Charlotte Water uses Kubra to collect payments online and by phone
Charlotte Water, the city's public utility, partners with Kubra to handle bill payments. Kubra is a third-party payment processor — not Charlotte Water itself, but a company Charlotte Water contracts to accept payments. When you pay through Kubra, the money goes to Charlotte Water, but Kubra handles the transaction.
You can pay your Charlotte Water bill through Kubra in three ways: online at the Kubra website, by phone, or through automatic payments. Each method connects to the same account system, so your payment history appears the same regardless of which you choose.
Kubra does not charge a fee for standard payments made by bank transfer or debit card. If you use a credit card, Kubra adds a processing fee — the exact amount depends on your card type and is shown before you confirm the payment. Paying by check directly to Charlotte Water avoids any fee, but takes longer to process.
Key Takeaways
- Kubra is Charlotte Water's payment processor, so you can pay online, by phone, or set up automatic payments through their system.
- Bank transfers and debit card payments through Kubra have no fee, but credit card payments include a processing charge shown at checkout.
- You need your Charlotte Water account number to pay through Kubra, which appears on your bill or in your online account.
- Automatic payments can be set up or changed anytime through Kubra's website, and you can choose the payment date each month.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact Charlotte Water directly about payment plans or hardship programs — Kubra only processes payments, not arrangements.
How to pay online through Kubra's website
Go to Kubra's payment portal and select Charlotte Water from the list of utilities. You will need your Charlotte Water account number, which is printed on your bill. Enter the account number and the amount you want to pay.
Choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer), debit card, or credit card. Bank transfers and debit cards process with no fee. If you use a credit card, the fee appears on the next screen before you confirm. Review the payment date — Kubra usually processes payments the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.
After you submit, Kubra sends a confirmation number to your email. Keep this number for your records. The payment typically shows in your Charlotte Water account within one to two business days.
Paying by phone through Kubra's automated system
Call Kubra's payment line at the number listed on your Charlotte Water bill. The automated system will ask for your account number and the amount to pay. You will enter your payment method information — bank account or debit card — over the phone.
The system confirms the payment date and amount before you complete the call. You will receive a confirmation number verbally and can request it be emailed to you. Phone payments process the same way as online payments and appear in your account within one to two business days.
If you prefer to speak with a person instead of using the automated system, some bills list a customer service phone number for Kubra. Wait times vary, especially near due dates.
Setting up automatic payments with Kubra
Automatic payments let Kubra withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. Log into the Kubra website, select Charlotte Water, and look for the "autopay" or "recurring payment" option. You will enter your bank account information and choose the payment date.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your Kubra account — you do not need to call Charlotte Water. If you want to skip a month, log in and pause the payment before the scheduled date. If you miss the deadline, contact Kubra to stop the payment before it processes.
Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account on the date you select, regardless of when your bill is due. If you set the payment for the 15th but your bill is due on the 20th, the payment still goes through on the 15th. Plan your payment date to ensure funds are available in your account.
What to do if your payment fails or does not show up
If Kubra declines your payment, the system usually tells you why — insufficient funds, incorrect account number, or expired card information. Fix the issue and try again. Kubra will not charge you a fee for a failed payment.
If you submitted a payment but it has not appeared in your Charlotte Water account after three business days, log into Kubra and check the transaction status. Your confirmation number helps you track it. If Kubra shows the payment as processed but Charlotte Water's website does not, contact Charlotte Water directly — sometimes there is a delay in their system updating.
Do not submit the same payment twice. If you are unsure whether a payment went through, check your bank statement first. Your bank will show the debit before Charlotte Water's system does.
Paying if you do not have online or phone access
If you cannot use Kubra's online or phone system, you can mail a check directly to Charlotte Water. Write your account number on the check and send it to the address on your bill. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and process, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
Some Charlotte Water offices accept in-person payments by check or debit card. Call Charlotte Water's main customer service line to find the nearest office and confirm their payment hours. In-person payments are processed the same day and appear in your account within one to two business days.
If you need to set up a payment plan because you cannot pay your full bill, you must contact Charlotte Water directly — Kubra only processes payments and cannot arrange payment plans or discuss hardship programs.
Understanding your Charlotte Water bill and account number
Your Charlotte Water bill shows your account number in the upper right corner, usually next to your name and address. This is the number you enter into Kubra every time you pay. If you cannot find it on your paper bill, log into your Charlotte Water online account — the account number appears there as well.
Your bill also shows the amount due and the due date. Kubra lets you pay any amount up to your full balance, so you can pay less than the full bill if needed. However, if you pay less than the full amount due by the due date, Charlotte Water may charge a late fee on the remaining balance.
If you have multiple properties or accounts with Charlotte Water, each has its own account number. Make sure you are paying the correct account when you use Kubra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kubra charge a fee for every payment?
No. Bank transfers and debit card payments have no fee. Credit card payments include a processing fee that varies by card type and is shown before you confirm. Mailing a check directly to Charlotte Water also has no fee.
Can I pay someone else's Charlotte Water bill through Kubra?
You can pay if you have the account number, but Kubra does not verify ownership. If you are paying a bill for a family member or tenant, make sure you have their permission and account number. Kubra will process the payment regardless of whose name is on the account.
What happens if I pay late through Kubra?
Kubra processes your payment on the date you submit it. If that date is after your bill's due date, Charlotte Water may have already charged a late fee. Paying through Kubra does not remove a late fee that was already applied — you would need to contact Charlotte Water about that.
Can I get a receipt from Kubra?
Yes. Kubra emails a confirmation number after every payment. Your bank or credit card statement also shows the transaction. If you need a formal receipt from Charlotte Water, contact their customer service — they can provide one based on your payment history.
What if I want to stop using Kubra and pay another way?
You can pay by mail or in person at a Charlotte Water office anytime. If you have automatic payments set up with Kubra, log in and cancel them before the next scheduled date. Kubra is just Charlotte Water's payment processor — switching payment methods does not affect your account or service.