Are you tired of stressing over your Beltrami Electric bill payment? Maybe you’ve missed a due date or two, or perhaps you’re just looking for a more convenient way to handle those monthly electric charges. Well, I’ve got some great news for you! Beltrami Electric Cooperative offers multiple payment options that can make your life easier
As a customer of Beltrami Electric myself, I’ve tried nearly all their payment methods over the years. Some are definitely more convenient than others, depending on your specific needs. Let’s dive into all the different ways you can pay your bill, so you can pick the one that works best for your lifestyle.
Online Payment Options for Beltrami Electric
SmartHub – The Most Popular Choice
SmartHub is Beltrami Electric’s online portal that offers way more than just bill payment. When you log into SmartHub you can
- Pay your bill using a bank account or credit card with NO fees
- Set up recurring payments so you never miss a due date
- View your detailed account information
- Check your billing history and usage patterns
To access SmartHub, simply visit the Beltrami Electric website and click “Login to SmartHub” It’s super user-friendly, and I personally love being able to see my usage patterns throughout the month
One-Time Payment Option (PayNow)
Don’t want to create an account? No problem! Beltrami Electric offers a one-time payment option called “PayNow.” This is perfect if you:
- Don’t want to create a SmartHub account
- Need to make a quick payment
- Prefer not to save your payment info
To use this option, just click on “Make a One-Time Payment” on their website. You’ll need your account number handy, but it’s a quick and straightforward process.
Phone Payment Options
24/7 Payment Line
If you prefer to pay by phone, Beltrami Electric has a dedicated 24/7 payment line at 833-482-0322. This automated system lets you:
- Pay with major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or American Express)
- Pay using your checking or savings account info
- Check your current account balance
- Enroll in auto-pay
I’ve used this system several times when my internet was down, and it’s pretty straightforward. Just have your account number ready when you call.
Important note: Due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations, Beltrami Electric employees cannot take payments over the phone. If you call the office to make a payment, they’ll transfer you to the automated system.
Automatic Bill Payment
Auto-Pay: Set It and Forget It
If you’re like me and hate having to remember bill deadlines, Auto-Pay is a lifesaver! With this option:
- Funds are automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card each month
- Bank account payments are withdrawn on the due date (or next business day if it falls on a weekend/holiday)
- Credit card payments may be drafted up to 5 days before the due date
- You’ll still receive your monthly bill (electronically or by mail) so you know how much is being charged
To sign up for Auto-Pay, you can either:
- Enroll through SmartHub
- Call the pay-by-phone system at 855-356-6345
This is honestly my favorite payment method because it eliminates the chance of forgetting to pay and getting hit with late fees.
Traditional Payment Methods
Paying by Mail
If you prefer the traditional route, you can still mail your payment. However, Beltrami Electric recommends sending it at least SEVEN business days before your due date due to extended mail delivery times.
To pay by mail:
- Include your account number with your payment
- Use the envelope provided with your bill
- Send to: Beltrami Electric Cooperative, PO Box 488, Bemidji, MN 56619-0488
NEVER send cash through the mail!
In-Person Payments
You can always pay in person at Beltrami Electric’s headquarters:
- Location: 4111 Technology Dr. N.W. in Bemidji
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This is a good option if you’re nearby and want to speak with someone about your bill or have questions about your service.
Drop Box Payments
Beltrami Electric offers two convenient payment drop boxes:
- A 24/7 accessible drop box on the south-side of their parking lot near the flag pole
- A drop box in the entryway of their building (available during business hours only)
Payments placed in these drop boxes will be posted by the end of the next business day.
Alternative Payment Methods
Pay with MoneyGram (Cash Option)
Need to pay with cash? MoneyGram has got you covered. Locally, you can find MoneyGram services at:
- Lueken’s Village Foods (North & South locations)
- Walmart
- CVS Pharmacy
To pay your Beltrami Electric bill with MoneyGram, you’ll need:
- Receive Code: 15088
- Your Beltrami Electric account number
- Cash to pay your bill
- $1.50 for the transaction fee
BEC PrePay Program
Beltrami Electric now offers a PrePay program that gives you the flexibility to pre-pay for your electricity. Instead of getting a bill at the end of the month, you can purchase electricity when you want – daily, weekly, or monthly.
Benefits of BEC PrePay include:
- No deposit required
- No fees (late, disconnect, reconnect)
- Payment flexibility
- Online and mobile account management
- Low balance alerts via text, email and mobile app
- Ability to monitor your daily energy use
You must maintain a minimum credit balance of $50 with this program. For enrollment info, contact BEC at 218-444-2540, email [email protected], or visit their office.
Bank Bill Pay Services
Many financial institutions offer bill payment services that you can use to pay your Beltrami Electric bill. However, keep in mind that these payments typically take up to FIVE days to process, so plan accordingly!
