Are you scratching your head about how to pay your BT bill? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! As someone who’s been dealing with telecoms bills for years, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand all the ways you can settle up with BT without breaking a sweat.
Quick Summary
BT offers several payment methods including Direct Debit, online payments, bank transfers, cheques, PayPoint, and phone payments. The easiest options are setting up a Direct Debit through My BT or making an online payment with your card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal.
Why You Should Pay Your BT Bill On Time
Before diving into payment methods, let’s talk about why it’s important to pay on time. BT charges £7.50 if you miss your payment deadline. That’s money that could’ve been spent on a nice lunch or coffee! Plus, if you consistently miss payments, BT might disconnect or restrict your service – and nobody wants to lose their internet or phone connection unexpectedly.
6 Ways to Pay Your BT Bill
1. Set Up a Direct Debit (Most Recommended)
This is probably the easiest way to pay your BT bill. Once set up, payments happen automatically so you’ll never forget.
How to set up a Direct Debit
- Log into your My BT account
- Follow the prompts to set up Direct Debit
- Or call 0800 44 33 11
With a whole Direct Debit, you’ll pay your entire bill amount when it’s due, typically 8 days after your bill is produced.
Pro tip: If you receive quarterly bills, you can spread the cost with a monthly payment plan. This means making fixed monthly payments based on an estimate, and BT will automatically adjust if you’re paying too much or too little.
2. Pay Online
This is perfect for those who prefer to manually make payments each month or want more control over when money leaves their account.
How to pay online
- Log into My BT
- Use a debit or credit card
- Or use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal
Don’t have a My BT account? No problem! You can still make a payment without logging in through their payment portal.
3. Bank Transfer
If you prefer traditional banking methods, you can transfer your payment directly to BT’s bank account:
BT’s bank details:
- Account number: 00375853
- Sort code: 20-00-00
- Reference: Your BT account number (important so they know who paid!)
4. Pay by Cheque
Yes, people still use cheques! If you’re old-school (or just prefer paper), here’s what to do:
- Make cheques payable to “BT Payment Services Ltd”
- Write your customer account number on the back
- Include the payment slip from the bottom of your bill
- Send to:
BT PLCPO Box 334SheffieldS98 1BT
5. PayPoint or Post Office
If you prefer paying in cash or visiting a physical location, you can pay at any PayPoint outlet or Post Office.
What you’ll need:
- Your bill with the bar-coded payment slip
- Cash
You can even make partial payments towards your bill this way, as long as the full amount is paid by the due date.
Need a payment card? Call 0330 123 4150 from your home landline with your account number handy.
6. Pay by Phone
Prefer talking to a human? No problem!
- Call 0800 44 33 11
- Have your credit or debit card ready
- Keep your bill nearby for reference
What If I Can’t Pay My Bill?
We all go through rough patches sometimes. If you’re struggling to pay your bill, it’s important to contact BT as soon as possible at 0800 800 150. They might be able to arrange a payment plan or provide other assistance rather than disconnecting your service.
My Personal Experience with BT Bill Payments
I’ve tried almost all these methods over the years (yes, even the cheque once when my internet was down!). Direct Debit is definitely the winner for convenience – I set it up once and haven’t thought about it since. But the online payment through My BT is a close second, especially since they added PayPal support.
Last month, I actually forgot about my bill until the very last minute and was able to make an instant payment using Google Pay. Saved me from that pesky £7.50 late fee!
Which BT Payment Method Is Best For You?
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Debit | Automatic, never miss payments | Less control over timing | Most people |
| Online Payment | Flexible, multiple payment options | Need to remember to pay | Tech-savvy users |
| Bank Transfer | Good for online banking users | Need to remember details | Banking app users |
| Cheque | No need for online access | Slow, requires postage | Those without internet |
| PayPoint/Post Office | Can pay in cash, partial payments allowed | Need to travel to location | Cash-preferring customers |
| Phone | Human assistance available | Need to call during business hours | Those who prefer talking to someone |
Common Questions About BT Bill Payments
Can I set up automatic payments without Direct Debit?
Not really. Direct Debit is BT’s main automatic payment method. However, you could set up a standing order from your bank account, but you’d need to manage the amounts yourself if your bills vary.
What happens if I miss my payment deadline?
You’ll be charged a late payment fee of £7.50, and if you consistently miss payments, BT might restrict or disconnect your service.
Can I pay more than one month in advance?
Yes! If you’re going away or just want to get ahead, you can pay extra on your account. Any overpayment will be credited to your account and used for future bills.
How do I know if my payment went through?
If you pay online or by phone, you’ll receive a confirmation. For Direct Debits, you can check your bank statement or My BT account. For cheques or PayPoint, keep your receipt.
Tips to Make BT Bill Payments Easier
- Set calendar reminders if you’re not using Direct Debit
- Keep your account number somewhere accessible for quick reference
- Check your bill regularly to spot any unusual charges
- Update your payment details if you change banks or cards
- Consider the monthly payment plan if you’re on a tight budget
Wrapping Up
Paying your BT bill doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a tech wizard who loves online payments or prefer the traditional methods, there’s an option that’ll work for you.
Remember, the most important thing is to pay on time to avoid that £7.50 late fee and potential service disruption. I personally recommend setting up a Direct Debit for peace of mind, but choose whatever works best for your lifestyle.
Have you found a clever way to manage your BT payments? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Quick Reference: BT Payment Contact Numbers
- Set up Direct Debit: 0800 44 33 11
- Pay by phone: 0800 44 33 11
- Order a payment card: 0330 123 4150
- If you’re struggling to pay: 0800 800 150
Don’t forget to keep your BT account number handy whenever you contact them or make a payment!

You’ve reached the end of the results
We are currently experiencing a very high number of calls in our Call Center. If you have an urgent problem, call now, otherwise well wait for you later. For quick answers try Ask BT or BT Visual Help.
AI Search on Ask BT answers all your banking questions.
Quickly view your account details, call 0264 308 000 and receive an SMS with the access link.
Version applicable from 29.10.2021