The fastest way to pay American Water is through their website at americanwater.com, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in autopay
You can pay your American Water bill online without creating an account — you'll need your account number (found on your bill) and the amount due. The website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. If you prefer not to use the website, American Water also accepts payments by phone, mail, and automatic bank draft.
Payments made online typically post to your account within one business day. If you're paying close to your due date, call American Water's customer service line to confirm the payment will arrive on time and avoid a late fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at americanwater.com without logging in — you only need your account number and the amount you owe.
- Online payments usually post within one business day, so pay at least two days before your due date if you want to avoid late fees.
- Autopay through your bank account is free, while credit and debit card payments may include a processing fee that American Water discloses upfront.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by your due date, contact American Water before the due date to discuss a payment plan or hardship program.
- Your account number appears on your bill, on your online account dashboard, or you can find it by calling customer service.
Paying online without an account
Go to americanwater.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button on the homepage. Click it and select "Pay as Guest" or the option for customers who don't have an online account. Enter your account number, zip code, and the amount you want to pay.
You'll then choose your payment method. American Water accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, as well as debit cards and electronic bank transfers (ACH). The website will show you any processing fee before you confirm the payment — credit and debit card payments typically carry a fee, while bank transfers do not.
After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number. The payment will post to your account within one business day, though it may take longer if you pay after 5 p.m. Eastern Time or on a weekend.
Setting up autopay to avoid missed payments
Autopay withdraws your bill amount automatically from your bank account on a date you choose — usually a few days before your due date. To enroll, log into your account at americanwater.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay." You'll provide your bank account and routing number.
Autopay through a bank account is free and the most reliable way to ensure your bill is paid on time. If you set it up to withdraw a few days before your due date, you won't have to think about the bill each month. You can change the withdrawal date or cancel autopay anytime through your online account.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call American Water's customer service line. The phone number is on your bill. Have your account number ready. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or by providing your bank account information for an electronic transfer. Phone payments are processed the same day you call if you call before 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order and send it to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee. Do not send cash through the mail.
What to do if you can't pay the full amount
Contact American Water before your due date if you cannot pay the full bill. Call the number on your bill and ask about a payment plan or hardship program. American Water may allow you to split your payment across two or more months, or they may have a program for customers facing financial hardship.
If you wait until after your due date, American Water will charge a late fee and may eventually shut off your water service. Calling ahead gives you options and shows good faith to the company. Some states also have rules that prevent water shutoffs during winter months or for households with children, so ask what protections apply in your area.
Finding your account number
Your account number is printed on your paper bill in the upper right or left corner, usually near your name. If you receive a digital bill by email, the account number appears at the top of the PDF. You can also find it by logging into your online account at americanwater.com — it shows on your dashboard under "Account Information."
If you've lost your bill and don't have online access, call American Water customer service. They can look up your account by your name, address, and phone number and read your account number to you over the phone.
Understanding fees and due dates
Your due date is printed on your bill, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, American Water charges a late fee — the amount varies by state and company policy, but it's typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee. Late fees appear on your next bill.
Credit and debit card payments through americanwater.com include a processing fee that the company discloses before you confirm payment. Bank transfers and autopay do not include a fee. If the processing fee matters to your budget, use a bank transfer or autopay instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than two business days have passed and you don't see the payment on your account, call American Water with your confirmation number. They can verify whether the payment was received and when it will post.
Can I set up autopay for a different amount each month?
No — autopay withdraws the same amount each month. If your bill varies, you can set autopay to withdraw the average amount and then adjust it manually when your bill is higher or lower. Alternatively, make one-time payments each month instead of using autopay.
Is there a fee for paying by phone?
American Water does not charge a fee for phone payments. However, if you pay with a credit or debit card by phone, some payment processors may add a fee — ask when you call. Bank account payments by phone are free.
What happens if I miss my due date?
A late fee will be added to your next bill. If you continue to miss payments, American Water may shut off your water service. Contact them as soon as you realize you'll be late — they may offer a payment plan or delay the shutoff while you arrange payment.
Can I pay someone else's American Water bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill online if you have their account number. Go to "Pay as Guest" on americanwater.com and enter their account number and zip code. You do not need their permission to make a one-time payment, but they will see the payment on their account.