The fastest way to pay SCE is online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail — each takes a few minutes and works the same day or next business day.
Southern California Edison (SCE) gives you five main payment methods, and the one you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set it up once or manage it each month. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days, so use it only if you have time before your due date. Automatic payments from your bank account remove the step of remembering to pay each month.
Your bill shows a due date — that is the deadline SCE uses to decide whether you are late. Payments made after that date may trigger a late fee, even if you are only one day over. Check your bill for the exact date, not just the month.
Key Takeaways
- SCE's website and mobile app let you pay in minutes using a bank account, debit card, or credit card, and the payment posts the next business day.
- Phone payments through SCE's automated system or a representative work the same day you call, but credit card payments by phone may carry a convenience fee.
- Automatic payments from your bank account remove the need to remember each month and are free, but you must set them up in advance.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach SCE, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Your bill's due date is the deadline — payments after that date may be marked late even if SCE receives them within a few days.
Paying online through the SCE website or app
Go to sce.com and click the "Pay My Bill" button on the homepage, or download the SCE mobile app from your phone's app store. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper right corner, and a way to pay — a bank account, debit card, or credit card.
Enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. SCE charges no fee for bank account payments but may charge a convenience fee for debit or credit cards — the site will show you the fee before you confirm. The payment posts the next business day if you submit it before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day; payments after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day.
Save your payment confirmation number. It appears on your screen after you submit and also arrives in your email. Keep it until the payment shows on your next bill.
Paying by phone
Call SCE's automated payment line at 1-800-655-4769. You will need your account number and a bank account or debit card. The system walks you through entering the amount and confirming your payment method. This route is free and posts the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.
If you prefer to speak to a representative, call 1-800-655-4769 and select the option to speak with someone. Representatives can take payments by bank account or debit card at no charge, but credit card payments through a representative may carry a higher convenience fee than online payments. Ask the fee before you give your card number.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank account
Automatic payments remove the step of paying each month and are free. Log into your SCE account online, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Autopay." Choose your bank account as the payment method and the date you want SCE to withdraw the payment each month. Most people choose a date a few days after their bill arrives, which gives them time to check the amount.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you cancel, you will need to pay manually the next month. If your bank account changes, update it in your SCE account right away — a failed automatic payment may result in a late fee.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill. Include the payment stub that came with your bill — it has your account number printed on it. Mail it to the address on the stub at least two weeks before your due date to account for mail delivery time.
SCE's mailing address appears on every bill. Do not mail cash. If you do not have the payment stub, write your account number on the check so SCE can match it to your account.
What happens if you miss the due date
A late fee is added to your bill if payment does not arrive by the due date. The fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill. SCE may also disconnect your service if you remain unpaid for 30 days or more after the due date, though they usually send warning notices first.
If you cannot pay by the due date, contact SCE before that date to discuss options. They offer payment plans that let you spread the balance over several months, which avoids a late fee and keeps your service on. Call 1-800-655-4769 to ask about a plan.
Understanding your bill's payment section
Your SCE bill shows the due date in large text near the top. Below that is the amount due. If you have a balance from a previous month, it appears as "Previous Balance" and is added to your current charges. The "Total Amount Due" is what you owe right now.
Some bills show a "Minimum Payment" — this is the smallest amount SCE will accept to keep your account current. Paying only the minimum means your balance carries to the next month and you may owe interest or late fees. Pay the full "Total Amount Due" to avoid this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SCE charge a fee to pay online?
No fee for bank account payments. Credit and debit card payments online carry a convenience fee that SCE shows you before you confirm the payment. The fee is usually 2 to 3 percent of your payment amount.
How long does a payment take to show on my account?
Online and phone payments post the next business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a weekday. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. Automatic payments post on the date you choose each month.
Can I pay a bill that is already late?
Yes. Pay it as soon as you can through any method. A late fee will be added, but paying stops the balance from growing and prevents disconnection. Contact SCE if you want to set up a payment plan to spread the cost.
What if I pay too much by accident?
SCE will credit the overpayment to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, call 1-800-655-4769 and ask. Refunds usually take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes. Log into your SCE account, go to "Autopay," and select a new date. The change takes effect on your next payment cycle. If you need to cancel autopay, you can do that the same way.