Are you tired of the monthly hassle of paying your Modesto utility bills? I’ve been there too! After forgetting to pay my water bill last month and dealing with those annoying late fees, I decided to research ALL the ways to pay City of Modesto utility bills. In this comprehensive guide, I’m sharing everything I discovered about Modesto’s payment options – from convenient pay stations to online payments and everything in between!
Pay Stations: The Convenient Local Option
Sometimes you just want to pay your bill while running other errands. That’s where Modesto’s extensive network of pay stations comes in handy! The City of Modesto has partnered with numerous local businesses to create convenient payment locations throughout the region
Modesto Pay Station Locations
If you’re looking to pay your utility bill in person without going to City Hall here are all the pay stations available in Modesto
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ACE Cash Express – 4 locations in Modesto
- 420 H St (209-526-8900)
- 1320 Standiford Avenue (209-572-2900)
- 2508 Oakdale Road (209-551-7911)
- 2800 McHenry Avenue, Suite 3 G (209-529-900)
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Walmart Stores – 3 locations in Modesto:
- 2225 Plaza Parkway (209-524-4733)
- 3848 McHenry Avenue (209-342-0949)
- 1421 Coffee Road (209-222-5632)
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California Check Cashing Stores – 2 locations:
- 1800 Prescott Road, Suite 1A (209-578-2727)
- 417 McHenry Avenue (209-222-3761)
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Other Modesto Locations:
- Airpath Communications – 1329 Crows Landing Road (209-253-0500)
- CASH 1 # 26822 – 3440 McHenry Avenue, Suite E2 (209-248-4966)
- Levi’s Market – 808 S. 9th Street (209-204-5338)
- Stanislaus County CVOC – 1801 H Street (209-577-3210)
- Viva Meat Market – 1350 Paradise Road (209-408-8478)
- Viva Market – 1500 Yosemite Boulevard (209-566-9170)
Pay Stations in Surrounding Areas
Don’t live in Modesto proper? No worries! There are pay stations in nearby cities too:
Turlock:
- ACE Cash Express – 1825 Countryside (209-669-3900)
- Walmart – 2111 Fulkerth Road (209-634-8543)
- Walmart – 2480 Geer Rd (209-226-7000)
- Postal Center USA – 2930 Geer Rd (209-667-7000)
- La Sonrisa Multiservices INC – 400 Lander Ave (855-777-2123)
Ceres:
- ACE Cash Express – 2517 Mitchell Rd, Suite B (209-537-6900)
- Viva Market – 2362 E. Whitmore Ave (209-537-2623)
Patterson:
- Walmart – 1030 Sperry Ave (209-895-4407)
- Patterson Food Center – 200 N. 2nd St (209-895-4986)
- Rancho Patterson Foods – 125 S. El Circulo Ave (209-892-8014)
Other Ways to Pay Your Modesto Utility Bill
While the pay stations offer great convenience, they’re just one of several payment methods available to Modesto residents. Based on the website information, here are the other options:
1. Online Bill Pay
The City of Modesto offers an online payment system for utility bills. This is probably the easiest way to pay your bill without leaving home. You can access this service through the “Pay Your Utility Bill – Online” link on the city website.
2. Pay By Phone
Don’t want to use a computer? No problem! The city offers a phone payment option as well. Just follow the “Pay Your Utility Bill – By Phone” instructions on their website.
3. In-Person at City Hall
If you prefer to pay directly at the source, you can visit the Utility Billing Customer Service office at City Hall. The City of Modesto administrative offices are located at:
1010 10th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
For mailing payments, use:
P.O. Box 642
Modesto, CA 95353
Tips for Hassle-Free Bill Payments
After dealing with my own bill-paying mishaps, I’ve learned a few tricks:
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Set calendar reminders – I now put a reminder in my phone calendar 5 days before my bill is due.
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Consider auto-pay – If available through the online system, this can save tons of headache.
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Keep receipts – Especially important when paying at pay stations! I once had a payment “lost” and my receipt saved me from late fees.
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Check operating hours – Many pay stations have specific hours, so call ahead if you’re making a special trip.
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Bring your bill – Having your actual bill or account number makes the payment process much faster at pay stations.
Common Questions About Modesto Utility Bill Payments
What utilities does the City of Modesto bill cover?
Typically, City of Modesto utility bills include water, sewer, and garbage services. However, depending on where you live, some services might be provided by other entities.
Are there fees for using pay stations?
Some pay stations may charge a small convenience fee for processing your payment. It’s always best to ask before completing your transaction.
What if I need help with my bill?
If you have questions about your utility bill or need assistance, you can contact the Utility Billing Customer Service at 209-577-5200.
What’s GoModesto?
The website mentions GoModesto as a way to “Report a Concern.” This is the city’s online portal for reporting issues, but it’s separate from the utility billing system.
My Personal Experience with Modesto Bill Pay
When I first moved to Modesto last year, I was overwhelmed by all the new bills and payment systems. I tried several methods before finding what works best for me.
Online payment is my go-to option for most months, but I’ve used the ACE Cash Express on Standiford when my internet was down during a storm. The staff was super helpful and the process took less than 5 minutes!
I’ve also found that most Walmart locations are great for last-minute payments since they’re open later than many other options. Just be prepared for potentially longer lines, especially on weekends.
Planning Ahead for Your Utility Payments
To avoid the last-minute scramble (we’ve all been there!), I recommend:
- Marking bill due dates in your calendar
- Keeping a small emergency fund specifically for utilities
- Exploring budget billing if your usage fluctuates seasonally
- Setting up automatic payments if your budget allows
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Payment Method
The City of Modesto offers so many ways to pay your utility bill that there’s bound to be an option that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re tech-savvy and prefer online payments, or like the reassurance of an in-person transaction with a receipt in hand, Modesto’s got you covered.
I’ve personally found that mixing methods works best – online payments for regular months, and pay stations when I need that last-minute option. Whatever you choose, the key is finding a system that helps you avoid late fees and keeps those essential services flowing!
Have you found a particular Modesto payment method that works great for you? Or maybe you’ve had experiences with one of the pay stations listed above? I’d love to hear about it!
Remember that if you need additional information about paying your City of Modesto utility bill, you can always visit the official website at permits.modestogov.com or call the customer service line at 209-577-5200. Happy bill paying, Modesto residents!

Modesto – 4 Locations
(Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
With MID online services, you can:
- Pay your bill
- Monitor your energy use
- Check your balance
Paying your electric bill should be simple. That’s why MID offers many convenient ways to pay your bill.
Pay by credit or debit card or check your balance by phone free of charge. Anytime. Payments made after 5 p.m. will be credited to your account the following business day.
or
View your current balance or make a payment online. Residential customers can pay with Discover, Visa, and Mastercard credit or debit cards. Non-residential customers can pay with a checking or savings account. Sign up or sign in to access your MID account.
(Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Located outside in front of the MID Office
Kiosks accept cash or credit cards only. Please call the pay station before visiting to verify the days and hours of operation.