[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Eebnhab

If it saves them so much money to have us autopay, then they shouldn’t charge for the service.

They don't charge for autopay.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

write a check, deposit in the slot for amenities payments and be done with it. Don't even need a stamp. Sometimes, technology gets crazy, ridiculous, expensive and out of control.

It's all about how much time, effort, and money you are willing to put into it. Some prefer to write a check every month, I filled out an autopay form once a few years ago.

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

A lot of people in The Villages are "old school" or just stubborn and they do not like autopay. I am one of them. I don't like giving someone permission to transfer money out of my checking account. I want to see the bill, and authorize the payment myself.

AMEN to that brother!! Allowing someone to access your account “‘til forbidden” is IMHO, forbidden.

[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

My autopay also has no fee. It's like Echeck but with no work required and no possibility of missing a payment.

I too am unhappy that they added fees to the standard Echeck payments.

and should someone hack that database, all your information is available. Autopay happens to be the easiest way to open yourself up to scams and hacks.

[Normal]

I wish Leesburg Electric was as easy to pay every month. I like the new autopay system.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

The Villages has implemented a new system for billing and paying your utility bill. It uses a new vendor, "Invoice Cloud". If you choose paperless billing, you get a monthly email where you can view and pay your invoice. Page 2 of the invoice offers 4 payment methods: "Autopay", "Online", "By Mail", and "In Person". The "Online" method directs you to go to "districtgov.org" and pay the bill using either a credit/debit card and pay a fee of 2.75 percent, or use an Echeck and pay a fee of $0.95. However, there is another online payment method that is not mentioned on the invoice. You can log on to your personal bank website and use their bill pay system to make an electronic payment directly to The Villages, and avoid the $0.95 fee. This is how I have paid my bill for years, and, according to The Villages, it is still available. This information was confirmed to me by The Villages District bill pay office today by an email.

I think The Villages might be wiser to eat that credit card fee. Dealing with checks takes time and personnel. It would be better for The Villages to just have the money deposited in their account every day. They would still have to process who has paid, but they wouldn’t waste time handling a check. I’d rather pay for a stamp than pay about $5 extra for the pleasure of charging the bill.

[williewonka]

I have a simple method. I receive the invoice/bill via email that goes to a utility folder where I review it. I have an automatic monthly Billpay transaction that pays an estimated monthly amount which is slightly higher than expected. This results in a small credit being carried in the account. Each December, I use Billpay to pay the remaining statement balance so the balance for the next year starts with 0. Many vendors pay bills in a similar way to get discounts for early payment.

[ccrider]

A-men to the Retired Guy. I want a bill in my hands and I will pay it on time - every time.

[JGibson]

Originally Posted by midiwiz

and should someone hack that database, all your information is available. Autopay happens to be the easiest way to open yourself up to scams and hacks.

Every server in the world is susceptible to being hacked. The key is to not connect an autopay to your life savings accounts.

[Ecuadog]

Everyone's system works, until it doesn't.

[keepsake]

What about CenturyLink in January charging us for the US mail bill each month ... unless you sign up for the large print bill. More hoops to hassle the customer with.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

A lot of people in The Villages are "old school" or just stubborn and they do not like autopay. I am one of them. I don't like giving someone permission to transfer money out of my checking account. I want to see the bill, and authorize the payment myself.

I NEVER do autopay. Too many mistakes in the past on my water bill. I check every bill before I pay it. And once you give permission for autopay it is very difficult to get your money back.

[New Englander]

I pay my Villages Utility bill directly from my Citizens First Savings account. It is an electronic debit. I chose to use my Savings Acct over my checking because I might not have enough $$ in my checking when they make the debit.

[Babubhat]

Goes through central Sumter utility bank billpay electronically like all my bills