Make a payment Click to make a payment online

» Pay council tax, business rates, benefit overpayment, rent, or sundry debts (miscellaneous invoices)

» Parking payments for penalty notices issued for parking, bus lane and moving traffic violations

Frequently asked questions about online payments

New security for online payments

3 digit security code

Additional security checks are now required on all card payments. This is to reduce any possible fraudulent use of cards for on-line transactions. These checks mean you may now be asked 2 additional questions to confirm your payment:

  1. The entry of the three digit card security code on the signature strip on the back of the card (CV2 in the picture below). This code is mandatory
  2. For those cardholders who have signed up to Verisecure, the entry of an additional password for on-line transactions is required

Do I need to use any new software?

You may need to download a specific browser to use our online transactions service. This is a free download. The information you need is available below under the 'Is it Safe?' heading. You may not be able to use the online payments facility if you do not use the recommended software.

What can I pay for online?

You can pay for council tax, business rates, housing rents, housing benefit overpayments, and other council accounts (sundry debtors).

Is it safe?

Yes, it is safe. Your transaction will take place within a secure payment system. We use Secure Socket Layor (SSL) technology, a standard supported by major internet browsers. This means that all of your personal and card details are protected by 128 bit encryption (encoding) when transmitted over the Internet.

If you are in a public place, we strongly advise you to make sure that you are not overlooked when you enter your details, to prevent them being misused by somebody else.

128-bit encryption

Your browser must support 128-bit encryption for it to work securely. Some browsers that have 128-bit encryption are listed below. If your browser does not support this level of encryption, you can click on one of these browsers to upgrade your browser or select an alternative (please read our disclaimer first):

firefox icon   Firefox or Mozilla

 

Internet Explorer   Microsoft Internet Explorer (Windows) and Internet Explorer for Macintosh

Opera Browser   Opera

What if it doesn't work?

If you can't get into the payments page when you click on "Make a payment", this is probably because your browser doesn't support 128-bit encryption. You are therefore prevented from making a payment since anything less than 128-bit is not safe. In order to make the online payment, you may have to update your browser's encryption, or use another browser. This can be very easy to do and needn't you anything - details are given above.

When will my payment be processed?

Although you can make online payments at any time, your payment can only be credited to your account during the week. Payments taken over the weekend and on bank holidays will be credited to your account the next working day. All payments paid up to 3.45pm (15.45) on a normal working day will be credited to your account on the same day. All payments taken after that time will be processed the next working day.

Which cards do you accept?

Visa Mastercard and Maestro card Delta Visa Electron Switch Solo

You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Visa Delta, Electron, Switch, and Solo.

  • We accept debit cards for all online payments
  • Credit cards are only accepted for Sundry Debtors ("miscellaneous invoices"), Council Tax, Business Rates, Benefit Overpayments, and prepayments.
  • We regret we do not accept payments by American Express and Diners Club.

Can I have a receipt?

You will receive details of your payment on your screen after you make the payment. You can print this out as confirmation.

If you give your email address during the payment transaction, we will also send confirmation of your payment to that email address.

What if my card is refused?

Cards are not refused by Waltham Forest - they are refused by your bank. There are many reasons why this may happen and we suggest you contact your bank directly.

Why is Waltham Forest offering online payments?

Delivering council services electronically is part of the modernising government agenda, and making it possible to pay for services online forms part of our Access to Services Strategy.

Paying by Direct Debit

If you don't want to pay your bills using your debit or credit cards, you can always ease your mind by paying by Direct Debit:

Legal statement

The data that you provide during this transaction will only be used for the purpose of recording your payment. We shall abide by the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 and ensure that the data is used for no other purposes and is disclosed to no third party other than those involved in the banking transaction.

Contact us

Julie Coulson
Manager Waltham Forest Direct
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow  E17 5QJ

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk