How does energy switching cashback work in the UK?

Cashback is a reward you receive for completing a switch to a qualifying gas and/or electricity tariff via a cashback offer. Typically you apply through the switching journey, complete the switch, and the cashback becomes payable after the supplier and/or partner confirms the switch has stayed active for the required period (often several weeks to a few months).

Will switching energy supplier affect my credit score?

Some suppliers may run a credit check for certain tariffs (especially pay monthly by Direct Debit). In many cases this is a soft check, but it can vary by supplier and tariff. If you want to minimise checks, look for tariffs and payment methods that don’t require a full credit check.

How long does it take to switch energy supplier and receive cashback?

Switching supplier is usually completed within around 5 working days under the faster switching process, though timings can vary. Cashback is typically paid after the switch is confirmed and any validation period is met, which can take from a few weeks up to a few months depending on the offer terms.

Can I get cashback if I’m in a fixed tariff?

Yes, but check whether your current tariff has an exit fee and when your fixed term ends. If there’s an exit fee, compare it against the savings and cashback to decide if switching now is worthwhile. Some fixed deals have no exit fees in the final days of the contract.

Do I need to contact my current supplier to switch?

No. When you switch, your new supplier typically handles the transfer. You’ll usually just need a recent bill (or your online account details) to provide your address and, if possible, your meter details.

What information do I need to switch energy and claim cashback?

You’ll commonly need your postcode and address, your current supplier name, payment method, and meter details (smart meter or traditional; MPAN for electricity and MPRN for gas if available). To help ensure cashback tracks correctly, complete the switch in one session and follow the offer instructions.

Is it safe to switch energy supplier online?

Yes. Switching is a standard process regulated in the UK. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted—only the billing supplier changes. Always review tariff details, unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees before you confirm.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter or prepayment meter?

In many cases, yes. Smart meters are widely supported across suppliers, though functionality can vary. Prepayment customers can often switch too, but available tariffs may be more limited and you may need to pass debt checks or clear outstanding balances depending on circumstances.

Best energy tariffs with cashback for switching in the UK

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals and see which tariffs may offer cashback for switching. Get tailored results based on your postcode and usage, then switch in minutes.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (gas & electricity)
Check eligibility and estimated annual cost before you switch
Fast form—no jargon, clear next steps
Switch support: confirmations, timelines, and what happens to your direct debit

Check cashback tariffs How cashback works

Cashback availability varies by supplier, tariff, and eligibility. Quotes are personalised; we’ll show the full cost and key terms before you switch.

Find energy tariffs that may offer cashback—based on your home

Cashback switching deals can be a smart way to reduce your overall energy cost—but only if the tariff price and terms stack up. EnergyPlus compares home energy options across the market to help you identify tariffs that could pay cashback and still be competitive on unit rates and standing charges.

Use the form to get tailored quotes for your postcode. We’ll ask a few essentials (fuel type, current supplier, and contact details) so we can return the most relevant switching options and confirm the next steps.

Quick tip: compare like-for-like

Check estimated annual cost for your usage, not just headline cashback.
Review exit fees and any minimum supply periods.
Look at payment method (direct debit, prepay) and tariff type (fixed/variable).

Already know what you want? Jump to what makes a great cashback tariff.

Get your cashback-eligible quotes

Complete the form and we’ll match you with tariffs that fit your home and may include cashback for switching.

No disruption to supply: switching supplier doesn’t change your meter, and your gas/electricity stays on throughout.

Why cashback energy tariffs can be worth it

Cashback is a bonus—not the whole story. The best switching outcomes come from balancing cashback against the tariff’s total cost, flexibility, and customer service. Here’s what to expect when you compare and switch through a whole-of-market service.

Lower effective cost

If a tariff’s unit rates are competitive, cashback can reduce your first-year effective spend—especially for dual fuel switches.

Clearer comparisons

We focus on estimated annual cost, standing charges, and key terms, so you can judge the deal beyond the headline incentive.

Switching support

From confirming your supply start date to what happens with direct debit, you’ll know what to expect and when.

Potential bill stability

Fixed tariffs can help you plan, while variable tariffs may suit you if you want flexibility. We’ll highlight the differences.

Less admin

Switching is usually straightforward: your new supplier contacts the old one, and you simply provide meter readings at the right time.

Eligibility checked upfront

Cashback can depend on payment method, property, or tariff type. We’ll help you avoid options that aren’t a fit.

How cashback works when you switch energy supplier

Energy cashback offers can be paid by the supplier or via the switching channel and typically depend on you completing the switch and keeping the account active for a qualifying period. The exact rules vary by tariff, so always review the terms shown in your quote.

You compare and apply using your postcode and preferences. We display tariff pricing, key features, and whether cashback may apply.
The supplier confirms the switch and your cooling-off period starts. Your supply stays on during the changeover.
You provide opening meter readings (usually requested around your switch date) to ensure accurate final and first bills.
Cashback is validated once eligibility conditions are met (for example, the account is live and in good standing).
Cashback is paid per the tariff’s stated timeframe and method (such as bank transfer, bill credit, or voucher).

