by debit card or bank account. If you pay by credit card, MDU may pass through a processing fee — the system will show you this amount before you confirm, so you know the total cost.
What to do if your payment does not post
Payments usually appear in your account within one business day. If you submitted a payment and it has been more than two business days, log into your account and check your payment history. Your confirmation number will help you track it down.
If the payment is not showing up, contact MDU customer service. Have your confirmation number ready, along with the date and amount you submitted. They can tell you whether the payment is still processing or if something went wrong.
If you paid close to your due date and your account shows a late notice before the payment posts, do not panic — once the payment clears, the late notice should drop off. If it does not, call MDU to have them remove it manually.
Paying your bill by phone or mail if you cannot use online pay
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, MDU accepts payments by phone. Call the customer service number on your bill and have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments work the same way as online payments and post within one business day.
You can also mail a check to the address shown on your bill. Mail payments take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days to post — so send your check early if your due date is coming up. Always include your account number on the check so MDU can match it to your account.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments take the guesswork out of remembering when to pay. Log into your MDU account, go to "Billing" or "Payments," and select "Set Up Automatic Payment" or "Autopay." Choose your payment method and the day of the month you want to be charged.
Most customers choose their due date so the payment posts right when it is owed. You can change the payment date anytime, and you can pause or cancel automatic payments without penalty. If your bill amount varies month to month (which is normal for heating or cooling seasons), MDU will charge whatever your current balance is on the date you set.
Keep an eye on your account even with automatic payments turned on. Check your bill each month to make sure the amount charged matches what you expected. If you spot an error, contact MDU right away — they can reverse a payment if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MDU bill before I receive it in the mail?
Yes. If you have an online account, you can log in anytime to see your current balance and pay it, even if your physical bill has not arrived yet. The balance shown online is always up to date.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
The overpayment stays as a credit on your account. MDU will apply it to your next month's bill, or you can request a refund by contacting customer service. Some customers intentionally overpay a little to build a credit balance for months when their bill is higher.
Is online bill pay secure?
MDU uses encryption to protect your payment information, the same technology banks use. Your account login is password-protected, and you should never share your password with anyone. If you use a public computer to pay your bill, log out when you are done.
Can I set up automatic payments with a credit card?
Yes, but check whether your credit card company charges a fee for automatic utility payments. Some treat recurring charges differently than one-time purchases. Automatic payments with a bank account (ACH) typically have no fee.
What if I need to dispute a charge on my bill?
Contact MDU customer service before you pay. Explain what you think is wrong with the charge, and they can investigate. Do not withhold payment unless MDU tells you to — paying late can result in a late fee even if a dispute is pending.