Energy suppliers offering bill credit for switching (UK)
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals and see which UK suppliers may offer bill credit, welcome credit or cashback equivalents when you switch. Get personalised results in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for gas, electricity and dual fuel
- See estimated monthly cost and any switching credit (where available)
- Switch online with support for smart meters and prepayment customers
- Free to use — no impact on your credit score
Bill credit availability varies by supplier, tariff and eligibility. Estimates shown are for guidance; your final quote will depend on your usage, meter type and address.
Compare energy suppliers offering switching credit
Some UK energy suppliers run limited-time incentives such as bill credit, welcome credit or account credit when you switch. EnergyPlus compares available home energy tariffs and highlights incentives where they apply — so you can judge the true cost, not just the headline unit rates.
What you’ll see in your results
- Estimated monthly and annual cost (based on your usage)
- Tariff type (fixed, variable or tracker where available)
- Exit fees and key terms
- Any switching incentive noted as bill credit / welcome credit (if offered)
- Supplier and tariff details for your meter type
What is bill credit for switching energy supplier?
In UK home energy, bill credit is usually an amount applied to your new energy account after you switch (for example, “£50 welcome credit”). It reduces what you owe rather than paying cash into your bank. You might see it described as:
Welcome / sign-up credit
A one-off credit added after your supply starts (often after the first bill or a set number of days).
Dual fuel credit
An incentive for taking gas and electricity together, sometimes split across fuels or applied to one account.
Account credit / bill discount
Credit or discounts applied over time, sometimes conditional on Direct Debit or paperless billing.
Who can get bill credit when switching?
Eligibility depends on the supplier and the tariff. As a rule, bill credit offers are designed for domestic customers switching to a new tariff and staying for a minimum period. Use this checklist to understand what may affect your eligibility.
Common requirements
- New customer to that supplier (not held an account recently)
- Switch completes successfully and supply starts
- Account remains open for a minimum time (e.g. 30–90 days)
- Payment method requirements (often Direct Debit)
- Online account or paperless billing in some cases
Things that can change the outcome
- Meter type (smart, traditional, Economy 7, prepayment)
- Tariff category (fixed vs variable; online-only)
- Moving home vs switching at the same address
- Switching via different channels (supplier direct vs comparison)
- Credit applied to one fuel only on dual fuel accounts
If you’re unsure, start a comparison via the form above. We’ll narrow down the deals that fit your household details, then you can review each tariff’s key terms before proceeding.
How bill credit is paid (and when you’ll see it)
Switching credit isn’t instant in most cases. The supplier typically adds it to your account after certain milestones. The steps below are a practical guide to what usually happens for UK home energy switches.
- Start your comparison — enter your postcode and contact details to see deals that may include incentives.
- Choose your tariff — check the tariff information, including any conditions for the credit (e.g. Direct Debit).
- Cooling-off period — you’ll usually have time to change your mind after signing up.
- Switch completes — your new supplier takes over supply. You won’t lose energy during the switch.
- Credit applied — commonly after the first bill or after a set number of days, then it appears as a line item on your account.
Bill credit vs cashback: what’s the difference?
| Incentive type | How you receive it | Things to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Bill credit / account credit | Applied to your energy account balance | May require Direct Debit, online billing, or a minimum time on supply |
| Cashback | Paid to you (e.g. bank transfer) by the channel offering it | Often slower to pay; tracking/claim steps may apply depending on provider |
| Ongoing discount | Lower rates or discounts over time | Check how long the discount lasts and what happens after any introductory period |
How to maximise savings when switching with bill credit
Bill credit can help, but the best outcome usually comes from balancing incentives with competitive rates and terms. These practical checks keep your household costs down beyond the first month.
Compare on total cost
Use estimated annual cost (rates + standing charges) and then factor in the bill credit. A £75 credit may be outweighed by higher unit rates.
Check exit fees and term length
If you plan to switch again soon, ensure the tariff’s exit fee won’t cancel out the incentive.
Match the tariff to your meter
Economy 7 and smart meter tariffs can price differently. Choose based on when you use energy, not just the credit headline.
Avoid common application mistakes
Use the correct name on the bill, confirm address details, and keep a note of your MPAN/MPRN if requested.
Reassess after the credit lands
Once the credit is applied, track your monthly spend. If rates aren’t competitive, consider your next switch at the right time.
Use accurate usage
If you can, use kWh from past bills. Better inputs lead to better comparisons, especially for larger homes and electric heating.
Common questions about switching credit (quick checks)
Is bill credit guaranteed?
No. It depends on the tariff terms and whether you meet eligibility criteria (such as payment method and minimum time on supply). Always check the supplier’s confirmation.
Will I lose supply when switching?
No — switching supplier does not interrupt your gas or electricity. Your meter stays in place and your energy keeps flowing.
Can I switch if I have a smart meter?
In most cases yes. Some tariffs are designed specifically for smart meters. Your available options can vary, so a postcode-based comparison is best.
What about prepayment meters?
Options can be more limited and incentives may differ, but switching may still be possible. Use your postcode to see what’s available for your meter type.
FAQs: energy suppliers offering bill credit for switching (UK)
Which energy suppliers offer bill credit for switching in the UK?
Offers change frequently and can depend on your meter type, payment method and address. Instead of listing suppliers (which can quickly become out of date), EnergyPlus shows current whole-of-market tariffs available to you and highlights any switching credit notes where applicable.
To see live eligibility, use the comparison form.
How long does it take to receive switching credit?
It varies by supplier and tariff terms. Many apply credit after your supply starts and your account reaches a milestone (often after your first bill or after a set number of days).
If timing matters, choose a tariff where the credit is applied earlier and keep your opening meter reading handy.
Do I need to switch both gas and electricity to get bill credit?
Not always. Some incentives are for dual fuel, while others apply to electricity-only or gas-only tariffs. If you have only one fuel at your property, you can still compare eligible tariffs.
Can I get switching credit if I’m in debt with my current supplier?
Switching while in debt can be more complicated and depends on your circumstances and the type of meter you have. Your available options may be limited, and incentives may not apply. A comparison can still help you understand what’s available based on your postcode.
Is switching energy supplier free?
Switching is usually free, but some fixed tariffs can include exit fees if you leave early. Always check the tariff’s terms, especially if you’re switching primarily for a bill credit.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare a wide range of home energy tariffs and show results tailored to your address and meter type.
Transparent, practical results
See estimated costs, key terms and any incentive notes in one place, so it’s easier to choose confidently.
Support throughout the switch
We help you start the process quickly, with clear next steps and straightforward information.
Customer feedback
“The comparison was clear and I could see which deals included account credit without digging through small print.”
— Homeowner, Manchester
“Switched in minutes. The results helped me focus on total annual cost, not just a switching bonus.”
— Tenant, Bristol
Testimonials are illustrative of customer experiences and do not guarantee savings. Your quote depends on your usage and tariff availability.
Ready to see switching deals with bill credit?
Compare home energy tariffs across the market and check which suppliers may offer account credit for switching at your address.
- Personalised quotes by postcode
- Fixed and variable options
- Clear tariff terms and exit fees
No obligation. Switching incentives and tariff availability are subject to change.
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