What is the cheapest prepayment meter top-up tariff in the UK this week?

The cheapest prepayment (PAYG) top-up tariff this week depends on your postcode, meter type (electricity, gas or dual fuel), and whether you’re on a smart PAYG meter or a traditional key/card meter. To find the cheapest option for your home, compare unit rates and daily standing charges for your exact area, then choose the tariff with the lowest total cost for your typical usage.

How do I find the cheapest prepayment meter rates for my postcode?

Use your postcode to check local prepayment prices because unit rates and standing charges vary by region. Compare electricity and gas unit rates (p/kWh) and the standing charge (p/day), then estimate the weekly or monthly total based on your normal usage. If you want a faster result, use EnergyPlus to compare PAYG tariffs for your address and see the cheapest options available to you.

What should I compare on a prepayment tariff: unit rate or standing charge?

Compare both. The unit rate affects every kWh you use, while the standing charge applies every day regardless of usage. If you use little energy, a lower standing charge can reduce overall cost; if you use more energy, a lower unit rate often matters most. The cheapest tariff is usually the one with the lowest total cost for your usage pattern—not necessarily the lowest headline unit rate.

Are prepayment tariffs more expensive than direct debit tariffs?

They can be, but it varies by supplier, tariff and region. Some providers price PAYG competitively, especially for smart prepayment meters. The best way to know is to compare like-for-like totals (unit rate + standing charge) for your postcode and usage, and check if switching from prepayment to direct debit is possible for your household.

Can I switch prepayment supplier without changing my meter?

In many cases, yes. If you have a smart PAYG meter, switching can often be done without replacing equipment, and your top-ups may move to an app or online account. Traditional key/card meters may still be switchable, but suppliers sometimes require a meter exchange. Always check eligibility and any installation requirements before you start a switch.

What is a smart prepayment meter and does it make topping up cheaper?

A smart prepayment meter lets you top up remotely (online, app or phone) and can provide more accurate billing and better visibility of usage. It doesn’t automatically guarantee cheaper rates, but it can give you access to more tariffs and make it easier to manage credit, track spend and avoid emergency credit situations.

Where can I top up a prepayment meter in the UK?

You can usually top up at PayPoint or Payzone shops, via your supplier’s app or website (for smart PAYG), by phone, and sometimes via SMS or bank card. Availability depends on your supplier and whether you use a smart PAYG meter or a key/card meter.

How can I reduce prepayment meter costs quickly?

To reduce costs fast: compare PAYG tariffs for your postcode, check if you can move to a cheaper payment method or tariff, reduce standing-charge impact by avoiding multiple meters where possible, and cut usage with simple steps like lowering boiler flow temperature (if safe for your system), using draught excluders, and switching to LED lighting. Monitoring daily spend on a smart meter can also help prevent unexpected top-ups.

Does switching prepayment tariffs affect my emergency credit or debt recovery settings?

It can. Any existing debt on the meter may transfer and repayment rates can change depending on the supplier’s policies. Emergency credit rules can also vary. Before switching, check how debt (if any) will be handled, what repayment rate would apply, and how emergency credit works so you’re not caught out after the switch.

How do I switch to a cheaper prepayment meter tariff with EnergyPlus?

Start by comparing prepayment tariffs for your postcode and meter type, then select the option with the lowest overall cost (unit rate plus standing charge) for your expected usage. Follow the steps to apply, and your new supplier will handle the switch process. For the most accurate match, have a recent top-up receipt or statement handy so you can confirm your current rates and meter details.

Cheapest prepayment meter top up tariffs UK this week

Compare whole-of-market prepayment (PAYG) deals and check whether a cheaper tariff is available for your home right now. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to suitable options.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
See potential savings vs your current prepay rates
Works for smart prepay, key meters and card meters
Fast form — no obligation to switch

Check cheapest top up tariffs How PAYG prices work

Prices change and availability varies by region, meter type and supplier. We’ll show relevant options for your postcode.

