Oh boy, let me tell ya – nobody likes paying bills, but we all gotta do it! If you’re living in Saginaw, Michigan and scratching your head about how to pay your water bill, I’ve got you covered As a resident who’s been dealing with Saginaw utility payments for years, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paying your water bill in Saginaw, MI.
Water bills might seem like a small thing but they’re super important! Skip a payment and you might find yourself taking cold showers (yikes!). The City of Saginaw offers lots of different ways to pay your water bill from online payments to good ol’ fashioned mail. Let’s dive in and explore all your options!
Payment Methods Accepted by the City of Saginaw
The City of Saginaw gives residents several ways to pay water bills. I’ve tried most of them myself and each has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of all the payment methods available
In-Person Payments (In Lobby)
Sometimes nothing beats the personal touch of paying in person. If you prefer to see a real human when making payments, you can visit City Hall at:
City of Saginaw
1315 S. Washington Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48601
When paying in the lobby, you can use:
- Cash
- Check
- Cashier’s Check
- Money Order
- Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
Important note: If your water service has been shut off, you cannot pay by personal check! You’ll need a check from a Church or a Certified Cashier’s Check instead.
Also, they don’t offer contactless/NFC payments like PayPass, Apple Pay, or GooglePay for in-person payments yet. Kinda behind the times, but what can ya do?
Online Payments
This is my preferred method cause I can do it from my couch while binge-watching shows! The City of Saginaw partners with InvoiceCloud for online payments. You can access this through the BSA Online Website.
When paying online, you can use:
- ACH (eCheck)
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
- Mobile Digital Wallet (ApplePay, GooglePay)
- Venmo
- PayPal
PayPal even offers some fancy options like:
- “Buy Now, Pay Later – Pay in 4 Installments”
- “Checkout With Crypto – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin”
- Traditional credit/debit card and bank account linking
Warning from personal experience: Don’t pay by e-check if you have a past due account! The system explicitly warns that “ANY PREVIOUS BALANCE MUST BE PAID TO AVOID SHUT-OFF.”
Payment by Mail
If you’re old-school or just like having that paper trail, you can mail your payment to:
Treasurer, City of Saginaw
1315 S. Washington Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48601
For mail payments, they accept:
- Check
- Cashier’s Check
- Money Order
DO NOT mail cash! That’s just asking for trouble.
One important thing to remember is that the City of Saginaw doesn’t honor postmark dates. So even if you mailed it before the due date, if it arrives late, you might still get hit with a late fee. Plan accordingly!
Payment by Phone
Got no time to visit City Hall or go online? Just call 855-786-5349 to make a payment by phone. Have your bill handy when you call!
Phone payment options:
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
- ACH (eCheck)
The automated Pay by Phone system is available 24 hours a day, so you can pay at 3am in your pajamas if that’s your thing!
Payment by Text
This is a newer option that I’ve started using – super convenient! You can set up Pay by Text through your InvoiceCloud account. Once set up, it uses your default stored payment method.
Online Bank Direct
Many banks offer a service where they’ll send a check to the City on your behalf. Depending on your bank and the info you provide, this might be processed electronically (faster) or mailed (slower).
Again, remember that the City doesn’t honor postmark dates, so if they receive your payment after the due date, you might still get charged a late fee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Your Water Bill Online
Since online payment is probably the most convenient option for most people, let me walk you through exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Access the BS&A Online Website
- Go to the Utility Billing Online Payment Service for the City of Saginaw
- You’ll be presented with different search options to find your account
Step 2: Search for Your Account
You can search for your utility billing account using one of these methods:
- Account Number (preferred method)
- Name (last name only is recommended)
- Address
- Parcel Number
Step 3: Select Your Record
After searching, you’ll see your account. Select it to proceed to payment.
Step 4: Make Your Payment
Follow the prompts to complete your payment using your preferred payment method.
Important reminder: The website clearly states: “DO NOT PAY BY EFT/CHECK IF YOU HAVE BEEN TURNED OFF OR HAVE A RED-TAG SHUT OFF NOTICE. ANY PAST DUE BALANCES MUST BE PAID TO AVOID SHUT-OFF.”
Using Google Pay for Water Bill Payments
If you’re tech-savvy like me, you might prefer using Google Pay for your water bill payments. The City of Saginaw accepts Google Pay as part of their digital wallet options for online payments.
Google Pay offers several benefits:
- Save your payment details just once
- Fast checkout process
- Enhanced security with built-in authentication and encryption
- Fraud protection
To use Google Pay:
- Set up Google Pay by adding your card details to your Google Account
- When paying your water bill online, select Google Pay as your payment method
- Complete the transaction with just a few clicks
Additional Services and Features
Go Paperless
Want to save some trees? The City of Saginaw offers a “Go Paperless” option for water bills. You can sign up to receive your bills electronically instead of through mail.
AutoPay and Scheduled Payments
Two great options to never miss a payment:
- AutoPay: The full balance of your bill is automatically paid on the due date each month
- Recurring Scheduled Payments: You pick the payment amount and frequency of payment
Register Your Account for Better Management
After making your first payment through InvoiceCloud, I recommend registering your account. This gives you access to:
- View payment history
- Store payment methods securely
- Set up AutoPay
- Enroll in paperless billing
- Access Pay by Text
Late Fees and Shut-Off Policies
Let me be real with you – the City of Saginaw doesn’t mess around when it comes to late water payments. If you don’t pay your bill on time:
- Late fees will be assessed
- If you continue to not pay, your water service may be shut off
- To restore service after shut-off, you’ll need to pay the past due amount plus potential reconnection fees
From personal experience, it’s WAY easier to just pay on time than deal with the hassle of service interruption!
Processing Fees to Be Aware Of
One thing to note is that any transaction processed through InvoiceCloud (their third-party payment processor) may be subject to a processing fee. These fees are typically small but can add up over time.
FAQs About Paying Water Bills in Saginaw, MI
When are water bills due in Saginaw?
Water bills in Saginaw are typically issued monthly and due by the date printed on your bill. The exact due date may vary depending on your billing cycle.
What happens if I pay my water bill late?
If you pay your water bill after the due date, you’ll likely be charged a late fee. If the bill remains unpaid, your water service could be shut off.
Can I set up automatic payments for my water bill?
Yes! The City of Saginaw offers AutoPay through their InvoiceCloud system. Your full balance will be automatically paid on the due date each month.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my water bill?
For questions about your water bill, you can contact the City of Saginaw directly at 989-399-1311.
Can I use cryptocurrency to pay my water bill?
Yes, surprisingly! If you pay online via PayPal, they offer a “Checkout With Crypto” option that accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Conclusion
Paying your water bill in Saginaw doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the traditional methods like mail or in-person payments, or more modern approaches like online payment through BS&A Online or text payments, there’s an option that fits your lifestyle.
My personal recommendation? Set up AutoPay through InvoiceCloud and never worry about a late water bill again! It’s saved me tons of headaches over the years.
Remember, staying on top of your water bill payments ensures uninterrupted service and helps you avoid those pesky late fees and reconnection charges. The City of Saginaw has really tried to make the payment process as flexible as possible – so take advantage of all the options they offer!
Got any questions about paying your water bill in Saginaw that I didn’t cover? Drop ’em in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to help out!
Water / Sewer Customer Accounting
The Customer Accounting Division is responsible for the billing of all water and sewer revenue from users of the system. This involves initiating new accounts; ensuring that accounts are read edited and billed promptly; as well as closing accounts when requested. The staff handles all payment arrangements, initiation of meter checks, discontinuance for collection, and skip tracing.
This office does not accept monthly payments. Payments are accepted in the city treasurers office and online.