Common cashback conditions to check

New customers only (or not held an account recently)
Direct debit required (sometimes online-only)
Dual fuel requirement (gas + electricity)

Keep the tariff active for a set period
Accurate meter reads submitted on time
No missed payments / account in good standing

What makes the “best” cashback energy tariff?

There isn’t one best tariff for everyone. The right choice depends on your usage, payment preferences, and whether you value price certainty. Use the checklist below to pick a tariff that’s genuinely good value—cashback included.

What to compare	Why it matters	How to decide
Estimated annual cost	Shows the most realistic total cost for your household.	Prioritise lower total cost even if cashback is smaller.
Unit rates & standing charges	These drive your bill month-to-month.	High standing charges can outweigh cashback for low users.
Tariff type (fixed/variable)	Affects price certainty and flexibility.	Choose fixed for stability; variable if you prefer flexibility.
Exit fees	Leaving early can erase cashback benefits.	If you might move, consider low/zero exit fee options.
Cashback type & timing	Cashflow matters: bill credit vs cash vs voucher.	Pick the method you’ll actually use; note payout timeframes.
Customer service & billing	Smooth billing and support reduce hassle after switching.	Consider reviews and support options alongside price.

Two quick scenarios

Low usage household

A tariff with a lower standing charge can beat a higher cashback offer. Always check the total estimated cost.

Higher usage household

Unit rates matter most. Cashback can be a nice extra if the rate is already competitive for your usage band.

Eligibility: who can get cashback when switching?

Most UK households can switch, but cashback eligibility can be stricter than basic switching eligibility. The details vary by supplier and tariff, so treat the points below as a practical guide.

You’re typically eligible if

You’re switching a domestic electricity and/or gas account.
You can pay by monthly direct debit (where required).
Your details match across the application (name, address, contact).
You complete the switch and keep the account active for the qualifying period.

You may not be eligible if

The tariff is limited to new customers only and you’ve recently held an account.
Your property is on prepayment and the offer requires direct debit.
You switch away or cancel during the cooling-off or qualifying period.
There are payment issues that breach the offer’s terms.

If you’re unsure, submit the form above and we’ll help you confirm which cashback tariffs match your situation. Return to Compare & get cashback.

Common mistakes to avoid with cashback energy deals

Choosing cashback over value

A higher cashback offer can come with higher unit rates. Compare the total annual cost first.

Missing key eligibility terms

Some offers require direct debit, online billing, or dual fuel. Make sure your setup matches the tariff terms.

Forgetting meter readings

Accurate opening reads help prevent billing issues and can be part of cashback validation on some deals.

Cashback switching FAQs

Do I lose supply when I switch energy supplier?

No. Your gas and electricity stay on. Switching is an administrative change between suppliers; the network that delivers your energy stays the same.

How long does cashback take to pay?

Timeframes vary by tariff. Cashback is usually paid after the switch completes and any qualifying conditions are met. Your quote should show the expected payout window and method.

Is cashback better than a cheaper tariff without cashback?

Not always. A slightly cheaper tariff can beat a cashback deal over the year. Compare the estimated annual cost and then factor in cashback as a bonus.

Will I pay exit fees on my current tariff?

Some fixed tariffs have exit fees if you leave before the end date. Check your current supplier’s terms and weigh any fee against your expected savings and cashback.

Can I get cashback if I’m on a smart meter?

Often yes. Smart meters typically don’t prevent switching. Eligibility depends on the supplier and tariff rules rather than the meter type.

Do you compare the whole UK market?

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Availability can still vary by region, meter type, payment method, and supplier participation at the time you request quotes.

Have a specific question about your home? Start with the form in Compare & get cashback and we’ll guide you through your options.

Trusted switching support for UK households

People switch for different reasons—lower bills, fixed price certainty, or a better service experience. Here’s what customers typically value when using a comparison-led switching journey.

“The quote was clear and I could see the costs and terms before deciding. Switching was straightforward.”

— Homeowner, Manchester

“I wanted cashback but didn’t want to overpay. The comparison helped me prioritise the overall annual cost.”

— Tenant, London

“Good explanations on fixed vs variable and what happens with meter readings. Made it much less confusing.”

— Family household, Glasgow

What you’ll always see in your results

Tariff type, unit rates, standing charges, and estimated annual cost
Key terms such as exit fees and contract length
Cashback details where available (type, amount, and conditions)

Ready to check the best cashback energy tariffs for your postcode?

Get personalised quotes for your home, see the real annual cost, and confirm cashback eligibility before you switch.

Whole-of-market home energy comparison
Clear tariff terms and switching timelines
Fast form—start in under 2 minutes

Start my comparison See what to look for

We’ll show pricing and key terms first. Switching is optional and you’ll always be able to review the details before proceeding.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026