No longer is it hard to pay your Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) water and electricity bill. At all 15 of DWP’s Customer Service Centers, customers can now pay their bills in person with a credit card. This new payment option gives people in Los Angeles more options and maybe even some rewards when they pay this important monthly bill.
An Overview of Paying Your DWP Bill
The Los Angeles DWP provides water and electricity to over 4 million residents across the city This public utility bills customers monthly for these essential services. As a government agency, DWP aims to provide affordable rates to all citizens of LA They offer programs to assist low-income households in particular.
Historically, customers could pay their DWP bill through:
- Mailing in a check
- Paying online via the DWP website
- Paying over the phone
- Automatic bank account withdrawals
- Paying in-person with cash, check, or money order
Now that DWP has updated their systems, credit card payments can be made in person at all of their Customer Service Centers. This is in addition to the credit card options that were already available online and over the phone.
The Benefits of Paying Your DWP Bill With a Credit Card
Enabling credit card payments provides a few advantages to DWP customers:
Earn Rewards
Many credit cards these days offer robust rewards programs on purchases. You can earn points, miles, and cash back when you use your credit card. Paying bills like utilities and rent count towards your total monthly spending on a rewards card. So by charging your DWP bill, you can work towards free flights, hotel stays, gift cards, statement credits, and more. Just make sure to pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Convenience
Carrying a single credit card is easier than remembering to bring along your checkbook or stop by the ATM. If you already use credit for most purchases, billing DWP is one less thing to juggle. The ability to pay at a wider network of places with a card rather than just the downtown DWP headquarters also adds convenience.
Better Record Keeping
Your credit card statement can help you with budgeting and taxes because it has all of your bills in one place. You don’t have to worry about the check getting lost in the mail because the payment posts faster. Plus, your online account makes it easy to get a receipt.
Access to Credit
During months where cash flow is tight, charging the DWP bill can provide short term access to credit. This flexibility helps avoid late fees or service interruptions. Just be cautious not to make a habit of running up credit card balances.
How to Pay Your DWP Bill With a Credit Card
Paying the DWP bill with a credit card both online and in-person is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Pay Online
- Go to www.ladwp.com and log into your account
- Under “Pay My Bill”, choose the “Pay Online” option
- Enter your credit card information and authorize the charge
- Your payment will process immediately
Pay at a Customer Service Center
- Make an appointment by calling 1-888-999-0477
- Bring your DWP bill and Visa or MasterCard to your appointment
- Provide your credit card to the representative at the service center
- Your payment will process immediately
- Obtain a receipt for your records
DWP accepts both Visa and MasterCard. As of August 2023, you can only pay with a credit card in person if the name on the card matches the name on your DWP account. This stops people from using their own credit cards to pay for other people’s bills.
When paying online, you also have the option to set up automatic payments directly from your credit card so the bill gets charged automatically each month.
Tips for Paying Your DWP Bill With a Credit Card
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Check your credit card rewards program to see which card maximizes your points or cashback for utility bill payments.
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Set payment reminders so you don’t miss the due date and impact your credit.
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Pay off the balance in full each month so you don’t get charged interest.
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Ask your credit card company if they provide any bill pay protections or services. Some will alert you to rate increases on recurring charges.
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Notify DWP if your credit card on file expires or the number changes so payments continue seamlessly.
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Monitor your statement to ensure the payment amount matches your bill. Dispute any discrepancies promptly.
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Be cautious about making habit of relying on credit cards to bridge timing gaps. Build an emergency savings fund instead.
Alternative Ways to Pay Your DWP Bill
Credit cards offer some advantages, but aren’t the right solution for everyone. Here are a few other convenient payment options to consider:
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Automatic bank account withdrawals – Set up a recurring monthly payment directly from your checking or savings account. No worries about missing a payment.
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Online banking bill pay – Many banks allow you to add payees like DWP and schedule one-time or recurring payments from your account.
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Mail a check – Simple and low tech, but takes longer to process and lacks a payment receipt. Be sure to include your account number.
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PayPal – Use your PayPal balance or link it to your bank account or credit card. You can send one-time or auto-pay.
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Money order – A safe option if you need to pay with guaranteed funds. Purchase at banks, post offices, grocery stores.