Find cheaper prepayment top up rates for your home

If you top up a prepayment electricity meter, prepayment gas meter or smart prepay meter, your unit rates and standing charges can differ by supplier and by region. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options to help you identify the cheapest available prepayment tariff for your circumstances.

Because PAYG pricing changes (and not every supplier offers PAYG everywhere), “cheapest this week” is best understood as: the lowest available offers we can match to your postcode and meter type right now — not a single national number.

Quick tip: Have your latest top up receipt, in-home display (IHD) screen or supplier app open. If you can, note your unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) for gas and electricity.

Important: Many households are on price-capped standard variable tariffs. Even if a prepayment tariff looks similar, you may still save through lower standing charges, regional pricing differences, or by moving from legacy PAYG rates.

What “cheapest prepayment meter top up tariffs this week” actually means

Prepayment tariffs (also called PAYG or top up) are priced using the same building blocks as credit meters: a unit rate (pence per kWh) and a standing charge (pence per day). The “cheapest” tariff is the one with the lowest total cost for your expected usage, in your region, on the meter type you have.

Regional price differences

Your electricity distribution region and gas network affect charges — so rates can vary even with the same supplier.

Meter and payment type

Smart prepay, key meters and card meters can have different available tariffs and switching routes.

Usage and standing charge

Low users often care more about standing charges; higher users usually benefit most from lower unit rates.

EnergyPlus helps you compare offers that are available this week for your home and highlights the trade-offs (unit rate vs standing charge) so you can make an informed decision.

Why compare prepayment top up tariffs?

Avoid overpaying on legacy rates

Some customers remain on older PAYG pricing or inherited tariffs after moving home. A comparison can reveal better-value options.

Check standing charges

Standing charges make a big difference on prepay. We’ll highlight where a slightly higher unit rate may still mean a lower overall bill.

Switch without the guesswork

We match deals by postcode and meter type, so you avoid wasting time on tariffs that aren’t available for your property.

Support for smart prepay

If you have smart prepayment, you may be able to top up via app/online and monitor usage more easily.

Understand what drives your costs

We explain unit rates, standing charges, and how much difference small p/kWh changes can make across a year.

Home-only focus

This page is designed for household energy. If you’re a landlord or moving home, we’ll still guide you through the next steps.

How prepayment (PAYG) energy prices work in the UK

With prepayment meters you pay in advance by topping up. Your cost is still calculated from:

Unit rate (p/kWh)

What you pay for each unit of energy you use. This is the biggest driver for higher-usage homes.

Standing charge (p/day)

A daily fixed charge that covers network and metering costs. This matters most if you use less energy.

Typical top up methods (and what to check)

Smart prepay: top up via app/online or PayPoint/Payzone. Check if emergency credit is available and how debt is recovered.
Key meter: top up at a shop, then insert the key at home. Check if your key needs updating after a tariff change or meter exchange.
Card meter: top up in-store and insert the card to load credit. Check for any standing charge accrual if you don’t top up regularly.

Switching note: You usually don’t need a meter change to switch prepayment supplier, but the process depends on your meter type and whether you have any outstanding debt linked to the meter.

How to estimate whether a cheaper PAYG tariff will save you money

You don’t need perfect figures to compare. If you can estimate your monthly top ups, we can approximate annual usage. To sense-check a tariff yourself, use this simple calculation:

Annual cost estimate = (Unit rate × annual kWh) + (Standing charge × 365)

Example: If your electricity unit rate drops by 3p/kWh and you use 3,000 kWh/year, that’s about £90/year before considering standing charge changes.

What we’ll compare for you

Electricity prepay tariff options

Unit rates and standing charges by region
Any available incentives relevant to PAYG
Whether smart prepay features are supported

Gas prepay tariff options

Unit rates and standing charges
Compatibility with your meter type
Practical switching considerations

At-a-glance: what changes your weekly top up cost

Cost driver	What it means on prepay	What to do
Standing charge	Adds cost daily, even if you use little energy.	Compare total annual cost, not just unit rate.
Unit rate	Main driver for medium/high usage homes.	Estimate usage from top ups or past statements.
Emergency credit & debt recovery	Your top up may repay debt first, leaving less usable credit.	Ask your supplier what rate is set for debt recovery.
Seasonal usage	Winter top ups can spike due to heating and longer evenings.	Compare annualised costs to avoid misleading “weekly” figures.

