Can I switch to a cheaper prepayment meter (PPM) tariff in the UK?

Yes. If you have a prepayment meter, you can usually switch to a cheaper prepayment tariff with your current supplier or by switching to a new supplier (subject to eligibility checks and any outstanding debt). Prices vary by region and payment type, so comparing current prepayment deals can reduce your ongoing costs.

Is prepayment energy more expensive than paying by Direct Debit?

It can be, but not always. Prepayment tariffs sometimes have higher unit rates or standing charges than Direct Debit tariffs, though the difference depends on your supplier, region and the tariff. The best way to know is to compare your current unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) with available alternatives.

What information do I need to compare or switch prepayment tariffs?

Have your current electricity/gas unit rates and standing charges, your estimated usage (kWh) if available, your postcode, and whether you have a smart prepayment meter or traditional key/card meter. Also note any debt on the meter, as it may affect switching options.

Can I switch supplier if I owe money on my prepayment meter?

Sometimes. If you have debt on the meter, switching may still be possible depending on the amount and the supplier’s rules. In many cases, smaller debts can be transferred to the new supplier so you keep paying it back via your top-ups. If the debt is higher, you may need to reduce it first before switching.

Do I need a smart meter to access cheaper prepayment tariffs?

Not necessarily, but a smart prepayment meter can make switching and topping up easier and may give you access to more tariff options. You can still switch with a traditional prepayment key/card meter, although availability can be more limited depending on supplier and region.

How long does it take to switch a prepayment meter tariff or supplier?

Switching typically takes a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on the supplier and meter type. If you have a smart meter, the change can sometimes be quicker. You should keep topping up as normal until the switch completes to avoid running out of credit.

Will switching affect my energy supply or my prepayment key/card?

Your energy supply should not be interrupted during a switch. However, you may need to use a new key/card or update your existing one (depending on the supplier). If you have a smart prepayment meter, top-ups are usually updated remotely or via app/online services.

How can I reduce costs if I can’t switch right now?

If switching isn’t possible, you can still lower costs by checking your meter’s debt recovery settings with your supplier, asking about cheaper available prepayment tariffs, and reducing usage with simple changes (like lowering flow temperature, using timers, and cutting standby power). You may also be eligible for support schemes depending on your circumstances.

Where can I compare prepayment tariffs and get help switching?

You can compare your current rates with available prepayment options and then switch to the best eligible tariff. For more guidance, see: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice/can-i-switch-to-a-cheaper-prepayment-meter-tariff-uk

Can I switch to a cheaper prepayment meter tariff in the UK?

Yes, in many cases you can switch prepayment meter (PAYG) tariffs and suppliers — and EnergyPlus can help you compare whole-of-market home energy deals and check your options in minutes.

Compare prepayment tariffs from multiple UK suppliers (whole-of-market comparison)
Find out if switching is possible with your meter type (traditional / smart PAYG)
See whether moving to credit could be cheaper (if eligible)
Start online and we’ll guide you through what happens next

Check cheaper PAYG tariffs Am I eligible to switch?

For UK households only. Switching depends on your meter, address and supplier checks. We’ll explain what’s possible before you commit.

Compare cheaper prepayment meter tariffs (whole-of-market)

If you’re on a prepayment meter, you might be paying more than you need to — especially if your current supplier’s PAYG rates or standing charge are higher than alternatives available for your area. EnergyPlus helps UK households compare home energy deals across the market so you can see what’s available before you switch.

Use the form to start your comparison. We’ll use your postcode and a few details to show tariffs you may be able to switch to, including options for smart PAYG and (where eligible) switching to credit tariffs that can sometimes be cheaper.

What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)

Your postcode and whether it’s gas, electricity or both
Your current supplier (if you know it)
Your meter type (traditional key/card or smart PAYG)
An estimate of usage (or we can use a typical household estimate)

Get my PAYG comparison

Postcode Fuel type Meter type Current supplier (optional) Email Phone (optional)

What happens next?

