You can pay a PECO bill as a guest without logging in or creating an account
PECO's guest payment option lets you pay your bill online in one visit without setting up a username and password. You'll need your bill in front of you — specifically the account number and the amount due — and a way to pay: debit card, credit card, or bank account. The process takes about five minutes and you get a confirmation number immediately.
This route works best if you pay occasionally or want to avoid managing another online account. If you pay regularly, creating an account saves you time because PECO remembers your information and can set up automatic payments. But if you're paying someone else's bill, paying from a different device, or just want to get it done without signing up, the guest option is faster.
Key Takeaways
- Guest payment requires your PECO account number and current bill amount, both printed on your bill.
- You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account information during the guest checkout.
- PECO's guest payment system generates a confirmation number you should save or write down for your records.
- Payment processing takes one to two business days; PECO will not show the payment as received until it clears.
- If you pay the same bill regularly, creating an account takes the same five minutes but saves time on future payments.
Where to find the guest payment page on PECO's website
Go to peco.com and look for a "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button — usually on the homepage or in the top navigation. Click it, and you'll see two options: "Log In" for account holders and "Pay as Guest" for one-time payments. Select "Pay as Guest."
You do not need to search for a special guest link or remember a separate URL. The guest payment option is built into PECO's main payment page, so you can reach it from anywhere on their site.
What information you need before you start
Have your PECO bill open in front of you. You'll need:
- Your PECO account number (a 7 or 8-digit number, usually at the top of the bill)
- The amount due (the total you owe, not just the charges for this month)
- Your zip code
You'll also need a payment method: a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card; a debit card; or your bank account number and routing number if you want to pay by electronic check. PECO does not charge a fee for debit or bank account payments, but credit card payments may include a processing fee — the system will show you the fee before you confirm.
Step-by-step: completing a guest payment
After you click "Pay as Guest," the form will ask for your account number and zip code. Enter both exactly as they appear on your bill. PECO uses these to pull up your account and confirm the amount due.
Next, you'll enter the payment amount. PECO will show you what you owe; you can pay that full amount or a partial payment if you prefer. Then choose your payment method — card or bank account — and enter those details. Review the total one more time, including any processing fee if you're using a credit card.
Click "Submit" or "Confirm Payment." PECO will generate a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You'll also receive a confirmation email if you provide an email address at checkout — optional, but useful to have in your records.
How long it takes for the payment to show up
PECO processes guest payments during business hours, Monday through Friday. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a weekday, it usually posts within one business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day.
Even after PECO receives the payment, it may take another day to appear in your account online or on your next bill. If you're paying to avoid a late fee or disconnection, call PECO at 1-800-494-4000 and give them your confirmation number — they can note on your account that payment is in transit.
What to do if the guest payment doesn't go through
If your payment is declined, PECO will tell you why on the screen — usually an incorrect account number, a mismatch between your zip code and the account, or a problem with your card or bank account. Check your bill again and make sure the account number and zip code match exactly.
If your card or bank account was declined, contact your bank or card issuer to ask why. Sometimes a bank blocks online payments to utilities if it looks unusual, or your account may not have enough funds. Once you've fixed the issue with your bank, return to PECO's guest payment page and try again.
If you keep running into problems, you can pay by phone instead. Call PECO at 1-800-494-4000 and a representative can take your payment over the phone using the same card or bank account information.
When to create an account instead of paying as a guest
Creating a PECO account takes about the same amount of time as a guest payment, but it saves you time on every payment after that. An account lets you set up automatic payments so you never have to think about it, view your bill history, see your usage trends, and get alerts when your bill is ready.
If you pay PECO more than once or twice a year, an account usually makes sense. You can create one during the guest payment process — PECO will offer the option after you've paid — or go to peco.com and select "Create Account" from the login page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's PECO bill as a guest?
Yes. You'll need their account number and the amount due, both on their bill. You don't need their name or permission to pay as a guest, though it's good practice to let them know you're paying. The payment will be credited to their account.
Does PECO charge a fee for guest payments?
No fee for debit card or bank account payments. Credit card payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which PECO shows you before you confirm. You can choose to pay with a different method to avoid the fee.
What if I need a receipt after I pay?
PECO gives you a confirmation number on screen immediately after payment. Save or screenshot it. You'll also get a confirmation email if you provided one at checkout. If you need a formal receipt later, log into a PECO account or call 1-800-494-4000 with your confirmation number.
Can I schedule a guest payment for a future date?
No, guest payments process immediately. If you want to schedule a payment in advance, you'll need to create a PECO account and set up automatic payments or use the scheduled payment feature in your account.
What happens if I pay the wrong account by mistake?
Contact PECO right away at 1-800-494-4000 with your confirmation number. They can usually redirect the payment to the correct account or issue a refund, but it's faster if you call within a few hours of paying.