Paying your utility bill is a necessary chore, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Many City Public Works (CPW) departments across the country now offer quick and easy online bill pay options. As more aspects of our lives transition to digital platforms, online bill payment has become the preferred method for many customers. In this article we’ll explore the benefits of paying your CPW bill online and review some of the most common payment methods available.
Why Choose Online Bill Pay?
Here are some of the key advantages of paying your CPW bill through an online platform or app
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Convenience: You can pay on your schedule – whenever and wherever is most convenient for you, 24/7. No need to wait in line at the CPW office or worry about getting there before close of business.
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Efficiency: Online payments post to your account faster, meaning you can avoid late fees and service disruptions more easily. Some options even allow you to set up recurring auto-pay.
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Flexibility In addition to one-time payments, many online platforms let you store preferred payment methods for future use. You can pay by e-check, debit/credit card, or electronic wallet
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Accessibility: Review your balance and payment history anytime. You’ll also have instant access to receipts and confirmation numbers for your records.
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Eco-Friendly: Reduce paper waste by enrolling in paperless billing and avoiding excess printing/mailings. Online payments help cut environmental costs.
For those reasons and more, over 50% of utility customers now elect electronic payment methods over mailing checks or paying in-person. The cashless convenience of online bill pay aligns nicely with our increasingly digital lifestyles.
Reviewing Top Online Payment Options
If you’re ready to ditch paper bills and start paying online, what are your options? Most CPW departments now offer digital account management and online payments through vendor partnerships or directly through the utility website. Let’s look at some of the most common ways to pay your CPW bill electronically:
CPW Website Account Access
Nearly all CPW departments now have a website portal where customers can login to access account details and make one-time online payments. For example, Greenwood CPW and Greer CPW allow online account access and payments directly through their websites. The utility website is often the most straightforward option for online bill pay, but capabilities can vary. Some key features to look for include:
- One-time and recurring payment options
- Ability to store preferred payment method for future transactions
- Review of account balance, bill due date, and payment history
- Paperless billing and account management
- Email reminders and notifications
- Mobile responsiveness for access on any device
Before paying through your utility’s website, first create an online account with your account number. Confirm what payment methods are accepted. Credit card payments may include a service fee. Auto-pay and paperless billing enrollment may also be available through your online account.
Third-Party Bill Pay Services
In addition to the CPW website, many third-party services allow you to pay your utility bill online. Companies like CheckFreePay process payments for multiple CPWs and other billers nationwide. Summerville CPW lists CheckFreePay as an online payment option, allowing customers to pay at over 30,000 retail locations after inputting their account number, due amount, and the biller zip code.
Banks and credit unions often have bill pay features you can use to automatically send CPW payments from your account as well. While convenient, third-party services have some downsides, like delayed posting times that could result in late fees. Check with your CPW on payment guidelines if utilizing a third-party processor.
CPW App
For maximum mobile convenience, check if your CPW has an official app. Apps linked directly to the utility system make paying your bill on the go a cinch. Expect the same capabilities as the website portal above – one-time or recurring payments, paperless billing, account review, etc. Push notifications can alert you when bills are ready, payments are processed, or if your balance is past due. Apps also store payment information for easy repeat use.
Auto-Pay Programs
Setting up a recurring auto-pay schedule takes the effort out of paying monthly utility bills. Many CPWs now offer programs to automatically draft payments from your specified bank account or credit card. Greer CPW is one example of a utility offering secure auto-pay options.
Auto-pay gives reliability that payments are made on time every period. Just be aware of a few downsides, like potential overdrafts if funds are unexpectedly low on draft day. Check your balance and payment dates occasionally to prevent issues.
One-Time Online Payments
If recurring auto-pay isn’t right for you, convenience still abounds with one-time online payments through your CPW website account. When it’s bill due date time, simply login and submit payment by your preferred method – whether that’s e-check, credit/debit card, electronic wallet, or another option made available.
One-time online payments are fast, easy, require minimal effort each month, and allow flexibility to pay specific amounts versus fixed auto-drafts. Use account notifications to remind you when to pay each bill cycle.
In-Person Payments
While online payments provide the ultimate convenience, don’t forget the CPW office still accepts walk-in payments for those who prefer face-to-face customer service. Most utilities have a drive-through window, payment kiosk, or payment counter to assist customers in-person. Some key perks of paying at the CPW office are:
- Immediate account updating when paid at the counter
- Acceptance of cash payments
- Receiving printed receipts
- Speaking with customer service reps for questions
Just be aware of limited business hours when paying in-person. The office website will list hours and instructions for drive-through, drop-box, or lobby payments.
Which Online Payment Method is Right for You?
With so many choices available, selecting your preferred online CPW bill pay method comes down to convenience, costs, and your unique needs. Carefully consider access, security protections, account management capabilities, payment flexible, fees involved, and automation options as you determine the best solution.
If you crave simplicity and mobile access, the CPW website account dashboard or dedicated app rank highly. Those desiring total automation may lean toward auto-pay or third-party bill services. Include your bank’s bill pay feature in the mix too. Do your due diligence to understand all terms and policies of any payment solution before enrollment.
No matter which online payment processor you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the many rewards of going paperless and paying electronically – saving time, money, and hassle each month while keeping utility expenses on track. Your future self will thank you for the convenience!
 CheckFreePay
Summerville CPW bills can now be paid at over 30,000 locations nationwide. Payments prior to 7 PM will be posted the following business day.
Customers will need to know the account number, payment amount, and biller zip code – 294840817.
Visit CheckFreePay.com for locations. Click on “Find a Payment Location” and select link at the bottom of the page to SEARCH BY ZIP CODE.
 Bank DraftBy choosing this option, your monthly utility bill will be automatically drafted from your bank account. You can sign up by completing the form below or by logging into your
Use the payment stub on your monthly bill and mail payment to: Summerville CPW PO Box 63070 Charlotte, NC 28263-3070
If you do not have the payment stub, please include your name, property address, and account number with your payment.
CPW Shop: How to Create an Account (Updated 10/9/18)
FAQ
What is the phone number for Greer CPW bill payment?
How do I pay my Summerville CPW bill by phone?
How to pay for utilities in Canada?
Can I pay Colorado Springs utilities with a credit card?
Where can I send a check or money order back to CPW?
Conveniently located inside your monthly bill is a return envelope that you can use to mail a check or money order back to CPW. Our mailing address is PO Box 549, Greenwood, SC 29648-0549. Your bank may have an online bill pay service that you can use to make one-time payments or recurring automatic payments.
How do I pay my Greer CPW bill online?
Create an account on Greer CPW’s online portal to pay your bill online. First-time users will need their Greer CPW account number and the last four digits of the Social Security Number used to establish service. Once you’ve entered the system, you will see your current billing information, including the total amount due at this time.
How do I pay for SCPW?
Pay by phone by calling toll-free 844-733-4758. You will need your 5 digit SCPW account number and a Visa card, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. Payments submitted today will be processed by the next business day.
How do I login & pay my utility bill?
To login and view your account or to pay your bill, you will need to use your account number and address number. Your account number can be found on your utility bill. Your default password is your mailing address number. If you have never logged in before, the following examples provide guidance:
How do I send a payment coupon?
Mail your payment along with the payment coupon in the envelope provided with the bill. Be sure to apply proper postage. Mail with sufficient time to reach us before the penalty due date. Have questions about your bill?
What information do I need to use Greer CPW?
First-time users will need their Greer CPW account number and the last four digits of the Social Security Number used to establish service. Once you’ve entered the system, you will see your current billing information, including the total amount due at this time. Each of the utilities will be listed along with the most current meter reading.