Paying Your MLGW Bill at Walgreens: A Quick and Easy Option

Paying your monthly utility bill to Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) is an essential task for homeowners and renters in the Memphis area. While MLGW offers numerous ways to pay your bill conveniently, one little-known option is to pay at your local Walgreens pharmacy. Paying your MLGW bill at Walgreens provides a fast, easy, and hassle-free payment experience. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about this payment method.

Overview of Paying MLGW Bills

MLGW offers residential customers many options for paying utility bills each month. You can pay online through MLGW’s website, by phone, by mail, in person at an MLGW office or authorized agent, and now at Walgreens. Walgreens is not listed on MLGW’s website as an authorized paying agent, but the service is available.

When paying at Walgreens, MLGW bills are processed through a third-party payment system called VanillaDirect Pay. This system allows you to pay bills from major providers like MLGW using cash at participating retailers. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

• Bring your MLGW bill to any Walgreens in the Memphis area, Make sure you have the payment stub from your bill that shows the barcode printed on the bottom

• At the pharmacy counter, inform the staff you want to make a utility bill payment through VanillaDirect Pay.

• Hand the pharmacy staff your MLGW payment stub. They will scan the barcode to pull up your account.

• Pay your bill amount with cash, then receive a receipt Payments are typically credited to your MLGW account within an hour.

It’s a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. Walgreens does charge a small service fee of $1.50 per transaction. However, the convenience of paying your bill locally in cash makes this fee worthwhile for many customers.

Benefits of Paying at Walgreens

Why should you consider paying your MLGW bill at Walgreens? There are several advantages to using this little-publicized payment method:

Convenience – With multiple Walgreens locations across Memphis, you likely live near one already. The convenience of paying locally in your neighborhood saves you time and gas money.

Speed – Payments made at Walgreens are credited to your MLGW account typically within an hour. For last-minute payments to avoid late fees, paying at Walgreens provides fast posting to your account.

Cash Payments – If you prefer to pay bills in cash, Walgreens is currently the only authorized MLGW paying agent that accepts cash payments (beyond MLGW offices). Paying in cash may be your only option if you don’t have a checking account.

Avoid Lines – Compared to MLGW offices, Walgreens offers a quicker in-and-out experience without waiting in line. The pharmacy counter is usually less busy than other areas of the store.

24/7 Access – Many Walgreens locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can pay your MLGW bill at your convenience, even late at night.

Nearby Locations – There are over 15 Walgreens stores located within Memphis and close suburbs. Odds are there’s a location not far from your home or work.

Friendly Staff – Walgreens employees are accustomed to processing third-party payments like MLGW bills. The pharmacy staff are extremely helpful if you have any questions or issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying at Walgreens

If you’re ready to start paying your utility bill at Walgreens, here is a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect:

1. Locate your nearest Walgreens. You can search for nearby stores on the Walgreens website or mobile app. Make sure the store you choose participates in VanillaDirect Pay bill payments.

2. Bring your current MLGW bill. You’ll need to bring the payment stub that shows your 16-digit MLGW account number and barcode. Make sure your billing name matches your ID if required.

3. Inform the staff you want to make a utility payment. At the pharmacy counter, let the staff know you need to make a payment to MLGW using VanillaDirect Pay.

4. Hand your bill to the staff. The pharmacy employee will scan your MLGW billing stub to pull up your account details on their end.

5. Choose your payment amount. Confirm the amount you want to pay – you can pay the full balance, a portion, or even overpay if you wish.

6. Pay your bill in cash. Hand the pharmacy staff your cash payment for the amount you confirmed. Double check it’s the right amount before handing over the cash.

7. Receive your payment receipt. The staff will print a receipt documenting your payment details, including the account number, payment amount, and confirmation code.

8. Leave the store. Once you have your receipt, your payment is complete! Your MLGW account will be credited typically within an hour.

And that’s it – a few simple steps to pay your utility bill conveniently at a nearby Walgreens. The entire process takes just 5-10 minutes in most cases. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free.

Locating Nearby Walgreens Bill Payment Locations

To find Walgreens stores in Memphis that offer VanillaDirect Pay bill payments, you have a few options:

• Visit the Walgreens website and enter your zip code – This will display Walgreens locations near you. Make sure “VanillaDirect Pay” is shown as a “Special Service” for that store.

• Call your local Walgreens – To confirm they offer bill pay services, give them a call before visiting. Ask if they process payments for MLGW through VanillaDirect.

• Check individual store hours – Some locations are 24 hours while others have limited hours. Check the store hours in advance to avoid a wasted trip.

• Search for MLGW bill pay locations – MLGW provides a list of authorized bill pay agents searchable by zip code. Walgreens locations won’t be listed here, but it shows other nearby payment options.

With multiple Walgreens across Memphis, there should be a participating location not far from your home or office. I recommend identifying 1-2 go-to Walgreens that you know handle MLGW payments and offer convenient hours.

What to Do If You Have Issues Paying at Walgreens

The process of paying your MLGW bill at Walgreens is usually quick and hassle-free. However, you may occasionally run into problems or errors. Here’s what to do if you have any trouble:

• Double check your bill stub – Make sure you brought the correct MLGW billing stub with barcode. The account number and billing name must match.

• Try a different Walgreens – If one location gives you issues, just visit a different nearby store. Policies can vary between Walgreens.

• Call MLGW – If your payment doesn’t show on your MLGW account within an hour, give MLGW Customer Care a call to investigate.

• Keep your receipt – Your Walgreens receipt provides proof of payment if your MLGW account doesn’t reflect the transaction.

• Avoid peak times – Try paying during slower times at Walgreens to reduce wait times and issues. Early morning or late night is best.

• Be patient – Sometimes delays happen for a variety of reasons. Don’t get frustrated with Walgreens staff if there are problems. Remain patient and polite.

With a few simple precautions, you can minimize the chance of running into headaches when paying at Walgreens. Having backup payment options is also a good idea if you encounter persistent issues.

Other Ways to Pay Your MLGW Bill

While Walgreens is a solid payment option, it’s smart to know other ways to pay your MLGW utility bill:

• MLGW website – Pay online 24/7 using MLGW’s My Account service. You can use checking/savings accounts, credit cards, and more.

• Phone – Call MLGW’s automated pay-by-phone line at 1-866-315-0277. Have your account number ready.

• Mail – Send a check or money order payable to MLGW at:

  Memphis Light, Gas and Water

  Attn: Payments & Banking

  P.O. Box 388

  Memphis, TN 38145

• MLGW Offices – Pay in person at one of MLGW’s four community offices in Memphis.

• **Authorized Agents