Where to pay your Seattle utilities bill
Seattle City Light (electricity), Seattle Public Utilities (water and sewer), and Seattle drainage services all use the same billing system. You can pay through the city's online portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The easiest route for most people is the online portal at myutilities.seattle.gov, where you can set up a one-time payment or automatic monthly payments.
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call the customer service line at 206-684-3000 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. There is a convenience fee for phone payments, which the representative will tell you before processing. Mailing a check takes longer — allow at least 10 business days for it to arrive and post to your account.
In-person payment centers are located at the Seattle Municipal Tower (700 5th Avenue) and several neighborhood locations. Hours and addresses change, so check the city's website before you go. Paying in person by cash, check, or card avoids online fees and phone fees, but requires a trip during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The online portal at myutilities.seattle.gov is the fastest way to pay and has no convenience fee.
- Phone payments (206-684-3000) work if you do not have internet access, but the city charges a fee for this method.
- Automatic monthly payments prevent missed due dates and take the same amount of time to set up as a one-time payment.
- Mailed checks should be sent at least 10 business days before your due date to avoid a late payment.
- In-person payment at city offices costs nothing but requires you to visit during business hours.
Setting up automatic payments online
Log into myutilities.seattle.gov with your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the amount of your last bill. Once you are logged in, select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" from the menu.
You will need to enter a bank account number and routing number, or a debit or credit card. The city will deduct your full bill amount on the due date each month. If your bill varies (which it does for water and sewer, depending on usage), the payment will adjust automatically. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.
Automatic payments do not cost extra. If you want to pay a different amount than your full bill in a given month, you can make a one-time adjustment through the portal without canceling the automatic payment.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If payment does not post by that date, the city charges a late fee. The late fee amount depends on your bill total, but it is a percentage of what you owe — typically around 1.5 percent. Late fees add up quickly if you miss multiple months.
If you pay online or by phone, the payment posts immediately on the day you submit it. If you mail a check, it posts on the day the city receives it, not the day you mail it. This is why mailing requires extra time — the post office delivery time plus the city's processing time can easily be 10 to 14 days.
If your bill is overdue and you cannot pay the full amount, contact customer service at 206-684-3000. The city has programs for people with low income, and representatives can discuss payment plans or other options before your account is referred to collections.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
Your account number appears on your paper bill in the upper right corner, or in the "Account Information" section if you view your bill online. If you have lost your bill, you can find your account number by logging into myutilities.seattle.gov — it displays on your dashboard once you are signed in.
If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. The city will send a reset link to the email address on file. If you do not have access to that email, call 206-684-3000 and a representative can help you recover your account or look up your account number by address.
Paying a bill for a rental property or business
If you are a landlord or business owner, you receive a separate bill for the property. The account number is tied to the property address, not to your personal name. You can set up online payment or automatic payments the same way as a residential account — use the property address to create or log into your account on myutilities.seattle.gov.
If the property has multiple utility accounts (for example, a building with separate meters), each account has its own number and bill. You will need to log in separately for each one, or call 206-684-3000 to ask about consolidating bills if the accounts are at the same address.
Payment methods and fees
Online payment through myutilities.seattle.gov has no convenience fee. Phone payments charged to a debit or credit card include a fee set by the city's payment processor — ask the representative for the exact amount when you call. Automatic bank account payments have no fee.
Mailed checks should be made payable to "City of Seattle" and sent to the address on your bill. Do not send cash by mail. Credit card payments by mail are not accepted — use the online portal or phone for credit card payments.
If you pay in person at a city office, cash and check payments have no fee. Credit and debit card payments at the counter may have a small fee; ask before you pay.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not post by the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill. If you miss two or more consecutive months, the city may send a notice of intent to shut off service. This notice gives you time to pay or contact the city to arrange a payment plan.
If service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it. Reconnection can take several business days. To avoid this, contact customer service as soon as you know you will be late — the city is more willing to work with you before service is cut than after.
If you are struggling to pay your bill because of a change in income or hardship, ask the representative about the Utility Discount Program or other assistance. These programs are based on household income and can reduce your bill by 50 percent or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my bill with a credit card online without a fee?
Yes. The online portal at myutilities.seattle.gov accepts credit cards with no convenience fee. Phone payments with a credit card do include a fee, but online payments do not.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments post immediately when you submit them. You will see the payment reflected in your account balance the same day. Automatic payments also post on the due date without delay.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my bill?
Contact customer service at 206-684-3000 to report an error or ask questions about specific charges. You can also submit a written dispute through your online account. The city will investigate and respond within a set timeframe. Do not withhold payment while disputing — continue to pay the undisputed portion to avoid late fees.
Can I set up automatic payments if I do not have a bank account?
Automatic payments require either a bank account or a debit or credit card. If you do not have any of these, you can make one-time online payments using a prepaid card, or pay by phone or in person at a city office.
Is there a way to reduce my bill if I am on a fixed income?
Yes. The Utility Discount Program reduces bills for households that meet income limits. Call 206-684-3000 to ask about this program or other assistance. You will need to provide proof of household income to enroll.