Tips for Successful Bill Payments
After using various payment methods with Beltrami Electric, I’ve learned a few things that might help you:
- Set calendar reminders if you’re not using auto-pay
- Keep your account number handy – you’ll need it for most payment methods
- Allow extra time for mail and bank bill pay services
- Sign up for low balance alerts if you use PrePay
- Check your email spam folder for electronic bills – they sometimes end up there
What To Do If You’re Struggling to Pay Your Bill
We all go through tough times. If you’re having difficulty paying your Beltrami Electric bill, they do offer payment assistance options. Contact them directly at 218-444-2540 to discuss your situation before your bill becomes overdue.
My Personal Experience with Beltrami Electric Bill Payment
When I first moved to the area, I started with mailing in my payments, but I often forgot to send them in time. Then I switched to dropping payments at the office, which worked well when I was nearby.
Eventually, I discovered the auto-pay option through SmartHub, and it’s been a game-changer! I set it up with my credit card to earn reward points, and I love that I can still see my monthly usage through the app.
During a particularly busy month last winter, I forgot to check my balance and accidentally overdrafted my account. I learned that the PrePay option would have prevented this with its balance alerts. Might be worth considering if you have variable income or want more control over when you pay.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Beltrami Electric bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With nine different payment options available, there’s definitely a method that will fit your lifestyle and preferences.
My recommendation? Start with SmartHub and auto-pay if you have a stable income and regular bills. If you prefer more flexibility or are on a tight budget, the PrePay program might be your best bet.
Whatever option you choose, be sure to keep track of your due dates and account balances to avoid any interruption in your electric service. And remember, if you have any questions about your bill or payment options, Beltrami Electric’s customer service team is just a phone call away at 218-444-2540.
DO NOT SEND CASH
If you pay your bill by mail, due to extended mail delivery times we recommend mailing your payment at least SEVEN (7) business days before your due date to ensure your payment is posted by the due date. (All payments are processed the day they are received).
Payments by mail should include the account number, be sent in the envelope provided, and be sent to:
Beltrami Electric Cooperative PO Box 488, Bemidji, MN 56619-0488
You can make payments at the Cooperatives headquarters located at 4111 Technology Dr. N.W. in Bemidji, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Use one of our two payment drop boxes located at our headquarters. The first payment drop box is located on the south-side of our parking lot, near the flag pole and is accessible 24/7. A second drop box is available during business hours in the entryway of our building. Payments placed in the drop boxes will be posted by the end of the next business day.
With MoneyGram, you can pay your bill with cash. Locally, MoneyGram is available at Luekens Village Foods (North & South), Walmart, and CVS Pharmacy. You will need the following information: Receive Code 15088, your Beltrami Electric account number, cash to pay your bill and transaction fee of $1.50.
BEC PrePay is a new optional billing program for members to pre-pay for their electricity. Instead of receiving a bill at the end of the month for power you have already used – you have the flexibility of purchasing electricity when you want. Pay amounts that fit your budget – daily, weekly, or monthly.
- No deposit
- No fees (late, disconnect, reconnect)
- Payment flexibility, including the ability to make multiple smaller payments each month or as needed in order to maintain a minimum credit balance of $50
- Online and mobile account management, including the ability to monitor your daily energy use
- Low balance alerts via text, email and mobile app notifications
- For more information on enrollment, contact BEC by phone 218-444-2540, email [email protected], or stop into our office
CHOOSE THE PAYMENT OPTION RIGHT FOR YOU
Beltrami Electric Cooperative offers several ways to pay your bill, giving you the opportunity to choose the one that works best for you.
Scroll down to learn more about your options.
With SmartHub, you may pay your bill online using a bank account or credit card. There is no charge when using your bank account or credit card. You can either utilize the application to make a one-time payment or set-up a recurring payment. You can also access more detailed account information and view your billing history.
PayNow – do you want to make a quick one-time payment without logging into your SmartHub account? Click on the link below.
Call 833-482-0322 to make a payment 24 hours a day with a major credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover or American Express) or by providing your checking or savings account information. There is no charge when using your credit card or checking or savings account information. Our secure pay-by-phone system also allows you to check your account balance and enroll in auto-pay. Please have your account number available when calling our automated system.
Note: Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations designed to protect consumers financial information prohibit Beltrami Electric employees from taking payments over the telephone. All calls made to our office to make a payment will be transferred to our automated, secure payment line.
Join the Automatic Bill Payment program and have funds automatically deducted from your checking, savings, or credit card each month. No more writing checks, paying for postage, or worrying about missing a payment.Take control of your account and never miss a payment again. Sign up today through SmartHub or via our Pay By Phone system by calling (855) 356-6345.
- Automatic payments from a bank account are withdrawn on the due date stated on the bill. If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment will be deducted the following business day.
- Automatic credit card payments may be drafted up to 5 days prior to the due date stated on the bill. Beltrami Electric accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
- Members enrolled in the Automatic Bill Payment program will continue to receive monthly electric bill(s), electronically or by mail.Sign up for Auto Pay
Beltrami Electric Cooperative 101 – Capital Credits
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