Avoid 3rd-party delays, fees when paying

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) wants members to be aware of possible drawbacks to using third-party payment services. All payment methods offered by the co-op include no additional charge; however, many third-party payment services charge users a fee.

Also, some third-party payment services mail NAEC a check for the electric bill once users pay them rather than using a direct payment method. Depending on when the payment is processed, this could lead to the co-op not receiving payments by the due date of the 14th. Even electronic payments from banks, credit unions and other services can take up to 24 hours to post to an account.

NAEC offers several payment options. The most convenient is automatic bank draft. Enrolling in this free service ensures the bill is paid on time each month and eliminates the cost of a stamp, a lobby visit or a trip through the drive-thru lane.

Automatic bank draft is an electronic transfer from a member’s checking or savings account to NAEC’s each month. The member will continue to receive an itemized statement of the bill unless he or she prefers E-Bill notifications only. On the 14th of each month (or the next business day if the 14th falls on a weekend), the amount of the bill will be deducted from the account.

To enroll in automatic bank draft, please call NAEC at (870) 895-3221 during regular business hours, visit an NAEC office or sign up through the Member Account Portal at naeci.com or the NAEC app.

Other NAEC payment methods include:

• Member Account Portal — Visit naeci.com, click “Account Login,” and enter user ID or account number and password. If using for the first time, please click “New User” to get started. The system accepts payments from a checking or savings account and a debit or credit card. Members without a user ID and password can use “Quick Pay.”

• NAEC Mobile App — Log in to an account. The app accepts payments from a checking or savings account and a debit or credit card. The account number/user ID and password are the same as those used to access the Member Account Portal.

• Phone — Call (870) 895-3221 to make a payment with a Member Services employee during business hours or any time through our automated system.

• NAEC offices — Visit the Ash Flat, Salem or Mountain Home offices. The Salem and Mountain Home offices, including the drive-thru, are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The Ash Flat office is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Night deposit boxes are available at each office; please do not use cash.

• Mail — Send check or money order in the return envelope enclosed with statement.