Automatic Payment Services

Tired of writing checks to pay your utility bill every month?

By enrolling in Automatic Payment Service, your regularly scheduled utility bill is automatically paid from your checking account by your bank on the day your payment is due…and it’s free! This gives you plenty of time to review your statement before it is paid in case you have any billing questions. One to six weeks after the City of Oceanside receives your completed application and voided check, Automatic Payment Service will take effect on your account. You’ll know it has started when you receive your first bill that states, “Automatic Payment Service – Do Not Pay”. This means no more writing a check or spending money on postage for your utility bill.

All it takes is three easy steps:

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Write “VOID” across one of your blank checks.
3. Mail (or bring in) your application with your voided check to:
   
   City of Oceanside
   300 North Coast Highway
   Oceanside, CA 92054
   Attn: Account Management

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for Automatic Payment today!

AUTOMATIC PAYMENT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Automatic Payment?
  Automatic payment allows a customer to authorize the City to debit the customer’s bank account for the amount of the bill. This means no more writing a check or spending postage on your utility bill.
• Will I still get a utility bill each month?
  Yes. Each month we send you a bill that you may review and keep for your records. On the front of the bill you will see a reminder “Automatic Payment Service – Do Not Pay”.
• How do I sign up?
  Simply request a copy of the application by phone, by fax, or by downloading off our website. Then complete and sign the application and return it with a voided check (a check with VOID written across it).
• How long will it take to process my application?
  The time will vary. You should continue to pay all bills that do not have the message “Automatic Payment Service – Do Not Pay”. We will first pre-note your account to verify with both banks that the account number is valid and to ensure that the processing will proceed smoothly. Upon verification, your utility account will be automatically paid.
• When will the money be withdrawn from my bank?
  The funds will be withdrawn from your bank account approximately 20 days after the bill date.
• What happens if I don’t have the money in my account when the City charges it?
  The automatic payment will be returned to the city unpaid. It is viewed by the City as a check payment and will be processed as such. There will be a $30.00 return item fee and you will be notified that you must come in to the office to cover the payment by cash or money order. Additionally, should you have two returned items you will be removed from this program.
• What happens if I change banks?
  If you change banks, you will need to notify us in writing, in advance. You will also need to provide us with authorization to draft money from your new bank account by submitting a new signed application and a voided check from the new account.
• What happens if I feel I have been over-billed?
  Should you wish to dispute a bill, you must pay the bill and an adjustment will be made if the bill is determined to be incorrect.
• Since the public has access to City records, will the information I provide be public record?
  No. Financial information is exempted from the Freedom of Information Act unless otherwise specified by court order.