Guest pay lets you send a one-time payment without creating an account
Most gas utilities offer a guest pay option that lets you make a single payment using just your account number and a few other details — no username, password, or account creation required. You find this option on the utility's website, usually labeled "Pay as Guest," "One-Time Payment," or "Guest Payment." The process takes about five minutes and works whether you're paying on a computer or phone.
Guest pay is useful if you've never set up an online account, lost your login information, or simply don't want to store payment details with the utility. The payment goes through the same secure system as logged-in payments, so the money reaches your account the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Guest pay requires your account number, service address, and payment amount — not a username or password.
- You can pay by bank account (ACH transfer), debit card, or credit card, though some utilities charge a fee for card payments.
- The payment usually posts to your account within one to three business days.
- Guest pay works for one payment at a time; you cannot set up automatic recurring payments without creating an account.
- If you pay regularly, creating a free account takes the same five minutes and lets you set up autopay or view your bill history.
What information you need to pay as a guest
Before you start, gather your gas bill or account details. You will need your account number (printed on your bill), your service address (the address where gas is delivered), and the amount you want to pay. Some utilities also ask for your zip code or the last four digits of a phone number on file to verify your identity.
If you do not have your bill handy, you can usually find your account number on a recent statement, in an email from the utility, or by calling customer service. Having this information ready before you start the payment process speeds things up.
How to find the guest pay option on your utility's website
Go to your gas utility's main website and look for a link labeled "Pay My Bill," "Make a Payment," or "Billing." On most utility sites, this link appears in the top navigation or footer. Click it, and you should see two options: one for customers who are logged in and one for guests or one-time payers.
If you cannot find a guest pay button, look for language like "Pay Without Logging In" or "One-Time Payment." Some utilities hide this option under a "Billing FAQs" or "Payment Methods" page. If the website only shows a login screen, call the utility's customer service line — they can process a phone payment or direct you to the correct web page.
Payment methods and fees for guest payments
Most utilities let you pay by bank account (ACH), debit card, or credit card when paying as a guest. Bank account payments are usually free and take one to three business days to post. Debit card payments are also typically free but may post the same day or next business day.
Credit card payments often carry a fee — this varies by utility but commonly ranges from 2 to 3 percent of your payment amount or a flat fee of a few dollars. The website shows you the fee before you confirm, so you can decide whether to use a different payment method. If the fee seems high, paying by bank account or debit card costs nothing.
How long it takes for your payment to reach your account
Bank account payments typically post within one to three business days. Debit card payments may post the same day or within one business day. Credit card payments usually take two to three business days. "Business days" means Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, so a payment made on Friday afternoon might not post until Tuesday.
Once the payment posts, the utility updates your account balance and stops sending past-due notices if you were behind. If you need the payment to post faster, call customer service to ask whether they can process a phone payment immediately or accept a payment over the phone using a debit card.
When to create an account instead of paying as a guest
If you pay your gas bill more than once or twice a year, creating a free online account takes about the same time as a guest payment but gives you more options. With an account, you can set up autopay so the utility withdraws money automatically each month, view your bill history and usage, get email reminders before the due date, and report outages or problems online.
Creating an account requires a username, password, and email address — that is all. You do not have to provide a credit card or authorize anything upfront. Once your account is set up, you can still make one-time payments whenever you want, and you can turn autopay on or off anytime.
What to do if guest pay is not working
If the website will not accept your payment or shows an error message, first check that you entered your account number and service address exactly as they appear on your bill — even small typos can cause the system to reject the payment. If the information is correct, try a different payment method (for example, switch from credit card to bank account).
If the problem continues, call the utility's customer service line. They can verify your account details, process the payment over the phone, or tell you whether there is a temporary issue with the website. Keep your bill handy when you call so you can provide your account number quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up autopay without creating an account?
No. Autopay requires an account so the utility can store your payment method and schedule recurring charges. You can create a free account in a few minutes, then set up autopay from your account dashboard. You can cancel autopay anytime.
What happens if I pay as a guest and then create an account later?
Your guest payment and your new account are separate until you link them. When you create an account, use the same service address and account number. The utility will recognize the connection, and your payment history will appear in your account. If there is any confusion, customer service can merge them for you.
Is paying as a guest less secure than logging in?
No. Guest payments use the same encryption and security as logged-in payments. The utility verifies your identity using your account number and service address before processing the payment. Your payment information is protected either way.
Can I get a receipt for a guest payment?
Yes. Most utilities email a receipt to the address you provide during checkout, or they let you print a receipt immediately after the payment is confirmed. Keep this receipt until the payment posts to your account, usually within three business days.
What if I need to pay a bill that is several months overdue?
Guest pay works for overdue balances the same way it works for current bills — you enter the amount owed and the payment posts to your account. If the utility has added late fees or is threatening disconnection, call customer service before paying online. They may have options like a payment plan or a way to stop a disconnection notice if you pay immediately.