Best energy tariffs with sign-up credit in the UK (this month)

See how sign-up credit works, what to watch for, and how to compare whole-of-market deals by your meter type, payment method and postcode.

  • Understand what “sign-up credit” really means (and when you actually get it)
  • Compare fixed vs variable tariffs with clear UK-specific caveats
  • Check eligibility: region, smart meter, payment type, debt/PSR and moving home rules
Get your energy quote How we assess sign-up credit

Sign-up credit is an incentive and varies by supplier, tariff and eligibility. Quotes are personalised to your postcode, meter type and usage.

Fast answer: the “best” sign-up credit tariff is the one you can actually keep

In the UK, sign-up credit is usually a one-off bill credit (or account credit) offered to new customers. It can make a tariff look great at first glance, but the right deal depends on your postcode (regional unit rates), meter type (single rate vs Economy 7), payment method and whether the credit is paid upfront or after a qualifying period.

Look beyond the headline credit

Compare annual estimated cost (rates + standing charges) and then treat credit as a separate benefit with conditions.

Check how/when it’s paid

Some suppliers add credit after your first bill; others after 1–3 months or when your switch completes.

Avoid paying it back

If you switch away early, you may lose the credit or face exit fees on fixed tariffs.

Editorial note: We don’t publish a single “best tariff for everyone” list because UK energy prices vary by region and personal circumstances. Use the form below to see deals you’re eligible for, including any sign-up credit.

Compare sign-up credit deals by your details (whole of market)

Tell us a few basics and we’ll match you to tariffs available for your postcode, meter type and payment preference. You’ll see: estimated monthly cost, tariff type, exit fees (if any), and whether sign-up credit applies.

What counts as “sign-up credit”?

Typically a one-off bill credit for new customers, sometimes split across fuels (electricity + gas) or paid after a set time.

Who may be excluded?

Eligibility can depend on new customer status, property type, meter setup (e.g. Economy 7), and payment method (credit vs prepayment).

Good to know: The cheapest tariff after sign-up credit isn’t always the cheapest long-term. If you plan to stay put for 12 months, compare on estimated annual cost and check exit fees.

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Compare tariffs with sign-up credit: what matters most

Use this table to sanity-check a deal before switching. The “best” option depends on how long you’ll stay, whether you can meet the credit conditions, and your tolerance for price changes.

Tariff type How sign-up credit is usually paid Typical trade-offs Who it suits
Fixed (e.g. 12 months) Often after switch completes or after first bill; sometimes after 1–3 months. May have exit fees; credit might be forfeited if you leave early. People who want price certainty and expect to stay put.
Variable If offered, often credited after first bill or completion. Rates can change; credit may be smaller or less common. People who value flexibility and may switch again soon.
Tracker / index-linked Varies; not always combined with credit offers. Price moves with an index; can rise quickly; not ideal if budget is tight. Confident, engaged switchers who understand price volatility.
Prepayment tariffs Credit offers are less common; if offered, may be applied as account credit rather than cash. Availability depends on meter/supplier; can require smart prepay. People who need payment control; check eligibility carefully.

Decision checklist: is a sign-up credit deal right for you?

Usually a good fit if you…

  • plan to stay at your address for at least 6–12 months (depending on the credit terms)
  • can use Monthly Direct Debit (often required for the headline credit)
  • are happy to compare on annual estimated cost, not just the incentive
  • won’t be caught by exit fees if you change your mind

May not suit you if you…

  • are moving home soon and might not meet the minimum time for the credit
  • need a prepayment option (credit offers can be limited)
  • have an Economy 7 meter and use little electricity overnight (two-rate deals can backfire)
  • are switching mainly for the incentive rather than the underlying rates

Tip: When comparing, ask “Would I still be happy with this tariff if the credit didn’t exist?” If the answer is no, it’s probably not the right deal.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

Sign-up credit can be worthwhile, but it’s also where misunderstandings happen. These are the most common reasons people don’t get the credit they expected.

1) Credit is conditional

Common conditions include being a new customer, paying by Direct Debit, and staying on supply for a minimum period. Terms vary by supplier.

2) Exit fees can outweigh the credit

Fixed tariffs may include exit fees per fuel. If you think you’ll switch again soon, weigh flexibility over incentives.

3) Economy 7 can change the maths

Two-rate tariffs can look cheap in comparisons if the assumed night usage doesn’t match how you actually use energy.

4) Regional pricing differences

Unit rates and standing charges can differ by region. A deal that’s “best” in one area may not be in another.