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your comparison. We’ll only use your details to help with your home energy switch.

Tip: If you’ve got a smart meter, some suppliers can offer remote top-ups and easier PAYG management — which can help avoid emergency credit issues.

Why switch your prepayment meter tariff?

Even if you like the control of pay-as-you-go, your current rates might not be the best available for your property. Switching can reduce costs, simplify top-ups and improve support.

Potentially lower unit rates

Some suppliers price PAYG more competitively than others in certain regions. Comparing is the quickest way to see if a cheaper prepayment tariff exists for your postcode.

Standing charge differences

Standing charges vary by supplier and region. For low users, this can make a big difference to overall cost.

Better PAYG experience

Smart PAYG can offer app top-ups, clearer balances and fewer trips to the shop. If you’re eligible, some suppliers may also support switching from PAYG to credit.

Important: Prepayment tariffs are still protected by the energy price cap where applicable, but suppliers can price below the cap — so it’s worth checking.

How switching a prepayment meter works (UK)

Switching from one prepayment supplier to another is often straightforward. The exact steps depend on whether you have a traditional key/card meter or a smart meter set to PAYG.

Compare tariffs for your postcode. Rates can differ by region, meter type and fuel.
Check any supplier requirements. Some suppliers have criteria for accepting PAYG customers, and credit checks may apply if moving to a credit tariff.
Debt check (if you owe money to your current supplier). Many switches can still happen, but energy debt can affect eligibility. In some cases, debt may be transferred using an industry process.
Your switch completes and your meter is updated. Smart meters may update remotely; traditional meters may require a new key/card or updated meter settings.
Top up as usual, then monitor usage. Once live, you’ll top up with your new supplier and you can keep an eye on unit rates and standing charges.

Will my supply be interrupted?

No. Your gas and electricity supply stays on during a supplier switch. The process is administrative — you’ll just start paying (or topping up) a different supplier once the switch is complete.

How long does it take?

Timescales vary, but many UK switches complete within a few working days. Prepayment-specific steps (like issuing a new key/card) can add time.

Prepayment meter tariff types: what you can switch to

Not all PAYG meters and tariffs are the same. Understanding your current setup helps you find cheaper options and avoid switching surprises.

Meter / tariff type	How it works	Switching notes
Traditional prepayment (key/card)	You top up at PayPoint/Payzone or similar; credit is loaded onto a key or card and then into the meter.	You can often switch supplier. You may need a new key/card or to update the meter’s tariff configuration.
Smart meter in PAYG mode	Top up online, by app or phone (depending on supplier). The meter updates remotely.	Switching is usually simpler. Some smart meters can lose smart features with certain switches, but functionality is improving across suppliers.
Switching to credit (if eligible)	You receive a bill after you use energy (monthly/quarterly) or pay by Direct Debit.	May require checks and sometimes clearing debt. If accepted, credit tariffs can be cheaper than PAYG for some households.

Not sure what you have? That’s common. Start the comparison and select “Not sure” for meter type — we’ll help identify the right route.

Eligibility: when you can (and can’t) switch PAYG tariffs

Most UK households can switch energy supplier, but prepayment customers may face a few extra checks. Here’s what typically affects your ability to move to a cheaper prepayment meter tariff.

Energy debt

If you owe money to your current supplier, you may still be able to switch — but it depends on the amount and the supplier’s policies. Some debt can be transferred and recovered through your meter under industry rules.

Meter compatibility

Some older meters may need updating or exchanging. With smart PAYG, switching is usually smoother — though smart features can vary by supplier.

Moving from PAYG to credit

If you want a credit tariff, the supplier may run checks and consider payment history and debt position. Being on prepayment doesn’t automatically prevent credit, but acceptance varies.

Landlord / tenancy situations

If you pay the energy bills, you can usually switch. If bills are included in rent, you normally can’t choose the supplier. If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement.

