CenturyLink's online payment system lets you pay from your computer or phone without calling customer service or mailing a check
CenturyLink offers a straightforward online payment option through their website. You log in with your account credentials, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment posts to your account immediately, though it may take one to two business days to appear on your bill depending on your payment method.
The system is available 24/7, so you can pay at any time that works for you. There are no fees for paying online through CenturyLink's official website, which makes it cheaper than paying by phone with a representative (some phone payments carry a convenience fee).
Key Takeaways
- Log into your CenturyLink account at centurylink.com and select the payment option to pay online without fees.
- You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account, and the payment processes immediately though it may take a business day to show on your bill.
- Paying online is free when you use CenturyLink's website directly; paying by phone with a representative may charge a convenience fee.
- You can set up automatic recurring payments so your bill pays on the same date each month without you having to log in.
- If you forget your login password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the CenturyLink login page to reset it by email.
Step-by-step: Making a one-time payment online
Start by going to centurylink.com and clicking the login button. Enter your account number or phone number and your password. If you do not have a CenturyLink online account yet, you will need to create one first using your account number and service address.
Once logged in, look for a "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment" button — the exact wording varies slightly depending on which CenturyLink service you use (internet, phone, or TV). Click it and you will see your current bill amount. You can pay the full amount or enter a different amount if you want to pay only part of your bill.
Select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you are paying with a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you are paying from a bank account, enter your routing number and account number. Review the details and click "Confirm Payment" or the equivalent button.
You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number in case you need to reference the payment later. The payment posts immediately to CenturyLink's system, though your bank or card issuer may take one to two business days to deduct the money from your account.
Setting up automatic payments so you never miss a due date
Automatic payments remove the need to log in and pay manually each month. From your CenturyLink account, find the "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" section — usually under account settings or billing. Select the payment method you want to use (debit card, credit card, or bank account) and the date you want the payment to come out each month.
CenturyLink will deduct your full bill amount on that date automatically. If your bill amount changes month to month, the system will charge whatever the current bill is. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back into your account.
Automatic payments are free and can help you avoid late fees if you tend to forget payment deadlines. You will still receive your bill each month so you can review the charges, but the payment happens without you taking action.
What to do if your payment does not go through
If your payment is declined, the most common reason is that your card or bank account information is incorrect or outdated. Check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly, or that your routing and account numbers match what your bank has on file.
If the information is correct but the payment still fails, your card issuer or bank may have declined it for security reasons. Contact your bank or card company to ask if they blocked the transaction, and ask them to approve CenturyLink payments. Then try paying again.
If you continue to have trouble, you can pay by phone by calling CenturyLink customer service at 1-800-CENTURYLINK (1-800-236-8827). A representative can process the payment for you, though this method may include a convenience fee depending on your service type.
Paying a past-due bill or catching up on arrears
If your bill is past due, you can still pay online using the same process. Log in, select "Make a Payment," and you will see the past-due amount. You can pay the full past-due balance, your current bill, or any amount you choose.
Paying online does not remove late fees that have already been added to your account — those fees are part of your bill. However, paying before your service is disconnected stops CenturyLink from shutting off your service. If you are having trouble paying your full bill, contact CenturyLink directly to ask about payment plans or hardship programs that may be available in your area.
Keeping your payment information secure
CenturyLink's website uses encryption to protect your payment details, but you should still take steps to protect your account. Use a strong password that is different from passwords you use on other websites. Do not share your account number or password with anyone, and do not use public Wi-Fi when logging in to pay your bill.
If you use automatic payments, review your bill each month to make sure the correct amount was charged. If you see an unauthorized payment or a charge you do not recognize, contact CenturyLink immediately. You can also check your payment history in your online account to see all past payments and their confirmation numbers.
Other ways to pay if online does not work for you
If you prefer not to pay online, CenturyLink accepts payments by phone, mail, and in person at authorized payment locations. Paying by phone requires calling 1-800-CENTURYLINK and speaking to a representative; this method may charge a convenience fee. Mailing a check takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days — so mail your payment early if your due date is approaching.
Some areas have authorized CenturyLink payment centers where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. Search "CenturyLink payment locations near me" to find one, though these are becoming less common as more customers move to online and phone payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to create an online account to pay my CenturyLink bill?
Yes, you need to create and log into a CenturyLink online account to pay through their website. You can create one at centurylink.com using your account number and service address. Once created, you can log in anytime to pay or view your bill.
What is the difference between paying online and paying by phone?
Paying online through centurylink.com is free and available 24/7. Paying by phone with a representative may charge a convenience fee depending on your service type. Online is faster and cheaper, but phone payment lets you ask questions about your bill at the same time.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?
The payment posts to CenturyLink's system immediately, but it may take one to two business days for your bank or card issuer to deduct the money from your account. Your bill will reflect the payment within one business day of processing.
Can I pay my CenturyLink bill with a prepaid card?
Yes, most prepaid cards work like regular debit cards on CenturyLink's payment system. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for a regular debit card. If the payment is declined, contact your prepaid card issuer to confirm the card is active and has enough balance.
What should I do if I forgot my CenturyLink password?
Click "Forgot Password" on the CenturyLink login page. Enter your account number or phone number, and CenturyLink will send a password reset link to the email address on file. Follow the link to create a new password, then log in and pay your bill.