American Water offers three main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail
American Water Company serves more than 14 million people across the United States through its regional subsidiaries. The payment method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you prefer digital or traditional channels. Each method has different processing times and fee structures.
The fastest way to pay is online at the American Water website or through their mobile app, where payments typically post within one business day. Phone payments are also quick but may carry a convenience fee. Mail payments take the longest — usually 7 to 10 business days — so you should send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day and are the fastest option for avoiding late fees.
- Phone payments are processed when ready but American Water may charge a convenience fee depending on your payment method.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date.
- You can set up automatic recurring payments through your online account to may support you never miss a due date.
- Your bill shows the exact due date and late payment penalties in the top section of your statement.
Paying online through the American Water website or app
Log into your account at the American Water website using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and zip code. The registration process takes a few minutes and requires you to set a password.
Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" from the main menu. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a set-up a one-time payment for a future date. American Water accepts payments from checking accounts, savings accounts, and debit cards at no extra charge when you pay from a bank account. Credit card payments may carry a fee.
The mobile app works the same way and is available on iOS and Android. Payments made before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically post by the next business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, the payment posts the following business day.
Paying by phone
Call American Water's customer service line at 1-800-WATER-NOW (1-800-928-3766) to pay by phone. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. Phone payments are processed when ready, though the funds may take one business day to appear in your account.
American Water charges a convenience fee for phone payments in most states, typically between $2 and $5 depending on your payment method and location. The representative will tell you the exact fee before processing the payment. This fee is separate from your bill and is charged by American Water, not by your bank.
Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message or use the automated system to make a payment, though you will not speak to a representative.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to American Water and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address varies by region because American Water operates through regional subsidiaries. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date shown on your bill. If your payment arrives after the due date, American Water will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee is shown on your bill and varies by state and company policy.
Keep a copy of your check or money order for your records. If you need proof that you sent a payment, you can request a payment history from American Water's customer service line.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments may support your bill is paid on time every month without you having to remember the due date. Log into your online account and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the account settings menu. Select the payment method you want to use — checking account, savings account, or debit card — and the date you want the payment to come out each month.
You can choose to pay the full bill amount automatically or a fixed amount each month. If you choose a fixed amount, you will still receive a bill each month showing what you owe, and you can adjust the automatic payment amount anytime. American Water does not charge a fee for automatic payments from a bank account.
You can cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. If you cancel, you will need to make payments manually going forward or set up a new automatic payment plan.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Your American Water bill shows the due date in the top section, usually 20 to 30 days from the bill date. The bill also shows the amount due, any balance from the previous month, and the late payment fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date. Read the top section of your bill carefully to understand exactly when payment is due.
If you pay after the due date, American Water will add a late fee to your next bill. The amount varies by state and region but is typically 1 to 2 percent of your bill or a flat fee, whichever is greater. Some regions also charge interest on overdue balances if the account remains unpaid for 30 days or more.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact American Water's customer service line to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Some regions offer programs that allow you to spread your payment over several months or temporarily reduce your bill if you meet certain conditions.
What to do if your payment does not post
If you made a payment online or by phone and it does not appear in your account within two business days, log back into your account and check the payment history. The payment history shows all payments you have made, the date they posted, and the amount. If the payment shows as "pending," it will post within one business day.
If the payment does not appear in the payment history at all, contact American Water's customer service line with the date you made the payment and the amount. Have your account number and the confirmation number from your payment ready. The representative can look up the payment and tell you whether it was processed or if there was an error.
If you paid by mail and your check has not posted after 10 business days, call customer service with the date you mailed the check and the check number. The representative can search for the payment or help you stop payment on the check if it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my American Water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, but American Water charges a convenience fee for credit card payments, typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Paying from a checking or savings account online has no fee. If you want to use a credit card, the fee may make it more expensive than paying by phone or mail.
What happens if I miss my due date?
American Water will add a late fee to your next bill. The amount varies by state but is usually 1 to 2 percent of your bill or a flat fee. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more, you may also be charged interest. After 60 days, American Water may shut off your water service.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Contact American Water's customer service line to discuss your situation. Some regions offer payment plans that allow you to spread your bill over several months. may be able to access and terms vary by location, so ask what options are available in your area.
How do I know if my online payment went through?
Log back into your account and check the payment history section. Your payment should appear within a few minutes of submission. You will also receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit the payment — save this for your records.
Is there a way to pay without going online or calling?
Yes, you can mail a check or money order to the address on your bill. Some American Water offices also accept in-person payments at their local customer service centers. Call the number on your bill to find the nearest office and their payment hours.