5) Moving home rules

Some suppliers let you take your tariff with you; others don’t, or the credit may not carry over. Always check before switching if you’re near a move.

6) Prepayment availability

Not all tariffs (and not all incentives) apply to prepayment meters. If you’re on prepay, filter explicitly for eligible deals.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

Scenario A: fixed tariff with credit vs slightly cheaper tariff without credit

Assumptions (illustrative): Dual fuel, Monthly Direct Debit, you stay 12 months. Tariff A offers £75 sign-up credit. Tariff B offers no credit but slightly lower rates. Exit fees ignored because you complete the full term.

Tariff A estimated annual cost
£1,720
Less sign-up credit
- £75
Tariff A effective first-year cost
£1,645
Tariff B estimated annual cost
£1,660

In this example, the credit makes Tariff A cheaper in year one. But if Tariff A’s rates are higher, it might be more expensive in year two if you don’t re-switch.

Scenario B: exit fees wipe out the benefit of the credit

Assumptions (illustrative): Dual fuel fixed tariff with £100 sign-up credit, but you move home and switch away after 4 months. Exit fees are £60 per fuel (£120 total). Supplier terms may also remove credit if you leave early.

Sign-up credit received
+ £100
Exit fees (gas + electricity)
- £120
Net impact (before rate differences)
- £20

Even if you keep the credit, exit fees can outweigh it. If the supplier also removes the credit when you leave early, the gap is larger.

Important: The scenarios above are illustrative to show how incentives can change outcomes. Your actual costs depend on your region, usage, rates, standing charges and tariff terms.

FAQs: sign-up credit energy tariffs in the UK

Is sign-up credit the same as a cashback offer?

Not always. Sign-up credit is usually applied to your energy account/bill. Cashback may be paid separately (e.g. to a bank account or as a voucher) and can have different tracking and timeframes. Always check the supplier’s and comparison journey terms.

When do I actually receive the credit?

It varies. Common timings include after the switch completes, after your first bill, or after a qualifying period (often 30–90 days). If you don’t see it when expected, contact your supplier with your tariff name and switch date.

Can I get sign-up credit if I’m on a prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but it’s less common and more restricted. Some offers apply only to credit meters with Direct Debit. If you’re on prepay, check tariffs specifically available to prepayment customers (including smart prepayment where relevant).

Will a sign-up credit tariff affect my smart meter?

In most cases, switching supplier doesn’t stop your smart meter measuring usage, but smart features can vary. If you have a smart meter, check whether the supplier supports smart functionality for your meter type and region.

Do I need to provide meter readings when I switch?

Often yes. Accurate readings help your old and new supplier agree your opening/closing balances. For smart meters, readings may be taken automatically, but it’s still wise to take a photo of your meter on switch day.

Can I switch again after getting the credit?

You can usually switch again, but you may lose the credit (if it hasn’t been paid yet) or pay exit fees on fixed tariffs. If you want flexibility, consider variable tariffs or fixed tariffs with low/no exit fees.

Are these deals available across England, Scotland and Wales?

Many are, but availability and pricing can vary by region (and sometimes by network area). Your postcode is the quickest way to confirm what’s actually available for your home.

If I’m in debt to my current supplier, can I still switch?

It depends on the amount and meter type. There are rules and protections, especially for prepayment customers. If you’re unsure, check guidance from Citizens Advice and speak to your supplier about options.

Need a quick check? Use the quote form to see tariffs that match your meter and payment type, then review the sign-up credit conditions before you apply.

How we assess “best sign-up credit” tariffs (methodology)

This guide is designed to help you choose a tariff that’s good value after considering the incentive. Because tariffs and eligibility change frequently, we focus on a transparent approach you can apply to any deal.

What we prioritise

  • Total estimated cost (unit rates + standing charges) as the main benchmark
  • Credit clarity: how/when it’s applied and key eligibility rules
  • Risk factors: exit fees, variable pricing, and moving-home implications
  • Fit for common UK setups: single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter, prepayment

Assumptions & limitations

  • All examples are illustrative and not a guarantee of your costs.
  • Energy prices vary by region, meter type, payment method and usage.
  • Some incentives are limited-time and may change without notice.
  • Tariff availability may differ for tenants vs homeowners depending on billing/meter access.

Editorial integrity

Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
March 2026

Sources and further reading

We link to authoritative UK sources for context. Specific tariff terms should always be checked on the supplier’s tariff information pages before you apply.

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Updated on 23 Mar 2026