Pay your rates

Payble is the digital platform that allows Hamilton City Council ratepayers to make payments and set up flexible payment schedules. All payment and personal information are stored safely and meet the highest requirements for data security.

No, you don’t need to cancel your current direct debit payment. When you set up a payment plan (autopay or flexible) on our new platform, we’ll update your preferences on our end and cancel your current direct debit plan . This may take up to 24 hours, so make sure you swap over with enough time to avoid double payments. If you decide to make a one-off payment instead, remember to adjust any payment amounts currently set up. Contact rates@hcc.govt.nz if you have any questions.

A transaction fee of 1% will apply to all credit card and debit card payments. Council incurs merchant fees whenever a credit card or debit card is used for an online transaction. We do our best to ensure we can make the fee as low as possible.

Council doesn't charge extra fees if you want to pay by direct debit (using your bank account) on our new payment platform, but some banks may charge a set up fee.

Yes, you can. If your bank account specifically requires more than one person to authorise any payments, then you will need to complete a Rates Direct Debit Authority form and return it to us. This is part of our bank's requirements. Ensure the form is signed by the nominated authorisers, include the mobile number for the person acting on your behalf, and we will set up your payment plan, and send you confirmation to let you know when it's done. 

No, you can still pay in person or by bank transfer. This new payment option makes paying rates easier to manage and provides more flexible options, so we encourage you to use this way of payment. If you are on an existing direct debit plan, you don't have to switch over but there’s a lot more benefits if you choose to. 

Changing a payment method is quick and easy. Once you have set up your payment, click your account icon and view existing payment plans. You can add a new bank account debit or credit card to your profile. Click on your existing plan, cancel the bank account or card the current plan is linked to and set up a new plan on your preferred payment method. 

You can have multiple properties under one account. Multiple properties can be linked to your mobile phone number. You can add as many properties as you need. 

Yes, you can turn off non-critical text notifications. On the homepage of the payment platform, select ‘options’ then ‘manage notifications’ and make any adjustments.

Yes. If you have set up a flexible payment schedule, you can skip a payment. Click on your payment plan and select “Skip next payment” from the option menu. That one payment will then be split across the remaining payments for the rest of the instalment. You cannot skip payments if you have chosen the “Autopay” payment type. If you have registered for Autopay, you automatically pay the total amount due on the due date.  

Scheduled payments can be skipped twice on a flexible payment plan. The skipped payment amount is then spread across the remaining plan payments. You can’t skip the final payment of a flexible payment plan. It is important to know that if your payment schedule is cancelled because of continued failed payments, then rates penalties may apply. 

Yes, you can make additional payments. Depending on your type of payment plan, future scheduled payments can be adjusted.

We'll notify you by text if your direct debit or credit card payment was not successful. If the payment was part of a recurrent payment schedule, we’ll reattempt to process payment after two days, and we will text you when this occurs. You can also update your payment methods or skip this payment by logging into your account.

Yes, you should cancel your payment plan for that property through your Payble account. Please don’t cancel directly with your bank as this will cancel all and future direct debits you might have with Council. If you forget to do cancel your plan, you will receive a text once Council is notified of the ownership change.  

When you sign up and create a payment plan for your household, we’ll check if you meet the criteria to have your penalty reversed. If you do, we’ll process the reversal, and it’ll show on your account. You don’t have to contact us separately. You’ll then receive a text if there are changes to your plan payment amounts.