Managing municipal utility bills shouldn't require a headache. If you need to clear your municipal utility charges, you can settle your account through the City of Baltimore Online Payments Portal. The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides several ways to settle your balance, ranging from instant electronic checks to traditional mail and automated phone systems.
Knowing your account number, service address details, and fee structures helps you avoid payment rejections, unexpected credit card charges, or late penalties.
Paying Online via the Customer Self-Service Portal
The fastest way to clear your balance is through the web portal. You can use a credit card, debit card, or electronic check (ACH).
- Gather your details: Locate your city billing account number and your service address exactly as it appears on your monthly bill statement.
- Access the portal: Head to the Baltimore City Online Payments and Account Lookup page.
- Select payment type: Choose the utility payment option. If you opt to use a checking account (ACH), there is no transaction fee. Credit and debit card utility payments incur a flat processing fee of $2.39.
- Enter your credentials: Type in your account number and service address. Follow the prompts to review your current balance and select the amount you want to pay.
- Complete transaction: Submit your payment method details. Save your confirmation number for your personal records.
Setting Up AutoPay and eBilling
If you want to avoid logging in every month, the customer portal lets you set up recurring drafts.
- Register an account using the activation code found on the back of your monthly paper bill.
- Navigate to the account dashboard and enable AutoPay using a saved credit card, debit card, or bank account.
- Turn on eBilling to receive email notifications and payment reminders a few days before your bill is due.
Paying by Telephone
If you prefer dealing with an automated phone service rather than navigating a browser, you can pay over the phone using the city's authorized processing partner, ACI Worldwide.
- Call the automated payment line at 1-877-729-6269 for credit card payments (note that a phone convenience fee applies).
- Call 1-866-397-4609 to pay by check over the phone using your routing and checking account numbers (this phone check option carries no convenience fee).
- Have your account number, billing amount, and payment details ready before placing the call.
Paying by Mail
If you prefer writing a physical check, you must mail your payment directly to the Bureau of Revenue Collections.
- Make your check payable to the Director of Finance.
- Write your city billing account number clearly on the memo line of the check.
- Mail your payment to the official lockbox address:
- City of Baltimore Bureau of Revenue Collections
- P.O. Box 17535
- Baltimore, MD 21297-1535
- Allow at least seven to ten business days for postal delivery and processing to avoid late fees.
Paying In-Person or Through Walk-In Partners
If you need to make a cash payment or prefer face-to-face service, you have local options available within Baltimore.
- Municipal Building: Visit the Abel Wolman Municipal Building located at 200 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Retail Partners: You can make cash or walk-in payments at select retail locations that accept MoneyGram or through local authorized partners.
What to Do If You Need Financial Assistance
If you're facing a high balance that you can't clear all at once, you have options to manage your account safely.
- PromisePay Plans: DPW partners with PromisePay to offer interest-free, flexible payment plans for water bill balances of $50 or more. You can set up a custom schedule to keep your account in good standing without risking service shutoffs.
- Water4All Program: Look into DPW's income-based assistance program, which offers monthly discounts on water and sewer costs for eligible residents and tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic check payments free?
Yes. Paying via ACH (electronic check) using your personal or business checking account routing and account numbers carries zero convenience fees.
How do I find my account activation code?
Your portal activation code is printed in bold text on the back of your monthly paper utility bill, located within the first bulleted instructions.
What should I do if my payment doesn't reflect on my account?
Allow up to two business days for online and phone payments to post. If your balance hasn't updated after 48 hours, contact the Bureau of Revenue Collections directly at (410) 396-3988 or email BaltimoreCityCollections@baltimorecity.gov with your confirmation number.
Can tenants apply for water bill assistance in Baltimore?
Yes. Under the Water4All program, tenants who do not directly pay their water bills to the city can still qualify to apply for payment assistance based on household income.
