As one of the "Big Three" wireless carriers, Verizon serves a whopping 120.9 million subscribers across the country (Q4 2021). With that many customers, it‘s no surprise Verizon offers a wide range of options for paying your monthly bill. But more choices can also mean more confusion, especially for picky shoppers who want to optimize their payment method.
In this guide, we‘ll slice and dice all the different ways to pay a Verizon bill from a savvy consumer perspective. Our goal is to help you understand the pros and cons of each method so you can pick the best one for your needs and preferences. We‘ll cover everything from AutoPay to in-store kiosks to the PayPal workaround, complete with expert tips for saving money and avoiding hidden fees.
Whether you‘re a new Verizon customer or a long-time subscriber looking to switch up your payment routine, this post will give you the knowledge you need to pay your bill like a pro. Let‘s dive in!
Verizon Bill Payment Methods: Compared
According to a recent Consumer Payment Study by TSYS, debit cards are the most popular payment method for monthly bills, followed by credit cards and electronic payments. However, Verizon customers seem to prefer paying online, either via the web or app. Here‘s a quick overview of all the ways you can pay a Verizon bill:
| Method | Processing Time | Fees | Accepted Payment Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Same day | None | Credit/debit card, bank account, Verizon gift card |
| AutoPay | Same day | None | Credit/debit card, bank account |
| Phone | Same day | $10 agent assistance fee | Credit/debit card |
| 5-7 business days | Postage | Check, money order | |
| In-store | Same day | None | Cash, credit/debit card, check |
| Authorized retailer | Same day | May vary by location | Cash, credit/debit card |
As you can see, online and AutoPay are the fastest ways to pay, with no additional fees. Mailing a check is the slowest option, while paying by phone incurs a hefty $10 charge. In-store and authorized retailer payments fall somewhere in the middle, offering more flexibility at the cost of travel time.
So which method is right for you? Let‘s take a closer look at the top options.
Online & AutoPay: Set It and Forget It
Unsurprisingly, online bill payment is by far the most popular method among Verizon customers. According to a Verizon spokesperson, over 50% of customers pay their bill through the website or app. It‘s easy to see why – online payments are quick, convenient, and fee-free. You can even set up AutoPay to automatically deduct your bill amount from a linked payment source each month.
To pay online, simply log into your My Verizon account at verizon.com or open the My Verizon app. Navigate to the billing section, select the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method. You can use a credit or debit card, bank account, or Verizon gift card. Review and submit your payment, and you‘re all set!
If you want to enable AutoPay, look for the "Set up automatic payments" option on the payment screen. You‘ll be able to choose a payment source and select your preferred monthly withdrawal date. Just make sure to keep an eye on your linked account to avoid overdrafts or declined payments.
Expert Tip: Check with your credit card issuer to see if they offer any bonus rewards for telecom purchases. Some cards, like the Ink Business Cash from Chase, offer 5% cash back on internet, cable, and phone services. Putting your Verizon AutoPay on one of these cards could mean big savings over time.
In-Store Payments: For the Cash-Inclined
If you prefer paying bills in person, you‘re not alone. The TSYS study found that 20% of consumers still pay at least one monthly bill in-store. There are a few reasons you might choose this route – maybe you don‘t have a checking account or credit card, or you simply feel more comfortable handing over cash.
Whatever your reason, paying a Verizon bill at a retail location is fairly straightforward. Just bring a copy of your billing statement and a valid photo ID to any Verizon-owned store. You can pay with cash, personal check, or credit/debit card. Some locations may also accept money orders or cashier‘s checks.
If there‘s not a Verizon store near you, you may also be able to pay at an authorized Verizon retailer like Target or Walmart. However, accepted payment types and potential fees can vary by location, so it‘s always best to call ahead and ask before making the trip.
Expert Tip: Use the Verizon store locator to see a list of nearby payment locations, complete with hours and contact info. You can filter by store type to narrow down your options.