If you’re in an emergency credit situation

If your meter has run out or you’re using emergency credit, top up as soon as you can to avoid disconnection. You can still start a comparison with EnergyPlus, but keeping your supply live comes first.

How to tell if a prepayment tariff is actually cheaper

The “cheapest” prepayment meter tariff isn’t always the one with the lowest unit rate. To compare properly, you need to look at the full cost for your household.

1) Unit rate (p/kWh)

This is what you pay for each unit of energy used. If you’re a higher user (bigger household, electric heating, home working), this matters a lot.

2) Standing charge (p/day)

A daily cost to keep you connected. For low usage homes, standing charge differences can outweigh unit rate savings.

3) Meter and payment features

Top-up method, in-home display, app access and emergency credit rules can affect day-to-day cost control and missed-payment risk.

Common comparison mistake

Comparing tariffs using a “typical bill” figure without matching it to your usage. EnergyPlus comparisons are based on your postcode and the usage details you provide, so results are more relevant.

Regional pricing: why your postcode matters

In Great Britain, electricity and gas charges can vary by region because network costs differ across distribution areas. That means a prepayment tariff that looks competitive in one area might not be cheapest in another.

What changes by region?

Standing charges
Unit rates
Available tariff set (some deals are region-limited)

What stays the same?

You can still compare and switch online
Your supply won’t be interrupted during a switch
You’ll keep the same physical gas/electricity network

To get accurate results, start with your postcode in the comparison form.

FAQs: switching to a cheaper prepayment meter tariff

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m on prepayment?

Often, yes. Many UK suppliers accept prepayment customers, particularly for smart PAYG. If you have debt or an older meter, it may limit which suppliers can take over — but comparing is still worthwhile.

Will I need a new meter?

Not always. Some switches keep your existing meter and simply update the tariff settings. In other cases, you might be offered a smart meter upgrade or require a meter exchange if the current meter isn’t compatible.

Can I switch from prepayment to credit to get cheaper rates?

Sometimes. Suppliers can set their own criteria for moving a customer from PAYG to credit. If you’re accepted, credit tariffs may be cheaper and can offer budgeting by Direct Debit. EnergyPlus can help you compare what’s available.

Does switching affect my Warm Home Discount or support schemes?

Eligibility for government-backed support is based on your circumstances, but supplier-led elements and application routes can vary. If you’re receiving support, check the terms before switching. If you’re unsure, start a comparison and ask for guidance.

I’m renting — can I change prepayment supplier?

If you’re responsible for paying the energy bills, you can usually switch supplier. If energy is included in rent or you don’t have a direct account with a supplier, you generally can’t switch.

Will I pay exit fees on a prepayment tariff?

Many PAYG tariffs are variable and have no exit fees, but it depends on the deal. Always check tariff terms. If exit fees apply, compare the fee against expected savings.

Ready to see what you could pay? Go to the EnergyPlus comparison form.

What people like about switching with EnergyPlus

UK households choose comparison services because they want clear options without spending hours checking different supplier sites.

“I didn’t realise my standing charge was the big issue. The comparison made it obvious which PAYG deal was better for my usage.”

Prepayment customer • England

“Straightforward process — I could see options for smart PAYG and the steps were clear.”

Smart meter PAYG • Wales

“Helpful to know whether switching to credit was even possible before I tried. Saved time.”

PAYG exploring credit • Scotland

Trust & transparency

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy
Clear next steps for PAYG meter types
No disruption to supply during switching

Check if you can switch to a cheaper PAYG tariff today

Enter your postcode and meter type to see whole-of-market options for your home. If switching isn’t possible right now, we’ll explain why and what to do next.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

Home energy only. Switching subject to eligibility, supplier acceptance and meter requirements.

Quick checklist before you compare

Know your postcode
Choose key/card or smart PAYG (or “not sure”)
Have your supplier name handy (optional)

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Updated on 24 Dec 2025