The fastest way to pay EarthLink is through their online account portal or by phone, and both take just a few minutes

EarthLink offers three main payment methods: online through your account, by phone with a representative, or by mailing a check. Online payment is the quickest — you can log in, see your balance, and submit payment in under five minutes. Phone payment works if you prefer speaking to someone or don't have internet access at that moment. Mail is the slowest option and takes 7 to 10 business days to reach EarthLink's processing center.

Your bill arrives either by email or paper mail, depending on what you chose when you signed up. The bill shows your account number, due date, and the amount owed. You'll need this information for any payment method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at earthlink.net by logging into your account — this is the fastest method and shows your payment status immediately.
  • Call EarthLink's billing department at 1-800-EARTHLINK (1-800-327-8454) to pay by phone with a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
  • Mail a check to the address on your bill; allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive and process.
  • Set up automatic payments through your online account to avoid missing due dates.
  • Late payments may result in service suspension, usually after 30 days past due.

Paying online through your EarthLink account

Go to earthlink.net and click "Sign In" at the top of the page. Enter your email address and password. If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one by clicking "Create Account" — you'll need your account number from your bill.

Once logged in, look for "Billing" or "My Bill" in the menu. You'll see your current balance and due date. Click "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance or a partial amount), choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and confirm. The system will show you a confirmation number immediately, and the payment typically posts to your account within one business day.

This method also lets you see your payment history, download past bills, and set up automatic recurring payments so you never miss a due date.

Paying by phone with EarthLink customer service

Call EarthLink's billing department at 1-800-EARTHLINK (1-800-327-8454). Have your account number and bill amount ready. A representative will verify your account and walk you through the payment process.

You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or by authorizing a bank account withdrawal. The representative will confirm the payment amount and provide a confirmation number. Phone payments typically post within one business day, the same as online payments.

EarthLink's customer service hours vary, so check their website for current availability. If you call outside business hours, you may reach an automated system that can process payments, or you can leave a message and someone will call you back during business hours.

Paying by mail

Write a check for the amount due and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address is specific to EarthLink's billing center and changes depending on your region.

Mail typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive, and EarthLink's processing center may take another 2 to 3 business days to post the payment to your account. This means a mailed check can take 7 to 10 business days total to show up as paid. If your due date is coming up soon, mail is not a reliable option.

Keep a copy of the check or take a photo of it before mailing. If you need to confirm the payment was received, you can call customer service with the check number and date.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates

Log into your EarthLink account online and navigate to "Billing" or "Payment Settings." Look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" and select "Set Up." Choose whether you want to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you specify.

Select your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and the day of the month you want the payment to happen. Most people choose a date a few days before their due date to ensure the payment posts on time. Once set up, the payment will happen automatically each billing cycle, and you'll receive a confirmation email.

You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account, but keeping it active is the easiest way to avoid late fees and service interruptions.

What happens if your payment is late

EarthLink's due date is typically 21 days from the bill date. If payment doesn't arrive by that date, you'll receive a late notice — usually by email or mail — reminding you to pay. At this point, you may be charged a late fee, which varies by region and service type.

If payment is not received within 30 days of the due date, EarthLink may suspend your service without further notice. Once suspended, you'll need to pay the full outstanding balance plus any late fees to restore service. Restoration can take 24 to 48 hours after payment is received.

If you know you'll be late, call customer service as soon as possible. Some representatives can arrange a short extension or a payment plan, though this is not may provide.

Troubleshooting payment problems

If you paid online but your account still shows a balance, wait one business day for the payment to post. If it doesn't appear after that, log back into your account and look for a confirmation number from your payment. Write down this number and call customer service to verify the payment was received.

If you paid by phone or mail and have a confirmation number or check number, provide that to the representative. They can trace the payment in their system. Occasionally a payment gets lost in the mail or fails to process due to a bank issue — the representative can resubmit it or investigate the delay.

If your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) was declined, you'll usually receive an email notification. Update your payment information in your online account or call to provide a different card or account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay EarthLink with a prepaid card?

Yes, you can use a prepaid debit card online or by phone as long as it has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo and has sufficient funds. The card must be registered with your name and address for the payment to go through.

What if I want to pay only part of my bill?

You can make a partial payment online or by phone. Enter the amount you want to pay instead of the full balance. However, the remaining balance will still be due by the due date, and you may be charged a late fee if the full amount isn't paid on time.

Does EarthLink charge a fee to pay online or by phone?

No, EarthLink does not charge a fee for online or phone payments. Mailed checks are also free. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee, but EarthLink's direct payment methods do not.

How do I know if my automatic payment went through?

Check your email for a confirmation message from EarthLink on or shortly after your scheduled payment date. You can also log into your account and view your payment history under "Billing." If you don't see the payment within one business day, call customer service.

Can I change my due date?

Contact EarthLink customer service to request a due date change. They can usually move your due date to a different day of the month, which can help if you're paid on a specific date or manage multiple bills. This change typically takes effect on your next billing cycle.