Key Takeaways
- Guest payment on ComEd's website requires your account number (found on your bill) and the ZIP code associated with your service address.
- You can pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer, and payment typically posts within one business day.
- Guest payments do not create an account or save your information for future use — you'll need to enter your details again next time.
- If you pay by phone as a guest, ComEd charges a fee; online guest payment has no fee.
- Guest payment does not set up autopay or paperless billing, so you'll continue to receive paper bills unless you create an account.
Paying Online as a Guest
Go to ComEd.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. Click it and select the option for guest or one-time payment (the exact wording varies, but it will be separate from "Log In"). You will be asked to enter your account number and the ZIP code of your service address.
Your account number appears on the front of your ComEd bill, typically in the upper right corner. It is a nine-digit number that starts with a digit, not a letter. If you do not have your bill, you can still look up your account online by entering your service address and name, though this step may take longer.
Once you've entered your account details, the system will display your current balance and allow you to choose a payment amount. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a specific dollar figure. Select your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and enter the required information. ComEd does not charge a fee for online guest payments.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. The payment typically posts to your account within one business day, though it may take longer if you pay late in the evening or on a weekend.
Paying by Phone as a Guest
You can also pay by phone without creating an account. Call ComEd's automated payment line at 1-800-334-7661. Follow the prompts to enter your account number and service ZIP code, then select your payment amount and method.
Phone payments require the same information as online payments, but ComEd charges a fee for this service — currently $2.50 for automated phone payments. You will be told the fee amount before you confirm the payment. Like online payments, phone payments typically post within one business day.
What Information You'll Need
Before you start, gather your ComEd bill or have the following ready:
- Your nine-digit account number (on your bill)
- The ZIP code of your service address
- Your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account routing and account numbers
If you're paying by bank account, have your routing number and account number from a check or your bank's website. If you're paying by card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back).
The Difference Between Guest Payment and Creating an Account
A guest payment is a one-time transaction. ComEd does not save your information, create a login, or link the payment to a user profile. The next time you pay, you'll enter your account number and ZIP code again from scratch.
If you create a ComEd online account, you can set up autopay so your bill is paid automatically each month, view your usage history, receive paperless bills, and manage your account from one place. You'll also avoid re-entering your account number every time you pay. Creating an account takes a few minutes and requires an email address and password.
Guest payment makes sense if you pay only occasionally, do not want to create another online account, or prefer not to store payment information with ComEd. If you pay regularly, an account with autopay usually saves time and reduces the chance of a missed payment.
What Happens After You Pay as a Guest
Your payment will post to your account within one business day. You can check the status by visiting ComEd.com again, entering your account number and ZIP code, and looking at your account balance. The payment confirmation number you received will help you track it if you need to contact ComEd.
You will continue to receive paper bills in the mail unless you create an account and switch to paperless billing. Guest payments do not change your billing method or set up any recurring payments.
If you need to dispute a payment or have questions about it, contact ComEd's customer service at 1-800-334-7661 and have your confirmation number ready. They can look up the payment by account number and confirmation number even though you did not create an account.
Common Issues with Guest Payments
If your payment is rejected, the most common reason is an incorrect account number or ZIP code. Double-check both against your bill. If your card is declined, try a different payment method or contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has sufficient funds.
If you see a message that your account cannot be found, verify that you're using the nine-digit account number, not a reference number or confirmation number from a previous bill. The account number is always the same; reference numbers change each billing cycle.
If you paid but do not see the payment reflected in your balance after two business days, contact ComEd with your confirmation number. Payments occasionally take longer during high-volume periods, but two business days is the standard window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's ComEd bill as a guest?
Yes. You can pay any ComEd account as long as you have the account number and the ZIP code of the service address. The system does not verify that you are the account holder, only that the account exists. The payment will be credited to that account regardless of whose name is on it.
Is guest payment safe?
ComEd's website uses encryption to protect your payment information during the transaction. Your data is not stored after the payment is complete, so there is no account for a hacker to access later. However, like any online payment, you should use a secure internet connection and never share your account number or payment details with anyone you do not trust.
Can I set up autopay without creating an account?
No. Autopay requires an online account so ComEd can store your payment method and schedule recurring charges. Guest payments are one-time only. If you want autopay, you'll need to create an account, which takes a few minutes.
What if I don't have my account number?
You can look up your account number on ComEd.com by entering your service address and name. This process may take a few extra minutes, but it will retrieve your account number so you can proceed with guest payment. Alternatively, call ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 and provide your service address and name to get your account number.
Do I get a receipt for a guest payment?
Yes. You will receive a confirmation number on screen immediately after payment. Save this number — it serves as your receipt and can be used to track the payment if you need to contact ComEd. You will not receive a separate email receipt unless you create an account.