The rise of online bill payments in 2025

In 2025, the world is more digitally connected than ever and paying energy bills online has become the norm for many Australians. Whether it's electricity, Internet, rent, or any other utility, paying energy bills online offers unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and control over finances.

As Australians increasingly embrace digital payment methods, more businesses and service providers are offering online bill payment options, making the process even simpler.

Not only does paying your bills online save time, but it also helps you stay organised and reduce the risk of missing important payments. 

10 benefits of paying your electricity and other bills online

Convenience

Paying energy bills online offers unmatched convenience, allowing you to pay from the comfort of your home or on-the-go. You can settle your payments whenever it suits you, without being restricted by office hours or long queues at payment counters.

Timesaving

Forget about writing cheques or going to the bank – paying your bills online takes just a few clicks. You can set up multiple payments in minutes, saving you time to focus on more important tasks.

Easy access to payment history

Most online payment platforms provide an easy-to-navigate interface where you can track all your past payments. This makes it much easier to manage your finances, claim deductions at tax time, or resolve any billing disputes.

Set up automatic payments

With online payments, you can set up automatic bill payments so that your electricity, internet, or other regular bills are paid automatically. This helps you avoid late fees and ensures you never forget to pay your bills.

Lower risk of missing payments

Paying energy bills online can help prevent missed payments since most platforms offer reminders or notifications before due dates. With automatic payments, you can completely eliminate the chance of missing a deadline.

Access to multiple payment methods

Online bill payment platforms allow you to choose from a variety of payment options, including credit or debit cards, direct debits, and digital wallets. This flexibility allows you to pick the method that works best for you.

Secure and reliable

Reputable online payment systems are highly secure and offer multiple layers of protection. This reduces the risk of fraud and provides peace of mind when paying your bills online.

Immediate confirmation

When paying your bills online, you typically receive immediate confirmation of your payment, eliminating any doubt about whether your payment was successful.

Paperless billing

Paying your bills online means you can opt for paperless billing. This helps reduce paper waste, which is an eco-friendlier choice. You'll also declutter your home as you no longer need to store paper bills.

Access to rewards and discounts

Many service providers offer discounts or incentives for online payments. Whether it's a discount for paying your energy bill or a reward for paying your phone bill online, digital payment options can often help you save money.

Most popular and secure online payment platforms in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of secure and reliable online payment platforms for paying energy bills. Some of the most popular platforms include:

BPAY

BPAY is one of Australia's most trusted and widely used payment platforms. It allows customers to pay energy bills securely through their bank's online or mobile banking app. BPAY is accepted by most Australian utilities, insurance companies, and service providers.

PayPal

PayPal is a globally recognised payment service that allows users to securely pay energy bills online. PayPal also offers features like one-click payments and the ability to store payment methods for future use, making it a convenient choice.

Direct Debit

Many Australians opt for direct debit payments, where funds are automatically transferred from your bank account to pay your bills. Direct debit is a simple and reliable way to manage your payments without the need for manual input.

Osko by BPAY

Osko is an instant payment platform powered by BPAY, allowing users to make fast, real-time payments between participating banks. With Osko, you can pay your bills instantly and ensure your payment reaches the recipient without delays.

Credit and debit card payments

Credit and debit card payments remain one of the most popular ways to pay energy bills online in Australia. Most major utility companies and service providers accept card payments through secure payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal.

Apple Pay/Google Pay

Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay offer a simple way to pay energy bills online. By linking your bank account or credit card to these platforms, you can make secure payments directly from your phone or smartwatch.

How to set up online bill payment for automatic payments in Australia

Setting up automatic bill payments for your electricity, water, or other bills in Australia is easy and helps you avoid missed payments. Here’s how to do it:

Log in to your online banking account

Start by logging into your online banking portal or mobile banking app. If you don’t have one, your bank can assist you in setting it up.

Find the automatic payment or bill pay section

In most online banking platforms, there is a section specifically dedicated to paying energy bills. Look for an option to set up recurring or automatic payments.

Enter your biller’s details

You’ll need the account details of the service provider you wish to pay, which are usually found on your bill (such as a BPAY biller code or credit card details). Some banks also offer biller directories that automatically fill in the details.

Set up payment frequency

Choose how often you want to pay (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) and specify the payment amount. You can also select whether to pay the full bill amount or a minimum payment.

Review and confirm your payment

Double-check the payment amount, biller details, and frequency. Once everything is correct, confirm your automatic payment.

Receive confirmation

After setting up the automatic payment, you’ll usually receive a confirmation notification from your bank or biller. You can also set up email or SMS reminders to keep track of upcoming payments.

Safety tips for ensuring your online payments are secure

To ensure your online bill payments are safe, follow these essential tips:

Use secure websites and platforms

Always make payments through reputable platforms with secure payment gateways. Look for the “https” in the web address and a padlock icon to confirm that the site is secure.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection. Enable 2FA on your online banking accounts and payment platforms to verify your identity before completing a transaction.

Use strong passwords

Create strong, unique passwords for your online payment accounts. Avoid using easily guessed passwords and consider using a password manager for added security.

Monitor your accounts regularly

Regularly check your bank statements and account activity to ensure there are no unauthorised payments or suspicious activity.

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks

Do not make online payments over public Wi-Fi networks, as they are more vulnerable to hacking. Use a secure, private connection or a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when making payments.

Connect with Compare Energy

Paying your bills online offers a wealth of benefits, from convenience and timesaving to added security and rewards. As we move further into 2025, more Australians are opting for online bill payment solutions due to the ease and flexibility they provide.

If you're ready to take the next step in managing your energy finances and want to iron out your options, speak to the team at Compare Energy on 1300 790 106. Our experts can help you compare payment plans and find the best options for managing your bills online