Automatic Payments

The City of Palo Alto Utilities offers automatic payments through MyCPAU. Simplify your life by enrolling with either a checking or credit card.

Add a Payment

Step 1.Requirements

  • An active MyCPAU Account
  • Your payment information:
    • Credit cards will require the card number, expiration date, CVV or the security code, and your billing zipcode
    • Checking information will require your routing and account number
  • Are you a new user to MyCPAU? Register today:

    MyCPAU Account Log In

Step 2.Add a Preferred Payment Method

  • After logging in, click on the "My Account" tab
  • In the menu, click on "Payment Information", then "Add Payment Method"
  • Enter your preferred payment method and click "Add"
  • When finished, select your payment method as default and "Save"

Step 3.Confirm Payment Method

  • Once the preferred payment has been saved, you will get a confirmation email in your "Notifications" inbox
  • Default payments will also appear on the "Home" dashboard under the "My Account" box
  • Changes to your default payment method can be made at any time
  • To enroll in automatic payments, follow the instructions in the next tab under "Enrollment"

Step 4.Additional Information

  • Default payment methods can be used for one-time payments as well as recurring payments
  • Credit cards have a maximum payment of $5,000.00 per invoice
  • Selecting a default payment DOES NOT mean you are enrolled in automatic payments

 

Enrollment

Step 1.Requirements

  • An active MyCPAU Account
  • Your payment information:
    • Credit cards will require the card number, expiration date, CVV or the security code, and your billing zipcode
    • Checking information will require your routing and account number
  • Are you a new user to MyCPAU? Register today:

    MyCPAU Account Log In

Step 2.Enroll in Automatic Payment

  • While logged into MyCPAU, click on the "Billing" tab
  • In the menu, click on "Auto Pay"
  • Select either Credit/Debit Card or Bank Account
  • Click on the drop down menu under "Method of Payment" to select a credit card or bank account
  • Click on the "Make Payment" drop down menu to select a draft date (Credit card only)
  • Click the "I Agree" box and then "Enroll"

Any prior or current outstanding balance must be paid for automatic payment to draft in the next billing period

Step 3.Confirm Automatic Payment

  • The page will automatically refresh to confirm enrollment status
  • A confirmation email will be sent to your "Notifications" inbox
  • Automatic payments can be updated at any time

Step 4.Additional Information

Credit Card:

  • Automatic payments DO NOT transfer to newly opened or additional utility accounts
  • Automatic payments will be declined if the outstanding amount exceeds $5,000.00
    • In addition, invoices per account exceeding $5,000.00 will accrue up to ~1.9% transaction fee if paid with a credit card
  • It is the customer's responsibility to confirm accurate billing information before enrolling
  • Automatic payments cannot be removed if there is a pending transaction, the balance must be paid prior

Checking:

  • Automatic payments DO NOT transfer to newly opened or additional utility accounts
  • It is the customers responsibility to confirm accurate billing information before enrolling
  • Payments through a checking account will post to your utility account 1-5 days before the bill due date 
  • Automatic payments cannot be removed if there is a pending transaction, the balance must be paid prior

Updating or Changing payments

Step 1.Requirements

  • New payment method information:
    • Credit cards will require the card number, expiration date, CVV or the security code, and your billing zipcode
    • Checking information will require your routing and account number 

Step 2.Updating Automatic Payments

Clear Outstanding Balances

  • Click "Pay Now" and make a one-time payment with either a checking or credit card prior to making any automatic payment changes

Add a New Payment Method

  • Add and save your new payment method under "My Account" and "Payment Information"
  • Click on the "Billing" tab, then "Auto Pay" in the menu

Delete Existing Enrollment

  • Click on the "Billing" tab, then click on "Auto Pay" below
  • Select the trash can icon to delete the existing automatic payment

Re-enroll Automatic Payments

  • Re-enroll and select your new preferred payment method
  • The page may need to be refreshed, or you can click on the "Auto Pay" tab again
  • Click on the "I Agree" box and then "Enroll"

Step 3.Confirm New Automatic Payment 

  • Once your payment method has been saved the page will refresh to confirm enrollment status
  • A confirmation of the change will be emailed and sent to your "notifications" inbox

Step 4.Additional Information

  • Editing an existing payment method does not update Auto Pay enrollment
  • Delting Enrollment is required before updating or changing your new preferred payment method

Is there a fee for enrolling in autopay?

There are no fees or additional costs for setting up automatic payments. The maximum credit card transaction amount is $5,000.00 per invoice. 

Who can help me with enrollment?

Customer Service can help guide you in changing or updating your automatic payments. Customer Service does not have any authority to make changes on the customers behalf, and changes must be done while logged into MyCPAU.

Does my autopay transfer to my new account?

Existing automatic payments do not transfer to new accounts, please log in to enroll for autopay under the new account number.

Does my default payment mean I am set up for automatic payments?

Setting up a default payment method will allow you to set up autopay or make one-time payments. It is not enrollment for autopay. Please follow the instructions under the "Enrollment" tab to set up automatic payments. 

When is my autopayment effective?

Automatic payments may take up to 1 billing cycle to take effect. If you have an outstanding balance, please make a one-time payment before enrolling.

If I update my credit card, will it update my autopay?

Adding a new credit card and setting it as the default payment method does not update your existing autopay. If you need to make a change in your payment information, please follow the instructions in the "Updating or Changing payments" tab. 

What happens to my automatic payment information if I close my utility account?

After terminating a utility account, a final bill will generate on the closing day. Once your final bill is generated, your payment will draft automatically. Your MyCPAU account and payment information will become inactive after 30 days. 

Why is my payment declined?

Payment decline reasons cannot be monitored by the City of Palo Alto. The reasons may vary between inaccurate billing information entered, expired cards, insufficient funding or closed accounts that may need to be reviewed by your bank or credit union. We ask that you verify all billing information before enrolling in auto pay.