Key Takeaways
- Guest payment on PECO's website requires only your account number and ZIP code — no username or password needed.
- You can pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer, and PECO charges a fee for credit card payments but not for debit or ACH transfers.
- Guest payments process immediately for debit and credit cards, but bank account transfers may take one to two business days to clear.
- If you do not have the account number, you can find it on a printed bill or call PECO customer service at 1-800-494-4000.
Steps to Pay as a Guest on PECO's Website
Go to the PECO website and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually located near the top of the homepage. Click it and select the option for guest or one-time payment — the exact wording varies, but it will be clearly separate from the login area.
Enter your PECO account number and the ZIP code associated with the account. Your account number appears on your bill in the upper right corner or on any payment stub. The ZIP code must match the service address on file, not necessarily where you live if you are paying for someone else.
Review the account details that appear — the system will show the customer name and service address so you can confirm you are paying the correct bill. Then enter the payment amount. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a specific dollar figure.
Choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account (ACH transfer). Enter the relevant card or bank details and confirm the payment. You will receive a confirmation number immediately, which you should save or screenshot for your records.
Payment Methods and Fees
PECO accepts debit cards and credit cards for guest payments, but the fee structure differs. Debit card payments have no fee, while credit card payments incur a processing fee that PECO calculates based on the payment amount — typically 2 to 3 percent. The fee is added to your total charge.
Bank account transfers (ACH) also carry no fee and are the cheapest option if you have time. These transfers take one to two business days to post to the account, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to complete an ACH payment.
If you want to avoid fees entirely, debit card or ACH transfer are your best choices. Credit card payments are useful if you need to pay immediately and want to earn rewards, but factor in the processing cost when deciding whether it is worth it.
What Happens After You Pay as a Guest
You will see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Write this down or take a screenshot — it serves as your receipt and proof of payment. PECO will send a confirmation email to the address you provide during payment, though this may take a few minutes to arrive.
For debit and credit card payments, the money leaves your account immediately and posts to the PECO bill within one business day. For ACH transfers, expect one to two business days for the payment to appear on the account. During this time, the payment is in transit and cannot be cancelled, so make sure the amount is correct before you confirm.
If you are paying a bill that is already past due, the payment will reduce the balance and stop late fees from accruing further — but it will not erase fees already charged. Contact PECO directly if you want to discuss waiving late fees due to hardship.
Finding Your Account Number if You Do Not Have It
Your PECO account number appears on any bill you have received. Look in the upper right corner of the first page — it is usually a nine-digit number. If you have a printed bill, this is the fastest way to find it.
If you do not have a bill, call PECO customer service at 1-800-494-4000. Have the service address and the name on the account ready. A representative can provide the account number over the phone in a few minutes. You can also visit a PECO payment center in person if one is near you, though calling is faster.
If you are paying for a family member or tenant and do not know their account number, ask them directly or check if they have forwarded you a bill. Paying without the correct account number will not work — the system will reject the payment if the number and ZIP code do not match an active account.
When Guest Payment Does Not Work
Guest payment may fail if the account number or ZIP code is incorrect. Double-check both before trying again. If you are certain both are right and the payment still will not go through, the account may be flagged in the system — this sometimes happens if there is a dispute or a security hold.
If the account is in a third party's name and you are not the account holder, PECO may require you to create a login or provide written authorization to pay. Call 1-800-494-4000 to ask whether the account has restrictions on guest payments.
For very large payments or payments on accounts with past-due balances, PECO may route you to a phone representative instead of allowing online guest payment. This is a security measure. The representative can process the payment over the phone and may discuss payment plans if the bill is very high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's PECO bill as a guest?
Yes. You need only their account number and the ZIP code on their account. You do not need their permission to pay their bill online, though it is courteous to let them know. The payment will post to their account regardless of whose card you use.
How long does a guest payment take to show up on the bill?
Debit and credit card payments post within one business day. ACH bank transfers take one to two business days. During this time, the payment is processing and will not yet appear in the account balance online, but it is locked in and cannot be reversed.
Will I get a receipt for a guest payment?
Yes. You will see a confirmation number on screen immediately after payment, and PECO will email a receipt to the address you provide. Save the confirmation number in case you need to reference the payment later or dispute a charge.
What if I pay too much by accident?
If you overpay, the extra amount becomes a credit on the account. The account holder can use it toward future bills, or PECO can refund it. Contact PECO at 1-800-494-4000 to request a refund if the overpayment was significant.
Can I set up automatic payments as a guest?
No. Automatic recurring payments require you to create a login account. Guest payment is for one-time transactions only. If you want to pay the same bill regularly, you will need to create an account or call PECO to set up autopay by phone.