Common mistakes when looking for the cheapest prepayment tariff

Comparing unit rates only

A slightly higher unit rate can still be cheaper overall if the standing charge is significantly lower (especially for low usage).

Assuming one “UK-wide cheapest” tariff exists

PAYG availability is regional and depends on your meter type. The cheapest match for one postcode may not be cheapest for another.

Forgetting about debt or arrears on the meter

If your meter is collecting debt, your top ups may reduce it automatically. That can make your “weekly top up” seem higher than your usage.

Not checking whether you’re eligible to switch

Some situations (for example, certain debt arrangements) can affect switching. We’ll guide you on what to check.

If your meter keeps running out quickly: It can be pricing, usage, standing charges, debt recovery, or a mix. A comparison plus a quick usage check usually identifies the culprit.

Eligibility and what you’ll need

Most UK households with prepayment meters can compare and explore switching options. To speed things up, it helps to have:

Your postcode

Used to match tariffs to your region and network charges.

Meter type

Smart prepay vs key/card meters can affect which deals are available.

Rough usage or top ups

Even “£/week” top up estimates help us find the cheapest fit.

If you’ve recently moved in, don’t worry — we can still compare. Your current supplier may be the existing provider for the property until you choose to switch.

Regional considerations (why your neighbour’s price may differ)

Electricity prices are influenced by your local distribution region (DNO area). Gas prices can also vary by network area. This is why a tariff headline you’ve seen online may not match what you’re offered.

Best way to check “this week’s cheapest”

Use your postcode and select your payment method (prepay). That ensures you’re comparing like-for-like pricing for where you live.

FAQs: cheapest prepayment meter tariffs and top ups

Can I get a cheaper tariff on a prepayment meter?

Possibly. Availability depends on your region, supplier coverage, and meter type (smart prepay vs key/card). Comparing is the fastest way to see what’s currently available for your postcode.

Is prepayment always more expensive than direct debit?

Not always, but it can be. The best option depends on the tariff, your usage and standing charge, and whether you can move to a credit meter or smart meter in the future.

Will switching affect my ability to top up?

You’ll still be able to top up, but the method may change (for example, smart prepay app/online top ups vs key/card). We’ll flag what’s typical for your meter type.

Do I need my MPAN or MPRN?

Not to start comparing. Postcode is enough for initial matching. If you decide to proceed, the supplier may request MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas) to complete the switch.

What if I have debt on my prepayment meter?

You may still be able to switch, but it can depend on the amount and any arrangement in place. If debt is being collected via top ups, we recommend checking the recovery rate with your current supplier.

How often do tariffs change?

Offers and availability can change frequently. That’s why we focus on the cheapest available matches for your postcode “this week”, rather than publishing a single national figure.

If you’re struggling to keep credit on your meter: contact your supplier as soon as possible. If you’re in an emergency situation, you may be eligible for extra support depending on your circumstances.

What people like about comparing with EnergyPlus

“I’m on a prepayment meter and didn’t realise the standing charge had crept up. The comparison made it clear what I’d pay over a year.”

UK homeowner, PAYG electricity

“Simple form and the options were actually relevant to my postcode. I didn’t waste time on deals I couldn’t get.”

UK renter, smart prepay

“Clear explanation of unit rates vs standing charge. Helped me understand why my weekly top ups were higher than expected.”

UK household, PAYG gas & electric

Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison approach • UK-focused support • Designed for household energy customers

Ready to see the cheapest prepayment top up tariffs available to you?

Share your postcode and contact details and we’ll match you to suitable PAYG options for your home. No jargon, no wasted time.

Whole-of-market matching by postcode
Smart prepay, key and card meters
Compare unit rates and standing charges

Compare cheapest PAYG tariffs

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Updated on 13 Jan 2026