If you live in Japan, you probably receive a monthly electricity bill from TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company). But how to pay it isn’t always clear—especially if everything is written in Japanese.
Many people end up paying at a convenience store with cash because it seems like the only option. But did you know you can pay your bill online in just a few minutes?
This guide explains how to pay your TEPCO electricity bill online—including options for those without a Japanese credit card.
1. Check How You Receive Your TEPCO Bill
2. How to Pay Your TEPCO Bill Online Using an SMS Payment Link
3. Can You Switch to SMS Billing?
4. How to Pay Online Using a Paper Invoice
5. Paying TEPCO Online Without a Japanese Credit Card
Check How You Receive Your TEPCO Bill
TEPCO sends bills in two main ways:
Paper Invoice
・Delivered by mail
・Includes a barcode at the bottom
・Usually paid in cash at a convenience store—but you can scan the barcode and pay online using an app
SMS Payment Link
・Delivered via text message
・Contains a direct link to pay online
・Offers more payment options
If you’re already receiving the SMS link, you’re ready to pay online right away.
How to Pay Your TEPCO Bill Online Using an SMS Payment Link
If you receive a payment link via SMS, here’s how to pay online in just a few steps:
Step 1. Tap the SMS link from TEPCO
The SMS comes from TEPCO and contains a secure link to their payment site:
https://www.payment.tepco.co.jp/XXXXX
(Note: The last 5 characters are unique to your account)
Step 2: Selecting Your Payment Method
You can choose from several options:
・Japanese mobile payment apps (PayPay, au PAY, d-Barai, Merpay)
・Credit card
・Convenience store payment
No problem—MobalPay is a prepaid Mastercard that works for online payments in Japan.
Top it up at a convenience store, then use it for multiple bills and purchases.
To pay with MobalPay, just choose “Credit Card” and enter your card details.
Step 3: Reviewing Your Information
Check that the billing amount and payment details are correct.
Step 4: Confirming Your Payment
Click to confirm—your bill is now paid!
Step 5: Receiving Confirmation
The moment your transaction is successfully processed, you’ll receive a confirmation message. This is the assurance that your TEPCO electricity bill has been paid.
Can You Switch to SMS Billing?
Yes, if you currently receive paper bills, you can apply to switch to SMS billing.
However, the process is only available in Japanese, so it may be challenging if you’re not confident in the language.
You can apply via:
・Online chat
・LINE messaging
・Phone call
How to Pay Online Using a Paper Invoice
Even if you stick with paper bills, you may still be able to pay online.
Most paper TEPCO bills have a barcode at the bottom. You can scan this using a mobile payment app:
Popular options include:
・PayPay
・au PAY
・Rakuten Pay
・d-Barai
How It Works:
1. Open your preferred payment app
2. Scan the barcode on your paper bill
3. Pay using your app balance
Paying TEPCO Online Without a Japanese Credit Card
If you’re living in Japan without a local credit card or bank account, MobalPay is a simple and reliable solution.
It’s a prepaid Mastercard designed for foreign residents in Japan—and it works perfectly for TEPCO payments.
Why MobalPay Makes Life Easier:
Accepted on TEPCO’s online payment system
No need for a Japanese credit card or credit history
You can top up your balance in convenience stores
Just top up once, and use it for all your bills—no need to go to the store every month
MobalPay helps you go fully online and cash-free.