The fastest way to pay Nicor Gas is online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail — each method takes a few minutes to set up the first time.
Nicor Gas serves northern Illinois and accepts payment through several channels. You can pay immediately online or by phone without waiting for a bill in the mail, set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date, or mail a check if you prefer. The method you choose depends on how much control you want over the timing and whether you want to automate the process.
Your bill shows the due date clearly — usually 21 days from the bill date. Paying after the due date triggers a late fee, typically around 1.5% of the unpaid balance, so knowing your due date matters. If you are struggling to pay, Nicor Gas has programs that may help, but you need to contact them before the bill becomes overdue.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at nicorgas.com, through the Nicor Gas mobile app, by phone at 1-888-642-6748, or by mailing a check to the address on your bill.
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account or debit card prevents late fees and takes about five minutes to configure.
- Your due date appears on every bill — paying after that date adds a late fee to your next bill.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact Nicor Gas before the bill is late to learn about payment plans or hardship programs.
Paying online or through the mobile app
The Nicor Gas website and mobile app both let you pay in real time without calling. Go to nicorgas.com, select "Pay My Bill," and enter your account number (found on your bill) and ZIP code. You can then pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment posts immediately, though it may take one business day to show on your account.
The mobile app works the same way and is useful if you want to pay while away from home or check your balance on the go. Both the website and app show your current balance, due date, and payment history, so you can see exactly what you owe before you pay.
One thing to watch: Nicor Gas charges a convenience fee if you pay with a credit card (typically 2.5% of the payment), but there is no fee for debit card or bank account payments. If you use a credit card, the fee gets added to your next bill, so the total cost is higher than the amount you intended to pay.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You authorize Nicor Gas to withdraw money from your bank account or debit card on a date you choose — usually around the due date or a few days before. Once set up, the payment happens every billing cycle without you having to log in or call.
To set up automatic payments, log into your account on nicorgas.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay." You will need your bank routing number and account number, or your debit card details. Nicor Gas does not charge a fee for bank account or debit card autopay. You can change or cancel autopay anytime, and you can still make extra payments if you want to pay more than the automatic amount.
Automatic payments are especially useful if your bill varies month to month (as gas bills do in winter) because Nicor Gas will deduct whatever you owe that month, not a fixed amount. This prevents overpayment in warm months and underpayment in cold months.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call Nicor Gas at 1-888-642-6748 to pay by phone with a debit card or bank account. A representative will walk you through the process. Like online payments, there is no fee for debit or bank account payments, but credit card payments carry a convenience fee.
To pay by mail, write a check payable to Nicor Gas, include your account number on the check, and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Mail payments take longer to post — typically 7 to 10 business days — so send your check well before the due date to avoid a late fee. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible; it helps Nicor Gas match the payment to your account faster.
Understanding your due date and late fees
Your bill shows two important dates: the bill date (when Nicor Gas calculated what you owe) and the due date (when payment must arrive). The due date is usually 21 days after the bill date. If your payment arrives after the due date, Nicor Gas adds a late fee to your next bill.
The late fee is typically 1.5% of the unpaid balance, rounded to the nearest dollar. On a $150 bill, that is about $2.25, rounded to $2. On a $300 bill, it is about $4.50, rounded to $5. Late fees add up quickly if you miss multiple months, so paying on time or setting up autopay is the simplest way to avoid them.
If you know you will miss a due date, contact Nicor Gas before the bill becomes overdue. They may be able to adjust the due date or discuss a payment plan, but only if you reach out in advance.
What to do if you cannot pay in full
If you cannot pay your bill by the due date, call Nicor Gas at 1-888-642-6748 before the bill is late. Nicor Gas offers budget billing (which spreads your annual gas costs evenly across 12 months) and payment plans that let you pay what you owe over several months instead of all at once.
Nicor Gas also has hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill, extend your payment deadline, or waive late fees if you meet certain income requirements. The company will not discuss these options after your account is already past due, so calling early makes a real difference.
If you receive a shutoff notice, you have a short window — usually 10 days — to contact Nicor Gas and arrange payment or a plan before service is disconnected. At that point, reconnection fees apply on top of what you owe, so preventing shutoff by calling early is much cheaper.
Reading your Nicor Gas bill to find what you owe
Your Nicor Gas bill lists several amounts, and it is important to know which one to pay. The "Amount Due" or "Total Amount Due" is what you owe by the due date. This includes your gas charges, any taxes, and any fees from previous months. Ignore other numbers on the bill — they are for reference only.
The bill also shows your account number (you need this to pay online or by phone), your service address, the billing period, and a breakdown of charges by usage. If the amount seems wrong, check whether you used more gas than usual (winter months are typically higher) or whether there is a one-time charge listed separately.
Keep your bill or a record of the amount you paid and the date you paid it. If there is ever a dispute about whether you paid, you will have proof. Online accounts and autopay both create a payment history you can view anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Nicor Gas bill with a credit card without a fee?
No. Nicor Gas charges a convenience fee (typically 2.5%) for credit card payments, and the fee is added to your next bill. Debit cards and bank account payments have no fee. If you want to use a credit card for rewards, calculate whether the rewards are worth more than the fee.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
Nicor Gas adds a late fee to your next bill, usually around 1.5% of the unpaid balance. If you miss multiple months, late fees stack up. If your account reaches a certain number of days past due (usually 30 to 45), Nicor Gas may issue a shutoff notice.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments post immediately, though they may take one business day to appear in your account history. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. Automatic payments post on the date you set them for. Always pay before the due date, not on the due date, to account for processing time.
Can I change my due date?
Nicor Gas does not let you change your due date directly, but you can adjust when your automatic payment goes out if you set one up. If you need a different due date because of your pay schedule, contact Nicor Gas at 1-888-642-6748 to discuss options.
What if I overpay my bill?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account and is applied to your next bill. You can also request a refund of the credit, though it may take a few weeks to process. Check your account online to see your current credit balance.