How to handle a late payment

If you're in a rush, pay your bill online or via our automated phone system to get your payment to us immediately. If you're able to get somewhere, paying in person is also fast.

When you pay online, via our automated phone system, or in person, your payment is registered immediately and your account is in good standing on that same day. There is one exception to this rule; if you pay in person or on the phone with the assistance of a Centuryink agent on a weekend or federal holiday, it will be considered accepted the next business day.

We realize there are a lot of reasons people have trouble paying their bills. Rather than not pay your bill at all and risk having your services turned off, it's better to set up a payment arrangement. You can split your payments up into multiple installments, and you can set up these payment arrangements online, through the automated phone system, or with one of our customer service representatives. We'll work with you and try to figure out something that fits your unique situation.

AutoPay is another great way to avoid late fees.  AutoPay is our automated bill payment service. When you're enrolled, you don't have to worry about late fees or missed due dates. Instead, your bill is paid automatically each month from your checking or savings account, debit card, or credit card. It's easy, secure, and convenient.

If you miss your due date, what happens next largely depends on how late you make your payment.  There may be late fees, an outreach from CenturyLink, and eventually the risk that your services will be disconnected.

Unfortunately, late fees are a likelihood. Late fees vary based on the type of service, and can be a flat fee, interest based on a percentage of the amount due, or some combination of both.

At a minimum, if your bill is past due, we'll mail you a notice, and if your bill continues to go unpaid, we'll try to reach you by phone.

If you have CenturyLink internet service, you may also receive a "past due" message on your computer screen when you try to use your service.

Each state has a Public Utility Commission (PUC) that regulates these kinds of things. As a result, the laws governing when we disconnect services varies from state to state. 

Generally, accounts that go unpaid are first suspended and then disconnected. Once the bill has been paid in full, suspended accounts can usually be turned back on within 24 hours. Disconnected accounts take longer to re-activate and may cost more, because they may require someone to come and physically turn the service back on. A deposit may also be required to get service re-installed.