The main ways to pay your NW Natural bill
NW Natural offers several payment methods, and the fastest route depends on whether you want to pay right now or set up automatic payments. You can pay online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The online method is quickest — your payment posts the same day if you submit it before the cutoff time, which varies by day of the week.
If you pay by phone, you'll speak to a representative who can take your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach NW Natural and post to your account, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon. In-person payments at authorized locations are also same-day, though you'll need to find a location near you first.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your NW Natural account posts the same day if submitted before the daily cutoff, making it the fastest option for urgent payments.
- Automatic payments from your bank account or debit card eliminate the need to remember due dates and can help you avoid late fees.
- Phone payments require a representative to process your payment, so allow extra time during business hours.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late payment on your account.
- NW Natural charges a fee for some payment methods, so check the cost before you choose — online and automatic payments are usually free.
Paying online through your NW Natural account
Log in to your NW Natural account on their website or mobile app. Once you're in, look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" option, which is usually on the main dashboard. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a set dollar figure.
You'll choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. Bank account payments are free; debit and credit card payments may carry a fee. After you submit, you'll see a confirmation number. Your payment posts the same day if you submit it before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day. Weekend and holiday submissions post the next business day.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments mean NW Natural withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around your bill due date. You set this up through your online account under "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You'll provide your bank routing number and account number, and choose whether to pay the full bill amount or a fixed dollar amount each month.
Automatic payments from a bank account are free and remove the risk of forgetting a payment. If your bill amount changes month to month (which is common with gas bills), you can set it to pay the full balance automatically, or you can adjust the fixed amount whenever you want. You can pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call NW Natural's customer service number on your bill. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then process the payment using your debit card or bank account information. Phone payments are usually free, though some payment methods may carry a fee. The payment posts the same day if you call during business hours.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to NW Natural and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill under "Payment Address" or "Mail Payments." Do not mail cash. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post. If your bill is due in fewer than 10 days, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
In-person payment locations and what to bring
NW Natural has authorized payment locations in Oregon and Washington where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. To find a location near you, log into your account or call customer service and ask for the nearest payment center. Some locations are NW Natural offices; others are third-party payment centers.
Bring your account number and the payment amount in cash or a check. If you're paying by debit card, bring your card and a photo ID. In-person payments post the same day. This option works well if you prefer to pay with cash or want to speak to someone in person about your account.
Understanding payment fees and how to avoid them
NW Natural does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account, automatic payments, or phone payments made from a bank account. However, if you pay online or by phone using a debit or credit card, the company may charge a convenience fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Mail and in-person payments are free.
To avoid fees, use bank account payments whenever possible. If you must use a debit or credit card, compare the fee cost against the value of paying immediately. For example, if your bill is $200 and the card fee is $6, paying online by card might still be worth it if you're avoiding a late fee. Check your bill or NW Natural's website for the current fee schedule, as these amounts can change.
What to do if your payment doesn't post or you need a receipt
If you paid online and don't see the payment in your account within one business day, log back in and check your account history. Online payments usually show a confirmation number immediately after submission. If the payment shows as pending, it will post by the next business day. If it doesn't appear after two business days, contact NW Natural customer service with your confirmation number.
For a receipt, online and phone payments generate a confirmation number at the time of payment — save or write this down. If you paid by mail, your cancelled check serves as a receipt. In-person payments should give you a receipt on the spot. If you need a written record for your records or to dispute a charge, call customer service and reference your confirmation number or the date you paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my NW Natural bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card through your online account or by phone. NW Natural typically charges a convenience fee for credit card payments, usually 2 to 3 percent of the amount. Bank account payments are free, so use that method if you want to avoid the fee.
What time does the online payment cutoff happen?
Online payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Check your account for the exact cutoff time, as it may vary slightly.
How do I change or cancel an automatic payment?
Log into your NW Natural account and go to the Autopay or Automatic Payments section. You can pause the payment, change the amount, or cancel it entirely. Changes usually take effect within one to two business days. If you need to stop a payment that's about to process, call customer service right away.
Is there a fee for paying by mail?
No, mail payments are free. However, they take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send your payment well before your due date. If your bill is due soon, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
Can I pay someone else's NW Natural bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number instead of yours. The payment will post to their account. If you're paying for a family member or roommate, make sure they know you've made the payment so they don't pay twice.