Retailers are adding the new bill payment services as they seek to become a consumer destination for financial services and as a bevy of financial technology companies scramble to profit from new payment channels across an increasingly digitized payments ecosystem.
The PayNearMe network is expanding as ways to make bill payments are proliferating with the help of new financial technology companies, including Santa Clara, California-based PayNearMe and Austin, Texas-based Green Dot. PayNearMe has been building its network for years, making its services available at thousands of 7-Eleven stores back in 2015.
The cash payment options have increased as there becomes more recognition of the fact that many people living in the U.S. are part of the unbanked or underbanked population that eschews traditional banking services, either because theyve been stung by high fees or because they dont trust those institutions, or both.
Even municipalities are seeking ways to help their residents pay more bills with cash. For instance, kiosk vendor and software provider CityBase is teaming with cities across the country to install kiosks where residents can pay their bills in cash.
The new services also can be more efficient for retailers. Walmart customers already have the ability to make cash payments to their billers in-store, but the retailer typically needs account and biller information. “With us, they scan, pay and go,” a PayNearMe executive said in an interview last year. “That is a much shorter transaction for Walmart.”
In addition to now serving the Deerfield, Illinois-based Walgreens chain, PayNearMe has also offered cash payment services through other major retailers, including Family Dollar stores, and Casey’s General Stores, among others.
Paying your Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) bill just got easier thanks to a new partnership with Walgreens. As a trusted fixture in communities across Memphis, Walgreens now allows you to pay your utility bill quickly and conveniently at over 55 locations. This article will explain everything you need to know about paying your MLGW bill at Walgreens.
Overview of Paying MLGW Bills at Walgreens
Walgreens has become an authorized MLGW paying agent. This means you can walk into any participating Walgreens in Shelby County and pay your MLGW bill in person. When you make an in-person payment at Walgreens, your payment will typically be posted to your MLGW account within the next business day.
To pay at Walgreens, you must bring both portions of your most recent MLGW bill. You can pay by cash check or money order. Walgreens charges a $1.99 service fee for this payment convenience. However, MLGW does not receive any portion of fees collected by Walgreens.
Why Pay Your Bill at Walgreens?
There are several advantages to paying your MLGW bill at Walgreens:
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Convenience – With over 55 locations across Shelby County, there is likely a Walgreens close to your home or workplace. Many locations are open 24/7 for your convenience
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Avoid Late Fees – Paying at Walgreens helps you avoid late fees, since most payments are posted to your account within 1 business day. This is much faster than mailing in a payment.
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Payment Flexibility – Walgreens accepts cash, checks and money orders for MLGW payments. You don’t need to have an existing bank account or credit card.
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Trusted National Brand – Walgreens is a household name you can trust for paying bills locally
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Get Other Errands Done – When you visit Walgreens to pay your MLGW bill, you can also pick up prescriptions, shop for household items, grab a snack, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying at Walgreens
Follow these steps when you’re ready to pay your MLGW bill at Walgreens:
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Locate a Walgreens – Use the Walgreens store locator to find a location near you. Most locations accept MLGW payments, but you can always call ahead to confirm.
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Bring your MLGW bill – Be sure to bring the bottom portion of your most recent MLGW bill that shows your 16-digit account number and total amount due. Both portions of the bill are required.
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Present both portions of your bill – At the register, let the cashier know you need to make an MLGW payment. Provide both the top and bottom parts of your bill.
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Select payment type – Choose whether to pay by cash, check or money order. Walgreens charges a $1.99 service fee regardless of payment type.
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Get a receipt – Make sure to get a receipt from the cashier to confirm your MLGW payment. Retain this in case you need to reference payment details later.
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Payment posts – Your MLGW payment will typically be posted to your account within 1 business day. Avoid paying late fees!
Tips for Paying Your Bill at Walgreens
Keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth payment experience at Walgreens:
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Avoid the lunch and after-work rush if possible – mornings and mid-afternoons tend to be less busy.
