National Grid's online payment options and how to use them
National Grid US lets you pay your electric or gas bill online through their website, by phone, or through automatic payments from your bank account. The fastest route is logging into your account on the National Grid website — you can pay immediately without waiting for a check to arrive. You'll need your account number (on your bill) and a debit card, credit card, or bank account details.
If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and service address. Once you're logged in, you can pay a single bill right away or set up automatic payments so the amount comes out on a date you choose each month.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online through the National Grid website, by phone at the number on your bill, or through automatic bank payments.
- Online payments through the website usually post within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days.
- Setting up automatic payments means you never have to remember a due date, though you should still check your bill each month to catch errors.
- National Grid does not charge a fee for online payments made directly from your bank account, but credit card payments may carry a processing fee.
- If you're behind on your bill, you can contact National Grid to discuss payment plans before your service is disconnected.
Paying through the National Grid website
Go to the National Grid website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "My Account" section. You'll need to log in with your username and password, or create an account if you don't have one. Have your account number ready — it's printed on your bill in the upper right corner.
Once you're logged in, select the bill you want to pay and choose your payment method. National Grid accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance or a partial amount) and confirm the payment. The transaction should post within one business day.
If you're paying with a credit card, National Grid may charge a processing fee — usually around 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Paying directly from your bank account has no fee. Check the payment screen before you confirm to see whether a fee applies to your chosen method.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank account
Automatic payments mean your bill gets paid on the same day each month without you having to log in. On the National Grid website, go to "Billing" or "Payment Options" and select "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." You'll enter your bank account number and routing number, then choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out.
National Grid will deduct the full bill amount on that date each month. If your bill varies (which it does for most households), the payment will match whatever you owe that month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account, and you should still review your bill each month to make sure the amount is correct.
Paying by phone or mail if you don't have online access
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call the number on your bill to pay by phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. A representative will walk you through the process. Phone payments also usually post within one business day.
You can also mail a check to the address shown on your bill. Write your account number on the check and allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach National Grid and post to your account. If your bill is due soon, mailing a check is riskier because it may not arrive in time.
What to do if you're behind on your bill
If you've missed payments or are behind on your balance, contact National Grid before your service is disconnected. Call the number on your bill and ask about payment plans. National Grid may let you spread what you owe across several months instead of paying it all at once.
Some areas also have programs that help with overdue bills if you meet income limits. When you call, ask whether your state or region has hardship programs. Having a payment plan in place protects you from disconnection and gives you time to catch up.
Avoiding common payment mistakes
The most common mistake is paying the wrong account. If you have more than one National Grid account (for example, a home and a rental property), double-check that you're paying the right one before you confirm. The account number is on your bill.
Another mistake is assuming your payment posted immediately. Even online payments take at least one business day. If your bill is due tomorrow, paying today online might not post in time. If you're cutting it close, call National Grid to confirm the payment was received, or use a payment method that posts faster.
Don't ignore a bill just because you can't pay the full amount. Paying something, even a partial payment, shows good faith and buys you time. Contact National Grid to set up a payment plan rather than waiting until your service is at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my National Grid bill online?
No fee if you pay directly from your bank account. Credit card payments usually carry a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. The website will show you the fee before you confirm the payment.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, it may take longer. Check your account the next business day to confirm the payment went through.
Can I change or cancel automatic payments after I set them up?
Yes. Log into your National Grid account and go to the automatic payment settings. You can change the payment date, the amount, or cancel it entirely. Changes usually take effect within one or two billing cycles.
What if I pay online but my bill still shows as overdue?
Wait one business day for the payment to post. If it still shows overdue after that, log back in and check the payment status, or call National Grid to confirm they received it. Keep a record of your confirmation number just in case.
Can I set up automatic payments if I don't have a bank account?
Automatic payments require a bank account or debit card. If you don't have either, you can pay online with a credit card (with a fee), pay by phone, or mail a check. Some community organizations offer free checking accounts if you need one.