Cheap prepayment meter energy tariffs in the UK this month
Compare whole-of-market prepayment meter energy deals for your home and see whether switching supplier (or meter type) could reduce what you pay—without the hassle.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households on prepay
- Check if cheaper tariffs are available for your postcode
- Support for key/card and smart prepayment meters
- Clear next steps: switch supplier, move to credit, or upgrade to smart
No obligation. For UK homes only. Results depend on availability in your area and meter type.
Check cheap prepayment meter tariffs available in your area
Prepayment prices can vary by region, meter type (key/card vs smart prepay), and whether you need electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options to find tariffs that may suit your home this month.
Use the form to request a comparison. We’ll use your details to identify what’s available and the next best step—whether that’s switching supplier on prepay, moving to a credit meter (subject to checks), or upgrading to a smart meter where available.
Good to know (prepayment meters)
- Tariffs and unit rates are influenced by the Ofgem price cap and regional network costs.
- Some suppliers offer different prepay rates for smart prepayment versus traditional key/card.
- If you have a debt repayment arrangement, your options may be narrower—but you can still compare.
Get your prepayment tariff comparison
Complete the form and we’ll match you with available home energy options. It takes about 60 seconds.
Tip: If your meter is in “emergency credit” or you’re topping up more often than usual, comparing now can help you understand whether different prepay rates—or a move to a smart/credit meter—could improve affordability.
Why compare prepayment meter energy tariffs?
See what’s actually available this month
Prepay pricing can change. A whole-of-market check helps you understand current options for your region and meter type—without guessing.
Understand unit rates and standing charges
“Cheap” isn’t just one number. We consider unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day), plus how you use energy at home.
Explore alternatives to traditional prepay
If you’re eligible, moving to smart prepayment or a credit meter may open up additional tariff choices and improve budgeting.
EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK home energy. Availability varies by supplier, network area and your meter setup. If you have a prepayment meter due to debt, switching may still be possible but can involve extra steps.
How prepayment meter energy pricing works in the UK
Prepayment energy tariffs usually include a unit rate (what you pay per kWh) and a standing charge (a daily cost to be connected). Your overall spend depends on your household’s energy use, your region, and your meter type.
Traditional key/card prepayment
- You top up at PayPoint/Payzone or via app (supplier-dependent).
- Rates can differ from smart prepayment and credit tariffs.
- If you run out of credit, you may use emergency credit (if available) and repay later.
Smart prepayment
- Top up remotely (often in-app) and monitor usage more easily.
- May unlock different tariff choices in some areas.
- Can make it simpler to track costs and reduce unexpected top-ups.
What makes a prepay tariff “cheap” for your home?
| Factor | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | This drives most of your cost if you use a lot of energy. | Compare electricity and/or gas unit rates for your region. |
| Standing charge (p/day) | Affects lower-usage homes more because you pay it every day. | Check the standing charge for both fuels if dual fuel. |
| Meter type | Some tariffs are only available for certain meter setups. | Key/card vs smart prepayment vs credit meter availability. |
| Payment flexibility | Top-up methods and budgeting tools can reduce missed top-ups. | App top-ups, auto top-up, friendly credit, emergency credit terms. |
| Debt recovery settings | Repayments can be taken from top-ups, affecting usable credit. | Ask how debt deductions work and whether they can be adjusted. |
If you’re comparing for the first time: don’t worry if you don’t know your exact rates. Sharing your postcode and meter type is usually enough to start a relevant comparison.
Your options to lower prepayment energy costs
Depending on your situation, the best outcome may be a cheaper prepayment tariff—or a change that makes it easier to manage energy and spending.
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Compare prepayment tariffs with your current meter setup
If you’re on a key/card meter, we’ll check suppliers that can support your meter type in your region. -
See whether smart prepayment could unlock better value
Smart meters can support prepay mode and may provide more convenient top-ups and usage tracking. -
Check eligibility to move from prepayment to a credit meter
Some households can switch meter type (subject to supplier policy and checks). Credit meters can offer a wider tariff range. -
Review how standing charges and usage affect you
A tariff with a slightly higher unit rate can still work out cheaper if the standing charge is lower and your usage is modest.
If you’re topping up frequently
Frequent top-ups can point to higher usage, a higher unit rate, or a high standing charge. A comparison helps you identify which part is driving your costs.
If you’re repaying debt via your meter
Debt deductions can reduce the credit left for energy. We can explain what switching means in your situation and what to ask your supplier.
Common mistakes when searching for “cheap” prepayment tariffs
Only looking at the unit rate
A low p/kWh can be offset by a higher standing charge. Always look at the combined impact.
Assuming prepay can’t switch
Many households on prepay can switch supplier, especially with smart prepayment. Eligibility depends on circumstances.
Not checking the meter type first
Key/card and smart prepayment can have different available tariffs. If you’re unsure, we’ll help identify it.
Prepayment meter tariff FAQs (UK)
Can I get a cheaper prepayment meter tariff this month?
Possibly. What’s “cheapest” depends on your region, current supplier, meter type and current market availability. Comparing by postcode is the quickest way to see what’s available for your home right now.
Is a smart prepayment meter cheaper than a key meter?
Not always, but it can be. Smart meters can enable more tariff options with some suppliers and make it easier to monitor and top up. The only way to be sure is to compare tariffs available for your address.
Do I need to know my current unit rate or standing charge?
No. If you have it, it helps. But you can still request a comparison using your postcode and meter type, and we’ll guide you through what matters most.
Will switching supplier interrupt my energy supply?
In the vast majority of cases, no—your energy supply continues as normal during a switch. Your meter and top-up method may change depending on the new supplier and meter arrangement.
Can I change from prepayment to a credit meter?
Sometimes. Suppliers have their own rules and checks, and it can depend on payment history and whether there is debt attached to the meter. If it’s an option for you, it may open up more tariffs.
Is this comparison for businesses?
No. This page is for UK home energy only (domestic supply).
Looking for another topic? You can also compare prepayment tariffs above and tell us whether you need gas, electricity, or both.
What people like about using EnergyPlus
“I was on a key meter and didn’t know I could still switch. The comparison helped me understand my options and what to do next.”
— Home energy customer, West Midlands
“Clear explanation of unit rates and standing charges. I finally understood why my top-ups were going so fast.”
— Home energy customer, South Wales
“Simple form, quick call back, and no pressure. Helpful when you’re trying to keep costs down on prepay.”
— Home energy customer, Greater Manchester
Trust and transparency
- Whole-of-market comparison for domestic energy (where available)
- Clear explanation of tariffs, meter types, and switching routes
- Your details are used to provide your comparison and follow up on your request
Ready to check cheap prepayment tariffs for your postcode?
Submit your details once and we’ll help you compare prepayment meter energy tariffs available this month—plus explain the best next step for your home.
UK domestic customers only. Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type.
Quick checklist before you compare
- Know whether you have key/card or smart prepay (or choose “Not sure”)
- Have your postcode ready
- Tell us if you want dual fuel or one fuel
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