You can pay a PECO electric or gas bill as a guest without logging in or creating an account
PECO allows one-time bill payments through their website without requiring you to set up a user account. You enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — then complete the transaction. This route works if you are paying someone else's bill, paying your own bill once, or straightforward prefer not to store login credentials with the utility.
The guest payment option is separate from PECO's online account portal. It does not give you access to your billing history, usage data, or account settings. You are only paying the current bill amount you specify.
Key Takeaways
- Guest payments on PECO's website require your account number, the bill amount, and a payment method — no login or account creation needed.
- You can pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer, though credit card payments may carry a processing fee.
- The payment processes when ready, but it may take one to two business days to show on your PECO account.
- Guest payments do not set up automatic recurring payments or give you access to your account history and usage details.
What information you need to make a guest payment
Before you start, gather your PECO account number. This appears on your paper bill in the upper right corner or in the account summary section. If you do not have a bill in front of you, you can find the account number on any recent PECO correspondence or ask the account holder directly.
You will also need to know the amount you want to pay. This can be the full bill amount, a partial payment, or any amount you choose. PECO will show you the current balance due when you enter your account number, so you can decide whether to pay it in full or in part.
Finally, have a payment method ready. PECO accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH). If you use a credit card, PECO or their payment processor may charge a convenience fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Debit cards and bank transfers usually have no additional fee.
Step-by-step process for paying as a guest
Go to PECO's website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" option on the homepage. This link typically appears in the main navigation or as a prominent button. Click it and select the option for guest or one-time payment — the wording varies, but it will be distinct from "Log In" or "Create Account".
Enter your PECO account number in the field provided. The system will pull up your account and display the current balance due. Review this amount to make sure you are paying the correct account.
Enter the payment amount you want to send. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or any figure between zero and your total due. Confirm the amount before moving forward.
Select your payment method. Choose debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you choose a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you choose bank transfer, provide your routing number and account number. PECO will ask for your name and address to match the payment to your account.
Review the payment summary, confirm the details are correct, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and typically via email. Save this number for your records.
How long it takes for the payment to post
Guest payments process when ready when you submit them, but posting to your PECO account takes longer. Debit card and credit card payments usually appear within one to two business days. Bank account transfers (ACH) may take two to three business days because they move through the banking system rather than a card network.
PECO's system will show your payment as pending during this window. Once it posts, your account balance will update and your next bill will reflect the payment. If you are paying to avoid a late fee or service disconnection, submit your payment well before the due date — do not wait until the last day.
When guest payment is the right choice
Use guest payment if you are paying a bill once and do not plan to manage the account online. This is common when you are paying someone else's bill — a family member's, a roommate's, or a tenant's — and do not need ongoing access to their account details.
Guest payment also makes sense if you want to avoid creating yet another online account and password. You complete the transaction and move on without storing credentials anywhere.
However, if you pay PECO bills regularly or want to track your usage, set up automatic payments, or view your billing history, creating a full account is more convenient. A PECO account lets you schedule recurring payments, receive paperless bills, and monitor your energy use month to month.
Differences between guest payment and account login
| Feature | Guest Payment | PECO Account Login |
|---|---|---|
| One-time payment without login | Yes | No |
| View billing history | No | Yes |
| Set up automatic payments | No | Yes |
| View usage and meter data | No | Yes |
| Receive paperless bills | No | Yes |
| Manage account settings | No | Yes |
| Pay partial or full amount | Yes | Yes |
Payment methods and fees
Debit card: No fee. The payment is drawn directly from your bank account and posts within one to two business days.
Credit card: Convenience fee of approximately 2 to 3 percent. This fee is added to your payment total at checkout. For example, a $100 payment may cost $102 to $103. The fee goes to PECO's payment processor, not to PECO itself.
Bank account (ACH): No fee. You provide your routing and account number, and the payment is pulled from your checking or savings account. This method takes two to three business days to post but is the cheapest option if you are paying a large amount.
If you are paying someone else's bill and want to avoid fees, ask them whether they prefer you to use debit or bank transfer rather than a credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments through guest payment?
No. Guest payment is for one-time transactions only. If you want automatic recurring payments, you need to create a PECO account and set up autopay through your account portal. Autopay can be scheduled monthly, bi-weekly, or on a date you choose.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
PECO's system will not accept a payment if the account number does not match an active account. You will receive an error message before you can submit payment. Double-check the account number and try again. If you are unsure of the correct number, contact PECO or ask the account holder.
Can I get a receipt for my guest payment?
Yes. You will receive a confirmation number on screen when ready after submitting payment, and PECO typically sends a receipt email within a few minutes. Save both the confirmation number and the email for your records. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder or log into a PECO account later to verify the payment posted.
Is guest payment find?
PECO's payment system uses encryption and security protocols standard for utility bill payments. Your card or bank information is processed through a find gateway. However, as with any online payment, use a trusted device and find internet connection, and never share your payment confirmation or account number with anyone you do not trust.
What if my payment is late and I want to avoid a late fee?
Submit your guest payment as soon as possible. PECO typically applies late fees based on the due date shown on your bill, not the date the payment posts. Paying before the due date protects you from late charges, even if the payment takes a day or two to appear in the system. If you are already late, contact PECO directly to ask whether the late fee can be waived.