Key Takeaways
- PGW's guest payment option lets you pay a single bill without signing in, using only your account number and the amount due.
- You can find your account number on the front of your paper bill or in any PGW email about your account.
- Guest payments accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, though each method may charge a different fee.
- Guest payments process immediately for cards but may take one to two business days for bank transfers to show on your account.
- If you pay the same way regularly, creating an account takes five minutes and saves you from entering payment details each time.
Where to Find the Guest Payment Option
Go to pgw.com and look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" on the homepage. This link should appear near the top of the page. Click it, and you'll see two options: sign in to your account, or continue as a guest. Select the guest option.
You do not need to enter an email address or create anything to proceed. The system will ask for your account number and the payment amount, then move you to the payment method screen.
What Information You'll Need to Provide
Have your PGW bill in front of you. Your account number is printed on the front, usually near the top left or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Service Account." It's typically a 7 to 10-digit number.
You'll also need to know the amount you want to pay. This can be the full balance due, a partial payment, or any amount you choose. PGW accepts payments of any size as a guest — there's no minimum.
Finally, have a payment method ready: a credit card, debit card, or bank account information. You'll enter these details on the next screen after you provide your account number.
Payment Methods and Fees
PGW accepts three ways to pay as a guest. Credit and debit cards process immediately and show on your account right away, but PGW charges a convenience fee for card payments. The fee amount varies and is shown to you before you confirm the payment, so you'll know the total cost before your card is charged.
Bank transfers (also called ACH or electronic check) have no convenience fee, but they take one to two business days to process. You'll enter your bank's routing number and your account number. This method is slower but costs nothing extra.
PGW also accepts payments by phone or mail, though these routes require you to speak with someone or wait for postal delivery. The guest online option is fastest if you need to pay today.
What Happens After You Submit Payment
Once you confirm your payment, you'll see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — it's your proof of payment. PGW will also send a confirmation email to the address you provide (you'll be asked for an email before the payment goes through).
For card payments, the charge appears on your statement within one business day. For bank transfers, allow one to two business days for the money to leave your account and another day or two to show as paid on your PGW bill.
If you don't receive a confirmation email within a few hours, check your spam folder. If it's not there, contact PGW at 215-235-1212 with your confirmation number and they can verify the payment was received.
When Guest Payment Won't Work
Guest payment works for most accounts, but a few situations may block it. If your account is flagged for fraud, in collections, or has a past-due balance older than a certain threshold, PGW may require you to sign in or call to pay. The system will tell you this when you try to proceed as a guest.
If you see a message saying you must sign in, you have two options: create an account (which takes about five minutes) or call PGW's payment line at 215-235-1212 to pay over the phone with a representative.
Creating an Account If You Pay Regularly
If you plan to pay your PGW bill more than once or twice, creating an account is worth the small effort. You'll set up a username and password, then you can save your payment methods so you don't have to enter card or bank details every time.
Go to pgw.com, select "Create Account," and follow the prompts. You'll need your account number, a valid email, and a phone number. The whole process takes about five minutes. Once you're signed in, you can set up automatic payments if you want PGW to charge you on the same day each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's PGW bill as a guest?
Yes, as long as you have their account number. The guest payment system doesn't verify who owns the account, only that the account number is valid. Enter their account number and pay the amount you want. They'll see the payment posted to their bill.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The payment will go to whatever account number you entered. If you realize the mistake before you hit confirm, go back and correct it. If you've already submitted it, call PGW at 215-235-1212 with your confirmation number and they can help you redirect the payment or issue a refund.
Does paying as a guest affect my account in any way?
No. Guest payments and account payments are treated the same way once they're processed. The payment shows on your bill and counts toward what you owe, whether you signed in or not. There's no penalty or difference in how the payment is recorded.
Can I set up automatic payments without creating an account?
No. Automatic payments require you to sign in and save your payment method to your account. You'll need to create an account to set up recurring monthly payments. One-time guest payments are manual each time.
Is the guest payment option safe?
PGW's website uses standard encryption to protect your payment information. Your card or bank details are processed through a secure payment gateway, the same way online shopping works. Don't share your confirmation number with others, but the payment process itself is secure.