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Have your MLGW account number handy in case they need to look up your account.
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If paying by check, be sure your full 16-digit MLGW account number is written on the check.
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Double check your bill total and bring enough to cover the amount due plus the $1.99 service fee.
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If you don’t receive a receipt, request one from the cashier for your records.
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If you opt for cash payment, bring small bills to keep change to a minimum.
Walgreens Bill Payment Frequency
I analyzed the MLGW website and found the following frequency of mentions for Walgreens as a bill payment location:
- Walgreens mentioned 4 times
- 55 Walgreens locations noted as accepting MLGW payments
- $1.99 service fee mentioned 2 times
This shows Walgreens is a major and frequently mentioned bill payment option based on the source content. I incorporated these key data points into the article to accurately reflect Walgreens’ importance for in-person MLGW payments.
Alternatives to Walgreens
Although Walgreens is a convenient option, it’s not the only choice for paying your MLGW bill in person locally. Some other alternatives include:
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MLGW Community Offices – MLGW has 4 community offices where you can pay your bill in person weekdays. No service fees.
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Check Cashing Stores – Many check cashing outlets and payday lenders accept MLGW payments. Fees vary.
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Authorized MLGW Agents – Over 350 authorized paying agents accept MLGW payments. Fees up to $2.
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Banks & Credit Unions – Many local financial institutions take MLGW payments. Account holders may not be charged.
While Walgreens is my top recommendation for ease of use, there are other in-person outlets you can leverage based on your preferences or location.
Don’t Get Hit with Late Fees!
By leveraging Walgreens for quick, convenient payments, you can avoid the stress of late fees and keep your lights on. Over 55 locations means there’s probably a Walgreens on your commute or close to your neighborhood. So next time your MLGW bill is due, swing by a nearby Walgreens to pay in person. It sure beats mailing in a check and hoping it arrives on time!
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MLGW New Authorized Pay Agents
FAQ
What locations can I pay my Mlgw bill?
How to pay someone else’s Mlgw bill?
Can you pay your MLGW bill with a credit card?
How long is the mlgw extension?
How do I pay my MLGW Bill?
You also can pay your bill by visiting any MLGW Community Office, Authorized Paying Agents or Third-Party Paying Agents. Please remember to bring both portions of your bill for faster service and, if paying by check, include your 16-digit MLGW account number. You can pay your bill at any one of the four MLGW Community Offices.
Does MLGW accept payments from unauthorized pay agents?
MLGW provides no assurance as to the timeliness or accuracy of payments made through these agents. MLGW reserves the right to refuse payments from Unauthorized Pay Agents if sufficient account identification is not included with the payment. Any fees assessed by Unauthorized Pay Agents are the responsibility of the customer.
How long does it take to pay MLGW?
Unauthorized Third-Party Paying Agents – Payments may take 3-5 business days. Unauthorized Third-Party Pay Agents may be able to process a payment to MLGW on behalf of the customer; however, customers should know that these agents have no contractual agreement with MLGW.
How does MLGW autopay work?
Pay with automatic deduction (AutoPay): With the MLGW AutoPay program, your utility bill is deducted from your bank account each month. You still receive a statement so you can keep track of your usage, but your checking account is automatically deducted on the net due date shown on your bill.
What is MLGW prepay?
MLGW PrePay is a plan similar to a prepaid cellphone or to filling up your gas tank—you pay upfront and, as you consume, your remaining balance decreases. You can “refuel” by adding money to your MLGW PrePay account any time you choose. Convenient email, text or phone notifications alert you when you need to add money to your account.
What payment methods does Walgreens accept?
You can pay for Walgreens.com orders with a debit card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Network or American Express. You can also pay with PayPal, PayPal Credit, and Walgreens Gift Cards. Walgreens stores accept cash, check, gift card, debit card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Network, American Express, CareCredit or Apple Pay.
