You can pay a PECO bill over the phone without logging in or creating an account by calling their automated payment line or speaking to a representative
PECO's guest payment option lets you pay someone else's bill or your own bill without setting up a customer account. You call a dedicated phone number, provide the account information, and complete the payment in one call. The process takes about five to ten minutes and works for one-time payments only — if you need to set up recurring payments or manage the account long-term, you would need to create a login.
This method is useful if you are paying a family member's bill, helping with a roommate's utilities, or simply prefer not to store payment information online. PECO processes phone payments the same day you make them during business hours, though the money may take one to two business days to show on the bill.
Key Takeaways
- Call PECO's automated payment line at 1-800-494-4000 to pay as a guest without creating an account.
- Have the account number and the amount you want to pay ready before you call.
- PECO accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account payments over the phone.
- Payments made during business hours post the same day; weekend or after-hours payments post the next business day.
- You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call — save it in case you need to verify the payment later.
What information you need to have ready
Before you call, gather the PECO account number for the bill you are paying. This appears on the paper bill or in an online account if you have access. If you do not have the account number, you can provide the service address instead — the street address where the electricity is used — and PECO can look up the account that way.
You will also need the payment amount. You can pay the full bill, a partial amount, or any sum between the minimum and the total due. Have your debit card, credit card, or bank account information ready, depending on which payment method you choose. If paying from a bank account, you will need the routing number and account number.
The phone payment process step by step
Call 1-800-494-4000 to reach PECO's automated payment system. The system will ask you to enter the account number or service address using your phone keypad. Once the account is found, the system will read back the current balance and ask how much you want to pay.
Enter the payment amount and select your payment method. For a card payment, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV when prompted. For a bank account payment, enter the routing number and account number. The system will confirm the amount and payment method before processing.
After you confirm, the system will generate a confirmation number. Write this down or take a photo of your screen — you will need it if you ever need to dispute the payment or verify it went through. The call ends once the confirmation number is provided, and the payment is submitted to PECO.
Payment methods PECO accepts by phone
PECO accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express over the phone. Debit cards that carry one of these logos work the same way as credit cards. There is no surcharge for paying with a card as a guest, though your card issuer may charge a cash advance fee if your card treats utility payments as cash advances — check with your bank if you are unsure.
You can also pay directly from a checking or savings account. PECO will ask for your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of a check) and your account number (the longer number to the right of the routing number). Bank account payments typically cost less than card payments and post within one to two business days.
When the payment posts and how long it takes
Payments made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time post to the account the same day. Payments made outside these hours or on weekends post the next business day. PECO's system processes the payment immediately, but it may take one to two additional business days for the money to move from your bank or card to PECO.
If you are paying to avoid a late fee or service disconnection, call during business hours to ensure same-day posting. If the bill is due the next day and you cannot call during business hours, the payment will still reach PECO in time in most cases, but contact PECO directly if you are at risk of disconnection to confirm.
What to do if you need to speak to a representative
If the automated system does not recognize the account, if you have questions about the bill, or if you prefer to speak to a person, stay on the line after the automated greeting and press the option to speak to a representative. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
A representative can take your payment over the phone, answer questions about charges on the bill, and help if you are having trouble with the automated system. They can also discuss payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount right now. The wait time varies depending on call volume, but representatives typically pick up within five to fifteen minutes.
Differences between guest payment and creating an account
Guest payment is a one-time transaction with no login or stored information. You call, pay, and hang up. Creating a PECO account online or by phone lets you view your bill anytime, set up automatic payments, receive email alerts, and manage the account if you are the account holder or an authorized user.
If you are paying someone else's bill regularly, creating an account as an authorized user may be more convenient than calling each time. The account holder can add you as an authorized user through their online account, which gives you access to view and pay the bill without needing the password. For a one-time payment or occasional help, guest payment is simpler and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's PECO bill as a guest?
Yes. You need the account number or service address, and you can pay any amount toward the bill. The payment goes to the account, not to a specific person, so the account holder will see the payment applied to their bill.
What if I do not have the account number?
Provide the service address — the street address where the electricity is used — and PECO's system will look up the account. Have the address ready when you call.
Is there a fee for paying by phone as a guest?
No fee from PECO. Card payments may incur a fee from your card issuer if they treat utility payments as cash advances. Bank account payments have no additional cost.
Can I set up automatic payments as a guest?
No. Automatic payments require an account login. Guest payment is for one-time transactions only. If you want recurring payments, you would need to create an account or ask the account holder to set up autopay.
What is the confirmation number for?
The confirmation number proves you made the payment and when. Save it in case the payment does not appear on the bill within two business days or if you need to dispute the transaction with your bank or card company.