Where to pay your Fort Collins utilities bill
Fort Collins Utilities bills you for water, wastewater, stormwater, and electric service. You can pay online through your account portal, by mail, by phone, or in person at the utility payment center. The fastest and most convenient method is online through the MyUtilities portal at the City of Fort Collins website — you can set up automatic payments there so you never miss a due date.
Each payment method has different processing times. Online payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees. Phone and in-person payments process immediately.
Your bill shows a due date, not a cutoff date. Payments received after the due date incur a late charge, even if you are still within a grace period. Check your bill for the exact due date and plan your payment timing around it.
Key Takeaways
- The MyUtilities online portal at the City of Fort Collins website lets you pay, view your bill history, and set up automatic payments in one place.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- You can pay by phone at the Fort Collins Utilities customer service line or in person at the payment center during business hours.
- Late payments trigger a charge added to your next bill, so confirm your payment method's processing time before the due date arrives.
- Automatic payments through MyUtilities remove the risk of forgetting a payment and let you choose the exact date each month.
Setting up online payment through MyUtilities
Go to the City of Fort Collins website and locate the MyUtilities login. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your account number (found on your bill) and your service address. Once logged in, you can view your current bill, payment history, and usage data.
To make a one-time payment, select the "Pay Now" option and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The system will show you the processing fee upfront — credit card payments typically carry a fee, while bank account transfers usually do not.
For automatic payments, go to the "Autopay" or "Recurring Payments" section and enter your payment method and the date you want the payment to come out each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.
Paying by mail or check
Write your account number on the check or money order. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this is usually the Fort Collins Utilities billing office. Do not mail cash.
The postal service typically takes 3 to 5 business days to deliver mail within Fort Collins, plus another 2 to 5 days for the city to process and post the payment. This means a check mailed on a Monday might not post until the following week. If your due date is within 10 days, pay online or in person instead.
Keep a copy of your check or money order receipt for your records. If you are concerned about whether your payment arrived, log into MyUtilities a few days after mailing to confirm it posted.
Paying by phone or in person
Call Fort Collins Utilities customer service at the number on your bill to pay by phone. You will need your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The representative will process the payment immediately and give you a confirmation number.
To pay in person, visit the Fort Collins Utilities payment center during business hours. The address and hours are listed on your bill and on the city website. Bring your bill or account number and payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card are accepted. In-person payments post the same day.
Phone payments may carry a processing fee similar to online credit card payments. Ask the representative about the fee before you provide your payment information.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill shows a specific due date, usually 15 to 20 days after the bill is issued. Payments received after this date incur a late charge, which appears as a separate line item on your next bill. The late fee is a percentage of your unpaid balance — the exact percentage is set by the city and shown in your bill documents.
If you miss a payment, your account does not go to collections immediately. However, if your account remains unpaid for 30 to 60 days (the exact timeline is in your bill's terms and conditions), the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. This does not mean your service stops right away, but it signals that disconnection is possible if you do not pay.
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Fort Collins Utilities customer service to discuss payment plans or hardship programs. The city may be able to work with you on a schedule that fits your situation.
Viewing your bill online and tracking usage
Log into MyUtilities to see your current bill and all previous bills going back several years. The portal shows your usage broken down by service type — water, wastewater, stormwater, and electric — so you can see which services are costing the most.
Your bill includes a usage graph that compares your current month to the same month last year. This helps you spot sudden increases that might signal a leak or a change in your consumption. If your water usage jumps unexpectedly, check for running toilets, dripping faucets, or outdoor leaks before calling customer service.
The MyUtilities portal also shows your meter readings and the dates they were recorded. If you believe a reading is incorrect, you can dispute it through the portal or by calling customer service with the details.
What to do if you have trouble paying or accessing your account
If you cannot log into MyUtilities, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page or call customer service to reset your credentials. Have your account number and service address ready.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online portal, you can always pay by mail, phone, or in person. These methods work just as well — they simply take longer to process or require you to be available at a specific time.
If your payment was rejected by your bank or credit card company, the system will notify you. Check your email for the rejection notice and try a different payment method. Do not assume the payment went through if you did not receive a confirmation number or email receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing fee for paying online with a credit card?
Credit card processing fees vary and are shown to you before you complete the payment. Bank account transfers typically have no fee. Check the MyUtilities portal or call customer service to see the current fee structure for your preferred payment method.
Can I set up automatic payments for a different amount each month?
No, automatic payments through MyUtilities are for a fixed amount on a fixed date. If your bill varies significantly month to month, you can set up autopay for a lower amount and pay any remaining balance manually, or pay each bill individually.
What happens if I pay too much?
Overpayments create a credit on your account that applies to your next bill. You can also request a refund by contacting customer service, though processing a refund may take several weeks.
Can I pay someone else's Fort Collins utilities bill?
Yes, you can pay online using their account number, or you can mail a check with their account number written on it. If you want to set up ongoing payments for another person's account, contact customer service to discuss authorization options.
Is there a discount for paying in full or early?
Fort Collins Utilities does not offer discounts for early or full payment. Your bill amount is based on your usage and the city's rate structure, regardless of when you pay.