Direct Payment

More companies than ever offer Direct Payment - a safe and reliable way for billers to collect and consumers to pay. Instead of writing checks, mailing payments, or paying bills in person, your payments can be withdrawn automatically from a checking or savings account. These convenient electronic payments flow through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network - the same payment system used for Direct Deposit of payroll and Social Security!

Visit www.thepaymentsauthority.org/Direct_Payment for more information and enrollment instructions.

Quick Answers to Your Direct Payment Questions

Q. How does Direct Payment work?

A. Complete steps 1-4 on the enrollment form and mail it to the address listed at the bottom. Then, allow 30-60 days for processing and continue to pay as you normally would until your statement shows you have been signed up for the service.

Q. How will I know the amount of my bill?

A. You will still receive a billing statement (at least 10 days before it is due) indicating the amount due and due date. If you have a fixed billing amount, you will retain the current payment amount and due date and may not receive a statement unless the amount or due date changes.

Q. What if I have a question about my bill?

A. As always, call the customer service number listed on your bill.

Q. How do I know that the bill has been paid?

A. Each payment will be clearly itemized on your next billing statement and financial institution account statement.

Q. Can payments be withdrawn from a savings account?

A. Yes, however, federal regulations limit the number of transactions on some accounts. Contact your financial institution for information about your specific account.

Q. Is there a charge for Direct Payment?

A. No. We do not charge for this service. Most financial institutions don’t charge either. Remember, they save time and money too!

Q. What if I change financial institutions?

A. You will need to complete a new enrollment form and allow approximately 30 days for the change to go into effect. If you decide to cancel your participation in the plan, simply give us a call.

Q. What companies offer Direct Payment?

A. There are too many to list. Contact companies that you are interested in paying this way to see if they offer Direct Payment. If so, you can authorize them directly. Or visit www.thepaymentsauthority.org/direct_payment for a list of known companies that offer this convenient service.

For more information about Direct Payment and Direct Deposit, visit www.electronicpayments.org.