Direct Payment

Funded by over 600 financial institutions and companies, The Payments Authority is a not-for-profit trade association whose mission is to increase the use and awareness of electronic payments. Please note, the companies listed on this form provide the actual Direct Payment service. The Payments Authority simply facilitates the Direct Payment Plan, making it easier for consumers to sign up with many companies at one time. For more information, visit us on the web at www.thepaymentsauthority.org.

Direct Payment Enrollment Form

Participating Companies

Automotive Cable City / Township
Electric / Gas / Power Insurance Newspaper / Media Phone / Cellular Security

Quick Answers to Your Questions

Q. How does Direct Payment work?
A. Mail your completed enrolment form (steps 1-4). Once set-up, each company will withdraw your payment automatically on the due date. Allow 30-60 days for Direct Payments to become effective. Continue to pay as you normally would until each company notifies you or your statement shows that you have been signed up for their plan -- then stop sending payments.

Q. How will I know the amount of my bill?
A. Each company will send a billing statement at least 10 days before it is due indicating the variable amount. Customers with a fixed monthly billing amount will retain the current payment amount and due date and may not receive a statement unless the amount or date changes. Your Direct Payment will be reflected on your next checking/savings account statement.

Q. Who is the Payments Authority
A. The Payments Authority is a not-for-profit association that increases the use and awareness of electric payments and is funded by over 600 financial institutions and companies in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Remember, the billers listed provided the actual Direct Payment service. The Payments Authority simply makes it easier for you to sign up with many companies at one time. For more information, visit on the web at: www.paymentsauthority.org.

Q. Is there a charge for the service?
A. No. The Direct Payment Plan is offered by the participating companies free of charge. Most financial institutions do not charge for the service. Contact yours to be sure.

Q. Can payments be withdrawn from a savings account?
A. Yes, however some savings and money market accounts have a limit. Consider these limits when signing up for multiple companies and consult your financial institution for more information about your specific account.

Q. What if I have a question about my bill?
A. Call the customer service number on each company's bill.

Q. What if I need to make a change?
A. If you change your checking/savings account, a new enrollment form will be required. Again, allow 30-60 days for processing. If you decide to cancel your participation in the plan, simply call or write each company.

Q. How can I pay other companies this way?
A. Contact any other company that you are interested in paying this way to see if they have the ability to withdraw your payment electronically. If not, ask when they will.