Paying bills can be a tedious task. With so many accounts and due dates to keep track of, it’s easy to miss payments and incur late fees. Fortunately, the City of Columbia offers a convenient online bill pay system to make paying city bills fast and easy. In this article, we’ll look at how Columbia’s bill pay works and the benefits it provides to local residents and businesses.
Overview of City of Columbia Bill Pay
The City of Columbia’s online bill payment system allows customers to review their account balances and pay bills for several city provided services. Residents can pay utility bills for water, sewer, trash collection and electric services. Bills for false alarm fees, parking tickets, animal licenses and other city fees can also be paid online.
To use the online system, you first need to register your Columbia utility accounts on the city’s website. Registration only takes a few minutes and you’ll need your utility account numbers to link the accounts. Once registered, you can log in anytime to view balances, see payment history and make secure online payments.
The City of Columbia contracts with Invoice Cloud, a third-party payment processor, to handle the bill payments. Payments can be made directly from your bank account or with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit and debit cards. A small convenience fee applies to credit/debit card payments.
Benefits of Paying Bills Online
Switching to electronic bill payment provides Columbia residents several advantages over paying bills manually
It’s Fast – With online bill pay there’s no more writing checks, finding stamps and mailing envelopes. Payments can be made in just a few clicks, 24/7. Your payment is typically posted to your account the next business day.
It’s Convenient – You can pay all your city bills from one website versus mailing payments to multiple departments. View balances and make payments from your smartphone tablet or computer at home or on the go.
Payment Reminders – When you register your account, you can opt to receive email reminders when bills are ready and due dates are approaching. No more forgetting when payments are due.
No Late Fees – Online payments are processed quickly so you avoid late fees and service disruptions. You have until 11:59pm on the due date to pay online and avoid late penalties.
Payment History – Your bill pay homepage provides a payment history so you can quickly view status and confirm payments. Helpful for resolving any payment discrepancies.
Added Security – Paying online with bank account debits or credit cards is more secure than sending checks in the mail. Payments are processed through secure payment networks.
How to Register for Columbia Bill Pay
Registering for Columbia’s online bill payment only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to have your account numbers handy. Follow these steps:
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Visit the City of Columbia bill pay website.
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Click on “Register” in the Online Bill Pay box.
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Enter your Columbia utility account number, account holder name, service address and email address.
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Create a password and confirm your registration information.
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Read and accept the terms and conditions.
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Check your email for a confirmation message with a verification code.
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Enter the code on the website to complete your registration.
Once your registration is activated, you can start paying your bills immediately. You can also download the Invoice Cloud app (for iOS or Android) to access bill pay functions on your mobile device.
Payment Methods and Convenience Fees
Columbia offers several payment options through the online system:
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Bank Account – Free payments directly from your checking or savings account.
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Credit/Debit Card – Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX cards are accepted for a 2.45% convenience fee.
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E-Check – Free payments directly from your checking or savings account.
To avoid fees, bank account (ACH) debits are the best option for bill payments. However, credit cards allow you to earn rewards on your payments if you pay your cards in full.
Tips for Managing Columbia Bill Pay
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Set up email reminders for bills and due dates so you never miss payments.
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If paying by credit card, update your card info if you receive a new card or expiration date.
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Review payment history periodically to confirm your account credits and avoid discrepancies.
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Pay a few days early to ensure on-time payments in case of website errors or outages.
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Contact the utility department if you don’t see an open bill that needs payment.
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Update your contact information if you move or change email addresses.
Benefiting Columbia Residents and Businesses
Paying city utility bills, fines and fees online is a great convenience for Columbia residents and businesses. The City of Columbia’s bill pay system through Invoice Cloud allows fast, secure payments 24/7. By registering your accounts, you can simplify bill management and avoid late fees.Columbia’s online bill payment helps make city living a little easier.
City of Columbia Utility Disconnection Policy
FAQ
How much are utilities in Columbia, MO?
How do I pay my City of Lumberton bill by phone?
How to pay Columbus water bill?
How do I pay the city of Columbia?
If you do not wish to use this service, you may pay the City of Columbia directly by other traditional methods such as cash or check. The total price which will be charged to you for your payment includes funds used to develop, maintain, enhance and expand the electronic payment service they are offering.
How do I pay a utility bill at City of Columbia?
Location: City of Columbia Utility Telephone Payment Payments Methods: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Debit Cards with NYCE Star and PULSE logos Fees: $4.00 per transaction Hours: 24/7 Phone: +1 (866) 942-6729 Payment Restrictions: Allow 2 business days for your account records to be updated.
What online payment options does the city of Columbia offer?
The City of Columbia is proud to offer the following online payment options to its customers: Accounts Receivable Online Payments NEW!!! Use the New Teller Online Portal to make convenient e-check or credit payments for your Accounts Receivable invoices.
How do I pay the city of Columbia convenience fee?
The convenience fee collected is in no way associated with the City and is collected solely by VPS. If you do not wish to use this service, you may pay the City of Columbia directly by other traditional methods such as cash or check. $1.95 Minimum Fee Payments Accepted: Water, Sewer & Stormwater Utility Bills Payments Methods: Check, Money Order
Does the city of Columbia have a Payit service?
The City of Columbia Finance Department has partnered with PayIt to make it easier for you to pay your bill. Our support team is available to answer your questions and ensure your payment, document, or request was successfully submitted. © 2017-2024 PayIt, LLC.
How do I contact city of Columbia customer care?
Phone: +1 (803) 545-3300 City of Columbia Customer Care Payment Restrictions: Payments processed on the following business day. Payments Accepted: Water, Sewer & Stormwater Utility Bills