Call Pepco's automated system to pay by phone using your account number and a debit or credit card
Pepco's phone payment system lets you pay your electric or gas bill without logging into a website or visiting an office. You call a dedicated number, enter your account information, and complete the payment in a few minutes. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as debit cards.
Phone payments process immediately, so the payment shows on your account the same day. There is no fee for paying by phone with a debit or credit card. If you pay by electronic check (also called ACH or bank transfer), Pepco charges a fee — currently $1.25 — so card payment is usually the better choice unless you are paying from a bank account and want to avoid the card fee.
Key Takeaways
- Pepco's automated phone payment line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you do not need to speak to a representative.
- Have your Pepco account number ready before you call, along with the debit or credit card you want to use.
- Payments by card process the same day with no fee; payments by electronic check incur a $1.25 fee.
- If you are behind on your bill, you can still pay by phone, but contact Pepco directly if you need to discuss a payment plan.
The phone number and what to have ready
Call 1-877-737-3267 to reach Pepco's automated payment system. This number works for both electric and gas customers in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Delaware service areas. The system is available around the clock, including weekends and holidays.
Before you call, gather your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your card information. If you are paying someone else's bill, you will need their account number, not yours. The system will ask you to enter these details using your phone keypad, so having them written down makes the process faster.
Step-by-step: completing a phone payment
When you call, the automated system will ask you to enter your account number. Press the digits on your keypad as prompted. The system will then read back your account information and current balance to confirm you have reached the right account.
Next, you will choose how much to pay. You can pay your full balance, a partial amount, or a specific dollar figure. The system will ask you to confirm the payment amount before moving forward. Then select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or electronic check. If you choose a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. The system will process the payment and give you a confirmation number — write this down or note it for your records.
The entire call usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. You will receive a confirmation by phone at the end of the call, and the payment will appear on your account immediately. Pepco will also send a confirmation email if you have an email address on file.
When to use phone payment versus other methods
Phone payment works best if you do not have internet access, prefer not to create an online account, or need to pay outside business hours. It is also useful if you are paying a bill for someone else and do not have their login credentials.
If you pay regularly, setting up automatic payments through Pepco's website or app may save you time — you set it once and the payment happens on the date you choose each month. If you need to discuss a payment plan because you are behind, or if you have questions about your bill, you will need to speak to a representative by calling Pepco's customer service line during business hours (usually 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday). The automated payment line does not connect you to a person.
What happens if the payment does not go through
If your card is declined, the system will tell you immediately and will not charge you. Common reasons for decline include an incorrect card number, an expired card, or insufficient funds. Verify your card details and try again, or use a different card.
If you receive a confirmation number but the payment does not appear on your account within 24 hours, contact Pepco's customer service. Have your confirmation number ready — it proves you attempted the payment and helps Pepco track what happened. Do not assume the payment went through if you did not hear a confirmation; always check your account or your next bill to confirm.
Paying a past-due balance by phone
You can use the phone payment system to pay an overdue balance. The system will show you the total amount owed, including any late fees that have been added. You can pay the full amount or a partial payment.
If you cannot pay the full balance and need more time, you will need to speak to a Pepco representative to discuss a payment arrangement. The automated phone system does not have the ability to set up a plan. Call Pepco's customer service during business hours to explore options like a deferred payment plan or a budget billing arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how much I can pay by phone?
Pepco does not publish a specific maximum payment amount for phone payments. If you are trying to pay an unusually large amount and the system rejects it, try paying in two separate transactions or contact customer service to discuss other payment methods.
Can I pay someone else's Pepco bill by phone?
Yes. You will need their account number instead of yours. Enter it when the system asks, and the payment will be applied to their account. You will still use your own card to pay.
What if I do not have a debit or credit card?
The phone payment system accepts electronic check payments from a bank account, though Pepco charges a $1.25 fee for this method. You will need your bank account number and routing number. If you do not have a bank account, you can pay in person at a Pepco office, by mail, or through an authorized payment location.
Will Pepco charge me a fee for paying by phone with a card?
No. Card payments have no fee. Electronic check payments incur a $1.25 charge, which is deducted from your payment or added to your next bill depending on how you set it up.
How long does it take for a phone payment to show up on my account?
Card payments process immediately and appear on your account the same day. Electronic check payments may take one to two business days to clear. You will receive a confirmation number right away either way.