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Cash – For some, easiest to budget paying bills in cash. Requires an in-person visit. Get a receipt as proof of payment.
Evaluate your own financial situation and habits to decide which DWP bill payment method works best for you. The newly added in-person credit card capability simply provides customers with an additional convenient choice.
Assisting Low Income Households With Their DWP Bills
For low income residents, affording utility bills can be challenging. Here are some ways DWP helps make bills more manageable:
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Discounted Rates – DWP offers reduced electric and water rates to qualifying households based on income level and household size.
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Payment Assistance – Programs provide one time bill credits or ongoing subsidies to those in need. Help cover past due balances.
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Free Energy & Water Efficiency Upgrades – Improving efficiency reduces monthly use and bills. DWP provides eligible customers with free upgrades.
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Billing Programs – Payment plans, extensions, and monthly equal payment plans help spread costs over time. Avoid large lump sums.
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Shutoff Protection – Extra help avoiding interruption of these vital services.
Take advantage of these programs if you are struggling to pay your DWP bill. Using a credit card responsibly can help in the short term, but addressing root affordability issues is key for ongoing stability.
Paying Your DWP Bill Just Got More Flexible
Los Angeles DWP customers now have an additional option that allows the convenience of paying with a credit card both online and in-person. This provides benefits like rewards earnings and access to short term credit. However, customers should weigh the pros and cons carefully based on their financial lifestyle. Low income households in particular may be better served through DWP’s assistance programs.
Ultimately, the goal is ensuring all residents of LA get seamless access to essential electricity and water services each month while managing their household budget responsibly. DWP’s bill payment choices empower customers to select the solution that best meets their needs. The newly added in-person credit card capability expands flexibility and provides a better experience when paying for these vital utilities.
Get In-Person Help at Your Local Customer Service Center (CSC)
Find your nearest LADWP Customer Service Center below and learn more about each location, including hours and services, by selecting a location. Please note mail payments or other correspondence should NOT be mailed to any of the addresses listed below. Click here for our mailing addresses.
LADWP Customer Service Center Locations
Before visiting a CSC, check the location’s page for hours of operation. Appointments are not required.
Some of the ways you can pay are cash, check, money order, cashier’s check, debit card (Visa or MasterCard), and credit card (only Visa or MasterCard).
Learn more about service animals at LADWP Customer Service Centers or other facilities.
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FAQ
Can I pay a DWP bill with a credit card?
Is it okay to pay utility bills with a credit card?
Bills you can generally pay with a credit card include utilities, insurance, phone services, internet, cable and sometimes rent or mortgage payments. But there may be processing fees if you use a credit card.
What is the 4 digit access code for LADWP?
Q: What is my Account Access Code? A: It may be the last 4 digits of the primary account holder’s Social Security number, Federal Tax ID number, or Personal Identification Number.
How do I pay my LADWP Bill?
Customers may choose to pay their bill electronically or by telephone rather than by mail plus additional options. Log in to your LADWP online account to manually authorize one-time bill payments from your checking/savings account. Residential customers may also use a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) to pay their bills.
What payment options does LADWP offer?
LADWP offers a variety of payment options to our customers to make it easier to pay their bill. Go to Residential Bill to see the whole list.
Does LADWP accept credit cards?
Manager of the LADWP Power System, Randy Howard, said, “We’re happy to add credit cards as a form of payment for customers who come to our regional bill pay centers.” “This addition to customer payment options is part of our ongoing commitment to provide the level of service our customers expect and deserve. ”.
How do I contact LADWP customer service?
Specific questions regarding your LADWP account can be answered by calling our Customer Contact Center at 800-342-5397. For your convenience, LADWP Customer Service Centers now accept Visa and MasterCard for in-person payments.
Does LADWP charge a late fee?
LADWP reserves the right to charge a 1. 5% monthly late fee on the past due balance. Q: Will customers receive a “Disconnect Notice” when enrolled in a payment agreement program?.
Will LADWP temporarily suspend customer utility shutoffs for nonpayment?
Please note that LADWP will temporarily stop cutting off customers’ utilities for not paying their bills while local National Weather Service extreme weather alerts are in effect (e.g. g. , Heat Advisory, extreme cold/frost/freezing). For more information, read about the Board motion here.