Mailing a Check: Old School but Tried-and-True
With all the digital payment options available these days, it‘s easy to forget about good old snail mail. But believe it or not, mailing a check is still a preferred method for many consumers, especially older generations. In fact, the TSYS study found that nearly 60% of Baby Boomers still pay at least one bill by check each month.
If you want to go the paper route with your Verizon payment, be sure to plan ahead. Mailed payments can take up to 10 business days to process, so you‘ll need to send it well before the due date to avoid late fees. You‘ll also need to factor in the cost of postage, which currently sits at 58 cents for a standard letter.
To pay by mail, simply make out a check or money order to Verizon in the amount of your bill. Write your account number in the memo field, and include the bottom portion of your billing statement. Then send it off to the payment address listed on your bill.
Expert Tip: If you‘re ever in a pinch and need to mail your payment closer to the due date, consider using Priority Mail from USPS. For a few extra bucks, you can get your payment delivered in 1-3 business days with tracking. Just make sure to clearly write your account number on both the check and envelope.
Can You Pay a Verizon Bill With PayPal?
This is a common question among Verizon customers, especially those who prefer to keep all their online payments within the PayPal ecosystem. Unfortunately, the short answer is no – you can‘t pay your Verizon bill directly with PayPal. Verizon simply doesn‘t offer it as a payment option.
However, there is a workaround. If you have a PayPal Cash Card debit card or a PayPal Extra Mastercard, you can use either of these to pay your Verizon bill wherever Mastercard is accepted. That means you can use it for online, in-app, and in-store payments.
To pay online with a PayPal card, just select "Debit/Credit Card" as your payment method and enter your card details as you would with any other card. The charge will be deducted from your PayPal balance if you have one, or from the backup payment source linked to your PayPal account.
Just keep in mind that paying with a PayPal debit card still incurs the standard 2.9% + $0.30 PayPal fee for card transactions. But if you‘re set on using PayPal and don‘t mind the fee, it‘s a viable option.
The Future of Verizon Bill Payments
So what does the future hold for Verizon customers when it comes to paying bills? Based on recent trends and analyst projections, here are a few developments we might see in the coming years:
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More mobile wallet options: As digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay gain steam, it‘s likely Verizon will start accepting these as payment methods. In fact, some industry watchers predict mobile payments will overtake credit cards as the top cashless payment method by 2022.
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Increased autopay adoption: As more consumers prioritize convenience and digitization, the use of autopay for recurring bills is expected to keep climbing. Verizon may start incentivizing autopay signups with perks like waived fees or loyalty points.
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Flexible payment arrangements: The pandemic has put financial strain on many households, causing some Verizon customers to fall behind on bills. To retain as many subscribers as possible, we may see Verizon get creative with payment plans, partial payments, and other arrangements for those experiencing hardship.
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5G-enabled billing: As Verizon rolls out its 5G network, experts predict we‘ll start seeing more billing and payment functionality baked into 5G services. Think in-app purchases, automatic upgrades, and real-time cost tracking.
Of course, these are just predictions. Only time will tell how the Verizon payment landscape evolves. But one thing seems certain: As technology advances and consumer preferences shift, Verizon will need to continually adapt and expand its billing options to keep customers satisfied.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, there‘s no one-size-fits-all solution for paying your Verizon bill. Your ideal payment method depends on your personal preferences, financial situation, and day-to-day habits. Whether you‘re a set-it-and-forget-it type who loves autopay or an old-school check-writer who prefers to keep things analog, Verizon has an option for you.
The key is to stay informed about all your choices and weigh the tradeoffs that matter most to you – things like convenience, security, fees (or lack thereof), and rewards potential. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find your payment sweet spot.
And if you ever get stuck or have questions, remember that you‘re not alone. Verizon‘s customer service team is available 24/7 to help troubleshoot any billing issues or concerns. Just dial 611 from your Verizon mobile device or call 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
Here‘s to happy (and savvy) Verizon bill paying!
