How to Pay Bills Online and Set Up Automatic Payments Through Your Bank

Paying bills online through your bank is one of the most practical things you can do with a banking app or website. Instead of writing checks, buying stamps, and mailing payments, you can pay your electric bill, internet provider, phone company, credit card, or almost any other bill with a few taps on your phone or clicks on your computer.

Most banks offer a free service called Bill Pay. You set up your billers (the companies you pay each month) once, then send payments whenever you want. You can also set up automatic payments so the bank pays a bill on the same date every month without you having to do anything.

Bill Pay payments are sent from your checking account. The bank either sends an electronic payment directly to the company or mails a paper check on your behalf — you do not need to know which method is used. Payments typically arrive within 1–3 business days, so schedule payments a few days before the due date.

Setting up automatic payments for regular bills like your utilities, phone, or subscriptions removes the worry about forgetting a due date. Many people set up a small extra amount — for example, paying the minimum on a credit card automatically — and then pay larger amounts manually when they want to pay more.

Keep in mind that automatic payments come out of your account whether or not you have reviewed the bill. Check your statements regularly to catch any billing errors.

You can manage, pause, or cancel any automatic payment through your bank's Bill Pay section at any time. The biller does not control the automatic payment — your bank does, and you are always in control.