What is bill credit and how does it work when you switch energy supplier?

Bill credit is a one-off amount applied to your energy account (not usually paid as cash). After you switch and your supply is live, the supplier applies the credit to reduce future bills—typically after your first bill, first Direct Debit, or within a stated number of days. The exact timing and amount depend on the supplier’s terms.

Is bill credit better than a cheaper unit rate?

Not always. A large bill credit can look attractive, but the ongoing unit rate and standing charge usually matter more over time. Compare total estimated annual cost (including the credit), contract length, exit fees and any price guarantees to see which option saves you more overall.

How long does it take to receive switching bill credit?

Most suppliers apply bill credit after your switch completes and they’ve produced your first bill, but timeframes vary (for example, within 30–90 days). Check the tariff’s offer terms for the exact timeframe and any conditions such as staying on supply for a minimum period.

Do I need to pay by Direct Debit to get bill credit?

Often, yes. Many bill credit offers require monthly Direct Debit and an online account. Some deals may also specify e-billing. If you prefer prepayment or payment on receipt of bill, confirm eligibility before switching.

Can I get bill credit if I’m already with that supplier?

Most bill credit incentives are for new customers only, meaning you usually won’t qualify if you’re already supplied by that company at the same address. Some suppliers run separate retention or upgrade offers, so check their current terms if you’re an existing customer.

Will switching affect my credit score in the UK?

Switching supplier doesn’t usually harm your credit score by itself, but some suppliers may run a credit check when you sign up (particularly for monthly Direct Debit). If you’re concerned, choose a tariff and payment option that matches your circumstances and review the supplier’s sign-up process.

What should I check before choosing a bill credit switching deal?

Check the tariff name and type (fixed/variable), unit rates and standing charges, contract length, exit fees, how and when the credit is applied, eligibility rules (new customers, Direct Debit, online billing), and whether the credit is per fuel (gas/electric) or per account. Compare the estimated annual cost after the credit to make sure it’s a real saving.

Can I switch energy supplier if I owe money to my current supplier?

If you’re in debt, switching may still be possible depending on your meter type and the amount owed. For credit meters, your current supplier may object to the switch in certain situations. For prepayment meters, debt can sometimes be transferred via the Debt Assignment Protocol (up to the relevant thresholds). Speak to your supplier or seek advice before starting a switch.

How do I switch to get bill credit?

Choose a tariff that includes bill credit, apply with your address and meter details, and provide your preferred payment method (often Direct Debit). Take a meter reading on switch day and keep confirmation emails. The new supplier handles the switch, and the credit should be applied according to the offer terms once your account is active and billing has started.

Energy suppliers offering bill credit for switching (UK)

Q: Which UK energy suppliers offer bill credit for switching?

Bill credit switching offers change regularly and vary by tariff, payment method and eligibility. Use the latest switching deals to compare UK suppliers currently offering bill credit, then apply directly through the chosen tariff’s terms. Always check the supplier’s offer dates, required tariff, and whether the credit is paid automatically after your first bill.

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals and check which tariffs may include switch credit (when available). Complete one form to see options that match your postcode and usage.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (gas, electricity or dual fuel)
See tariffs with bill credit, voucher or account credit where offered
Switch online in minutes — no phone calls required
Keep control: filter by fixed/variable, green options, and payment method

Check deals with bill credit How switching credit works

Bill credit offers change regularly and may be subject to eligibility, payment method, and timing. EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service — we’ll show what’s available for your home today.

Find switching deals that may include bill credit

Some UK energy suppliers occasionally offer bill credit (sometimes called account credit) as an incentive when you switch. These offers can come and go quickly and may vary by payment method, tariff type, or region.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy options so you can check what’s available for your postcode today — including any tariffs currently advertising switching credit, vouchers, or introductory credits.

Good to know

Bill credit isn’t guaranteed — it’s only shown when suppliers make it available.
Credits can be applied after your switch completes (often within one or more billing cycles).
Always compare the unit rate, standing charge, and any exit fees — credit alone doesn’t mean the cheapest deal.

What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)

Postcode

To show local availability.

Payment preference

Direct Debit, prepay, etc.

Usage estimate

Annual kWh or bill amount.

Check your switching options

Complete the form and we’ll show eligible home tariffs, including any offers with switching credit when available.

Postcode Email address Fuel type Current payment method

What to check

By submitting, you’re asking EnergyPlus to contact you about home energy options. You can opt out at any time. Switching credit is subject to supplier terms and may be applied after the switch completes.

Why consider switching when bill credit is offered?

Switch incentives can be helpful, but they work best when the underlying tariff is competitive for your household’s usage. Here’s what bill credit can (and can’t) do.

Immediate boost to your account

If applied as account credit, it can reduce your balance or support winter usage — but check when it’s credited.

Makes fixed deals more attractive

A fixed tariff with credit may compete well against a similar deal without incentives, especially if rates are close.

Helps with switching ‘friction’

If you’ve been putting off switching, credit can be a nudge — but prioritise total annual cost over headline offers.

