City of Austin Utilities has introduced a new cash payment option for its customers, allowing utility bills to be paid at local retailers without the need for a bank account or credit card.
The new service is offered through a partnership with Paymentus. Customers can choose “cash” as their payment method in the Paymentus Quick Pay online portal and receive a barcode by text or email. This barcode can then be scanned at registers in stores such as CVS, Dollar General, Office Depot, and Walgreens. A convenience fee of $2.95 applies to each transaction. Payments are posted immediately, regardless of the time they are made.
“This new option provides added flexibility for customers who prefer to pay with cash,” said Sandra Escobedo, Austin Energy Vice President of Customer Account Management. “With expanded hours and additional retail locations, it’s now easier than ever to stay current on your utility bill — even late at night or on weekends.”
Cash payments have previously been accepted at Utility Customer Service Centers without any convenience fee and at other retailers like H-E-B, Walmart, and Walgreens through Western Union. However, those options are only available during limited service desk hours. The Paymentus partnership expands access by allowing payments at any register during regular store hours.
For instance, customers can make payments late at night at 24-hour Walgreens locations by scanning their barcode and paying in cash to ensure immediate posting of their bill.
Further information about this payment option is available on the City of Austin Utilities website: https://coautilities.com/go/paywithcash
