Loans to Pay Utility Bills
| Best fit | Payday loan for one bill; installment loan for several |
|---|---|
| Amounts via our network | $100–$5,000, by state and lender |
| Sample payday cost | $300 at $15 per $100: $45 fee, $345 to repay |
| Credit | All credit types considered |
| Funding | Often next business day |
| Cost to use our form | Free, no obligation |
Got a shut-off notice? Here's how to get it paid fast
A disconnect notice is stressful, but it usually gives you a window to act. Most utilities send a past-due notice first, then a final notice with a specific date. That date is what matters: if the past-due amount is paid before then, service normally stays on. A utility bill loan puts the money in your checking account quickly so you can pay online or by phone and keep your power, heat and water running.
Our free form takes about 3 minutes. Many lenders in our network decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day. See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes.
What should I do first when I get a disconnect notice?
- Find the shut-off date and the amount needed. The notice lists the past-due balance and the date service may be disconnected. Some utilities only require the past-due portion, not the full current bill.
- Call the utility. Tell them you're arranging payment and ask when it needs to post to stop the disconnect. Many utilities offer payment arrangements or a short extension, and a quick call can buy a few extra days while your loan funds.
- Apply early on a weekday. The sooner you submit, the sooner funds can arrive. Requests made early on a business day have the best chance at next-business-day funding.
- Pay and save the confirmation. Once funds land, pay through the utility's website, app or phone line and keep the confirmation number.
Which loan fits an electric, gas or water bill?
- Payday loan: a quick match for one month's bill or a past-due balance of a few hundred dollars that your next paycheck can cover. A sample $300 loan at $15 per $100 has a $45 fee, so you repay $345.
- Installment loan: a better fit if you're behind on several months, have more than one utility past due, or owe a reconnection fee and deposit on top. You repay in fixed monthly payments, so next month's bill still fits your budget.
Many people combine electric, gas, water and even an internet or phone bill into one loan so everything is current at once. Enter the total you need, and lenders in your state will show what they can offer. If payday loans aren't available where you live, our form can still match you with installment lenders.
Sample payments for catching up on utilities
| Amount | Term | Sample APR | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 | 6 months | 36% | $110.76 |
| $800 | 6 months | 36% | $147.68 |
| $1,200 | 12 months | 36% | $120.55 |
| $1,800 | 12 months | 36% | $180.83 |
These are examples, not offers. Your lender shows the exact APR and terms before you sign. Winter heating and summer cooling bills can run high for a few months in a row, so pick a payment that still leaves room for the next bill. Try your numbers with the personal loan calculator.
What if my service was already shut off?
If your power, gas or water has already been disconnected, you can still use a loan to get it restored. Utilities usually ask for the past-due balance, and some add a reconnection fee or a security deposit before turning service back on. Call the utility to get the exact reconnection total, then request that full amount on our form so you only apply once.
Reconnection is often scheduled within a day or two after payment posts, depending on the utility. Gas service may require a technician visit to relight pilot lights, so ask about timing when you pay. Keep the confirmation number handy in case you need to reference it.
Utility help programs worth knowing about
Many utilities offer budget billing, which spreads your yearly cost into equal monthly payments, and payment arrangements for a past-due balance. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs through state and local agencies. These programs can take time to process, so many people use a loan to stop the immediate shut-off and then sign up for budget billing to keep future bills steady.
A few habits also help keep bills manageable: set up account alerts so you see each bill the day it posts, ask your utility for a free energy audit, and check whether your due date can be moved closer to your payday. Paying on time protects you from late fees and new deposit requirements.
Requirements and how to apply
- Be at least 18 (19 in a few states) and a U.S. resident
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Regular income from a job, benefits, self-employment or gig work
- An active checking account for the deposit and repayment
- A working phone number and email address
Many lenders in our network consider bad credit and focus on your income and bank account. Some use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull. Have your utility notice nearby so you request the right amount.
- Fill out the form in about 3 minutes.
- Get matched with lenders that serve your state.
- Review your offer, including the APR, payment schedule and total to repay.
- Accept and get funded, often the next business day.
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. Whether you get an offer, and for how much, is up to the lender and your state's rules. You are never obligated to accept. More bill help: help paying bills and emergency rent loans. Request your utility bill money now.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a loan to pay my electric bill?
Yes. Lenders generally allow personal and payday loans to be used for any legal purpose, including electric, gas and water bills. Through our network you can request $100 to $5,000. Our form takes about 3 minutes, many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day.
How fast can I get money to stop a utility shut-off?
Apply early on a business day for the best timing. Many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds often arrive the next business day, sometimes the same day. Call your utility right away to confirm when payment must post and ask whether they can hold the disconnect a day or two while your loan funds.
Can I get a utility bill loan with bad credit?
Often, yes. Many lenders in our network consider all credit types and focus on your income and checking account. Some use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull. Your credit may affect the amount and terms, and no lender can promise approval before reviewing your application.
Should I use a payday or installment loan for utilities?
For one month's bill that your next paycheck can cover, a payday loan is quick and simple. If you're behind several months, owe a reconnection fee, or have more than one utility past due, an installment loan spreads the cost over monthly payments. Compare the offers you receive before you sign.
Does the utility offer payment arrangements?
Many utilities do, along with budget billing that evens out your monthly cost. Ask when you call about your notice. Arrangements usually still require a payment toward the past-due balance, and a loan can cover that amount quickly so your service stays on while you get back on track.
Can I use one loan for several bills?
Yes. Many people combine electric, gas, water, phone and internet bills into one loan so everything is current at once. Add up the past-due amounts from each notice, include any reconnection fees, and request that total on our form. Lenders show what they can offer based on your income and state.
Sources
- HHS Administration for Children and Families — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- CFPB — What is a payday loan?
- CFPB — What is a personal installment loan?
- eCFR — 12 CFR Part 1026 (Regulation Z, Truth in Lending disclosures)