May differ by payment type

Some suppliers reserve the best incentives for Monthly Direct Debit. Prepayment options can be more limited.

Can be tied to dual fuel

You may see higher incentives when switching gas and electricity together, depending on supplier terms.

Not a substitute for good rates

A £50 credit can be outweighed by a slightly higher unit rate. Always compare projected yearly cost.

How switching bill credit works in the UK

“Bill credit” usually means a supplier adds a credit amount to your energy account after you switch. The exact process depends on the supplier and tariff, but the patterns below are common across the UK home energy market.

Choose a tariff (with credit where offered). We’ll show the credit details alongside the tariff so you can compare properly.
Complete the switch. Cooling-off periods may apply. Your supply shouldn’t be interrupted.
Credit is applied to your account. Often after the switch completes and your account is live; sometimes after your first successful Direct Debit payment.
Your bills reduce by the credited amount. It’s normally not paid as cash; it offsets charges or reduces your balance.

Bill credit vs voucher vs cashback

Incentive type	What it is	What to watch
Bill / account credit	A credit added to your energy account to offset future charges.	When it’s applied; whether it requires Direct Debit; any minimum supply period.
Voucher / gift card	A code or voucher for a retailer, usually sent after switching.	Delivery times; expiry dates; whether it’s per fuel or per household.
Cashback	A cash payment via a third party or promotion (less common directly from suppliers).	Pay-out timelines; tracking requirements; exclusions for tariff changes/cancellations.
Intro discount	Lower rates for an initial period (not always shown as a credit).	What happens when the discount ends; price changes; exit fees on fixed tariffs.

Tip: If two tariffs are close in price, compare the annual cost after incentives and then check the supplier’s terms on when credit is applied. A slightly cheaper tariff can beat a bigger headline credit over 12 months.

What to check before choosing a switching credit deal

Switch credits are useful, but you’ll get the best result when you review the full tariff details. Here are the most important checks for UK households.

1) Unit rate & standing charge

These drive your real cost. A credit can look appealing, but higher rates can cost more over time — especially for higher-usage homes.

2) Fixed vs variable

Fixed tariffs may include exit fees. Variable tariffs can change, which might reduce the value of any initial credit.

3) Credit timing & conditions

Look for conditions like “after first Direct Debit”, “within X days of supply start”, or “not valid if you cancel during cooling-off”.

4) Smart meter / prepay compatibility

If you have a smart meter or prepayment meter, confirm the tariff supports it. Availability can differ by region and meter type.

Checklist item	Why it matters	Quick question to ask
Exit fees	Leaving early could cost more than the credit you receive.	If I switch again within 12 months, what do I pay?
Price cap context	If you’re on a standard variable tariff, changes may follow Ofgem updates.	How does this compare to a typical SVT right now?
Direct Debit amounts	Monthly payments are estimates and may be adjusted.	How is my initial monthly payment calculated?
Credit repayment	Some offers can be clawed back if you leave too soon.	Do I need to stay a minimum term to keep the credit?

FAQs: switching energy for bill credit in the UK

Which UK energy suppliers offer bill credit for switching?

It varies throughout the year. Some suppliers run limited-time promotions (credit, vouchers, or introductory offers), while others don’t offer switching incentives at all. Using a whole-of-market comparison is the quickest way to see what’s available for your postcode today.

Is bill credit the same as cashback?

Not usually. Bill credit is normally added to your energy account (reducing future bills), while cashback is paid to you separately. Always read the offer description and supplier terms.

How long does switching take?

Many switches complete in a few working days, but timings can vary based on supplier processes and your meter setup. Your energy supply should not be interrupted.

Will my credit score be affected?

Some suppliers may run checks depending on tariff and payment method (for example, Monthly Direct Debit). This can vary, so review the supplier’s onboarding steps during the switch.

Can I get bill credit if I’m on a prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but offers can be more limited for prepayment. The best approach is to compare available tariffs for your meter type and see which suppliers support prepay with incentives.

What if I switch and the credit doesn’t appear?

First check the offer terms for the expected timeline (for example, after your first bill or Direct Debit). If you’re outside the timeframe, contact the supplier with your account details and confirmation of the promotion.

Why households use EnergyPlus

When you’re looking for switching credit, clarity matters. Our comparison focuses on showing relevant home tariffs for your details — so you can make a confident decision.

“Clear options, no confusion”

“I could see the differences between tariffs quickly and understand what I’d pay over the year.”

Home energy user, UK

“Helpful when offers change”

“I was looking for a switching incentive and it was useful to check what was actually live in my area.”

Home energy user, UK

“Quick to get started”

“The form was straightforward and I could compare without spending ages searching.”

Home energy user, UK

Trust & transparency

UK home energy comparisons with postcode-level availability
Side-by-side view of tariff costs and key terms
Clear presentation of incentives (bill credit/voucher) when offered

Ready to check switching credit offers for your home?

Submit your details once and see whole-of-market options for your postcode — including tariffs with bill credit where available.

Compare gas, electricity or dual fuel
Review projected annual cost alongside incentives
Switch online with no interruption to supply

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Updated on 10 Jan 2026