What "Total by Verizon" means on your bill
Total by Verizon is the final amount you owe Verizon Wireless for that billing period. It appears near the bottom of your bill statement and includes your service charges, taxes, fees, and any equipment costs — minus any credits you have earned. This is the number you need to pay to keep your account in good standing.
The total can vary month to month depending on whether you have promotional discounts active, whether you added a new device, or whether you incurred overage charges. If you have autopay set up, Verizon will charge this exact amount to your chosen payment method on your due date.
Key Takeaways
- Total by Verizon is the complete amount due for your billing period, including all charges, taxes, and fees minus any credits.
- You can pay online through My Verizon, by phone at 1-908-559-4899, or by mail using the payment coupon on your bill.
- Setting up autopay prevents late fees and service interruption, and Verizon offers a small discount if you enroll.
- If your total seems wrong, check whether promotional discounts have ended or whether you incurred overage charges you did not expect.
- Payments made online or by phone usually post within one business day, but mailed checks can take 7 to 10 days to clear.
How to pay your total online through My Verizon
The fastest way to pay is through the My Verizon website or app. Go to verizon.com, sign in with your username and password, and select "Pay Bill" from the account menu. You will see your current total due and can choose to pay the full amount or a partial payment.
Select your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and confirm the amount. Verizon will show you the expected posting date before you submit. Payments made before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time typically post the next business day. Keep your confirmation number for your records.
Paying by phone or automatic payment
To pay by phone, call 1-908-559-4899 and follow the automated prompts, or speak to a representative. Have your bill or account number ready. Phone payments process the same way as online payments and post within one business day.
Setting up autopay is the most reliable way to avoid late fees and service suspension. You can enroll through My Verizon by selecting "Billing" and then "Autopay," or by calling the number above. Verizon offers a $5 monthly discount on your bill if you use autopay with a bank account or debit card. Your account will be charged automatically on your due date each month.
Paying by mail or in person
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, use the payment coupon included with your paper bill. Write your account number on the check, mail it to the address shown on the coupon, and allow 7 to 10 business days for it to post. Late payments can trigger a late fee, so mail payments early if your due date is approaching.
Some Verizon retail stores accept cash or check payments in person. Call your local store to confirm they offer this service before you visit, as not all locations do.
Understanding charges that make up your total
Your total includes several components. Service charges cover your monthly plan and any add-ons like extra data or device protection. Equipment charges appear if you are paying off a device on an installment plan. Taxes and regulatory fees are set by your state and local government and vary by location.
Overage charges appear if you exceeded your plan limits — for example, using more data than your plan includes. Promotional discounts reduce your total if you are in a discount period. International charges, premium services, or one-time purchases also add to your total. If you see a charge you do not recognize, you can contact Verizon to ask what it covers.
What to do if your total seems incorrect
First, check whether a promotional discount has ended. Many Verizon promotions last 12 or 24 months, and your bill will jump when the discount expires. Look at your bill for a line that says "Promotion Ending" or check My Verizon under "Offers" to see which promotions are active on your account.
Second, verify that you did not incur overage charges. If you have an unlimited plan, overages should not appear. If you have a limited data plan, check your data usage in My Verizon to see whether you went over. Third, confirm that any credits you expected — for example, from a trade-in or a service credit — have posted. Credits can take one or two billing cycles to appear.
If you still cannot explain the total, contact Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 or through My Verizon chat. Have your bill in front of you so you can ask about specific line items.
Late payments and what happens if you do not pay
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, Verizon will charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically $5 to $10. More importantly, if your account remains unpaid for 30 to 60 days, Verizon may suspend your service, meaning your phone will stop working until you pay.
If you cannot pay your full total, contact Verizon before your due date. They may be able to set up a payment arrangement that lets you pay in installments over a few weeks. This is much better than waiting for a suspension notice, which can damage your credit and make it harder to set up service in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay only part of my total by Verizon?
Yes. You can make a partial payment online, by phone, or by mail. However, the unpaid balance will accrue a late fee if it is not paid by the due date. Paying the full amount by the due date avoids fees and keeps your account in good standing.
How long does it take for my payment to show up?
Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. If you are close to your due date and want to avoid a late fee, pay online or by phone instead of mailing a check.
What if I set up autopay but want to skip a month?
You can temporarily turn off autopay in My Verizon under "Billing" and "Autopay," or call 1-908-559-4899. You will need to make a manual payment that month to avoid a late fee. You can turn autopay back on the following month.
Does Verizon accept credit card payments?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online or by phone. However, Verizon does not offer the $5 autopay discount if you use a credit card — the discount only applies to bank account or debit card autopay. Some credit card companies may also charge a cash advance fee for bill payments.
What if my total by Verizon includes a charge I did not authorize?
Contact Verizon immediately at 1-908-559-4899 or through My Verizon chat. Describe the charge and ask for an explanation. If it is an error, Verizon can remove it and issue a credit. If it is a legitimate charge you do not want, ask how to remove the service or feature going forward.