Pay your Avista bill through their website or mobile app in minutes
Avista offers two main ways to pay online: through their website at avistautilities.com or through their mobile app. Both routes let you make a one-time payment without setting up automatic billing. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account.
The website payment option works from any computer or phone browser. The mobile app, available on iOS and Android, stores your payment information if you choose, so repeat payments are faster. Neither method charges you a fee for paying online, though your bank or card issuer may charge their own processing fees depending on your account type.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online through avistautilities.com or the Avista mobile app without creating an account, using just your account number and a payment method.
- One-time online payments typically post to your account within one business day, though the exact timing depends on when you submit the payment.
- You can also set up automatic recurring payments through the website, which withdraws money on a date you choose each month.
- If you pay by phone, call Avista's automated line at 1-800-227-9187 to avoid phone agent fees.
Steps to pay online through the Avista website
Go to avistautilities.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually located near the top of the page. Click it and select "Make a One-Time Payment." You'll be asked to enter your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper right corner, and the amount you want to pay.
Next, choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you use a bank account, you'll provide your routing number and account number. Enter your billing address and email address so Avista can send you a payment confirmation. Review the details and submit. You should see a confirmation number on screen immediately.
Avista does not charge a fee for online payments. However, if you pay with a credit card, your card issuer may treat it as a cash advance and charge interest or fees — check with your bank first if you're unsure. Debit card and bank account payments typically have no additional charges.
Using the Avista mobile app to pay
Download the Avista app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap "Pay My Bill." You can pay without logging in by entering your account number, or you can create an account to see your full billing history and set up automatic payments.
Enter the amount you want to pay and select your payment method. The app will save your payment information if you allow it, making future payments faster. Submit the payment and you'll receive a confirmation number. Like the website, the app charges no fee for online payments.
The app also lets you view your current balance, see past bills, and check your usage history. If you set up an account, you can receive bill reminders and notifications when your payment posts.
Setting up automatic payments
If you want Avista to withdraw money automatically each month, log into your account on avistautilities.com or the mobile app and select "Enroll in AutoPay." Choose the date each month when you want the payment to come out — Avista recommends choosing a date after your bill arrives so you know the exact amount.
You can set AutoPay to withdraw your full bill amount or a fixed amount you choose. If you select a fixed amount, you'll still need to pay any remaining balance manually. You can change or cancel AutoPay at any time through your account settings.
AutoPay withdrawals typically post within one business day of the date you selected. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the withdrawal happens on the next business day. Avista sends a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.
Payment timing and when money posts to your account
One-time online payments usually post within one business day. If you submit a payment on a Friday evening, it may not show as posted until Monday. Payments submitted early in the morning typically post the same day.
If you pay by phone using Avista's automated system, the timing is the same as online payments. If you speak to a phone agent, Avista charges a $3.50 fee, so the automated line at 1-800-227-9187 is the better option if you prefer to pay by phone.
Your due date is printed on your bill. Paying online before that date keeps your account current. If you miss the due date, Avista may charge a late fee and could eventually disconnect your service, so set a reminder if you pay manually rather than using AutoPay.
Other ways to pay if you can't pay online
If you don't have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive and post, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
You can also pay in person at an Avista office during business hours. Locations vary by region — check avistautilities.com for the office nearest you. Some areas also allow payments at third-party locations like grocery stores or utility payment centers, though these may charge a processing fee.
The automated phone line at 1-800-227-9187 accepts debit and credit card payments 24 hours a day with no fee. A live agent can also take your payment by phone, but Avista charges a $3.50 fee for that service.
Troubleshooting common online payment problems
If your payment is rejected, the most common reason is a mismatch between the address on your payment method and the address on your Avista account. Check that both match exactly, including spelling and abbreviations. If they don't, update your account address on avistautilities.com before trying again.
If you see an error message saying your account number is invalid, double-check the number on your bill. Account numbers are typically 8 to 10 digits. If you recently moved or switched accounts, you may have a new account number.
If a payment you submitted doesn't appear in your account after two business days, contact Avista at 1-800-227-9187 or through the website contact form. Have your confirmation number ready. Avista can look up the payment and confirm whether it posted or if there was an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's Avista bill online?
No, you need the account number and the account must be in your name or you must be an authorized user. If you want to pay a family member's bill, ask them to add you as an authorized user on their account through avistautilities.com, or have them set up a payment themselves and give you the confirmation number.
What happens if I pay more than my bill amount?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Avista will apply it to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact Avista and request one — they typically process refunds within 10 business days.
Is it safe to pay online with my bank account?
Yes. Avista uses encryption to protect your information. However, if you're concerned about security, paying with a debit card or credit card gives you more fraud protection under federal law than paying with a bank account number.
Can I schedule a payment for a future date?
The website and app do not offer scheduled payments for future dates. You can only pay immediately or set up recurring AutoPay. If you need to pay on a specific future date, mark it on your calendar and submit the payment that day.
Do I need to create an account to pay online?
No. You can make a one-time payment using just your account number without logging in. Creating an account is optional and is useful only if you want to view your billing history, set up AutoPay, or receive bill reminders.