The fastest way to pay BGE is online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail — and each method has different timing and fees

BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric Company) gives you several ways to pay your bill, and the method you choose affects when the payment posts and whether you pay a fee. Online payment through BGE's website or their mobile app is free and usually posts within one business day. Phone payment through their automated system or a representative is also free but may take longer to process. Mail takes the longest — typically 7 to 10 business days — and carries the risk that your check arrives after your due date.

If you are behind on your bill or facing a shut-off notice, the payment method matters because some routes process faster than others. Knowing which option gets your money to BGE quickest can prevent late fees or service interruption.

Key Takeaways

  • BGE's website and mobile app process payments free and within one business day, making them the fastest option for most people.
  • Phone payments are free through BGE's automated system (1-888-685-0123) or a representative, but may take longer to post than online payments.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days and should be sent to the address on your bill; do not mail cash.
  • If you set up automatic payments (autopay), BGE deducts the amount on your due date each month, and you can change or cancel anytime.
  • Late fees and disconnection notices depend on how many days past due you are, so paying before the due date shown on your bill prevents both.

Paying online through BGE's website or app

Log in to your BGE account at bge.com or download the BGE mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. The system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts. Credit card payments are free; bank account payments are free. There is no fee for using the website or app.

Payments made before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically post the next business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the payment posts the following business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately after you submit the payment — save this in case you need to reference it later.

Paying by phone

Call BGE's automated payment line at 1-888-685-0123. You will need your account number and either a debit card or bank account information. The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no fee. You can also speak to a representative by calling the same number during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday). A representative can answer questions about your bill or payment options, but the payment itself takes the same time to process as the automated system.

Phone payments may take one to two business days to post, slightly longer than online payments. You will receive a confirmation number when the payment is submitted.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order (do not send cash) and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Include your account number on the check. BGE's mailing address is typically listed on the back of your bill or in the payment section of your online account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send your payment well before the due date to avoid late fees.

Keep a copy of your check or money order receipt for your records. If your payment does not post within 10 business days, contact BGE to confirm they received it.

Setting up automatic payments (autopay)

Autopay deducts your bill amount automatically on your due date each month. Log into your BGE account online, go to the payment settings, and select "Enroll in AutoPay." You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount you set yourself. BGE deducts the payment from your bank account or credit card on the due date shown on your bill.

You can change your autopay amount or cancel autopay anytime through your online account. If you cancel, you will need to pay future bills manually. Autopay is free and removes the risk of forgetting to pay by the due date, which helps you avoid late fees and disconnection notices.

Understanding late fees and disconnection

BGE charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or account for the exact amount. If your bill remains unpaid 30 days past the due date, BGE may send a disconnection notice warning that service will be shut off if you do not pay within a specified timeframe (usually 10 to 14 days).

If you receive a disconnection notice, contact BGE immediately. You may be able to set up a payment plan or explore hardship programs if you are struggling to pay. Paying before the due date is the simplest way to avoid these consequences entirely.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

If you know you will miss the due date, contact BGE before it passes. Call 1-888-685-0123 and ask about a payment plan or extension. BGE may allow you to split your bill into smaller payments over several weeks. If you are facing financial hardship, ask about the Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which offers reduced rates for income-may have access to households.

Do not ignore a bill or disconnection notice. The sooner you contact BGE, the more options you have. Even a partial payment before the due date can reduce late fees and show BGE you are working to resolve the debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BGE charge a fee to pay online or by phone?

No. Online payments through the website or app and phone payments through the automated system or a representative are all free. Credit card and bank account payments carry no fee.

How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?

Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. Payments made after 5 p.m. Eastern Time or on weekends and holidays post the next business day.

Can I pay my BGE bill with a credit card?

Yes, through the website, app, or phone. Credit card payments are free and process the same way as bank account payments.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

BGE charges a late fee. If your bill stays unpaid 30 days past the due date, you will receive a disconnection notice. Contact BGE immediately to set up a payment plan or discuss hardship options.

Can I cancel autopay anytime?

Yes. Log into your BGE account, go to payment settings, and select the option to cancel AutoPay. You will need to pay future bills manually. There is no penalty for canceling.