Cheapest prepayment energy tariffs in the UK this month
Compare whole-of-market prepayment (PAYG) gas and electricity deals for your home in minutes. Tell us your postcode and meter type to see the cheapest options available in your area this month.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business energy)
- Supports smart prepayment meters and traditional key/card meters
- See unit rates, standing charges and estimated monthly costs
- Switch help available (including moving from prepay to credit where possible)
Prices vary by region, meter type and usage. We’ll show available home tariffs for your postcode and highlight the best-value prepayment options.
Find the cheapest prepayment energy tariff for your home
Prepayment customers can still compare deals — including smart prepayment tariffs where you top up online or via an app, and traditional key/card meters. Because prices vary by region and meter type, the most accurate way to find the cheapest prepay tariff this month is to compare using your postcode.
Good to know: “Cheapest” usually means the lowest estimated annual cost based on your usage, not just the lowest unit rate. We’ll help you compare both.
What you’ll need (takes 30 seconds)
- Your postcode (to match regional rates and available suppliers)
- Your meter type (smart prepay or key/card)
- Rough usage (or we can use typical consumption figures)
- Your contact details to send your results and help you switch
Prepay tip: If you’re regularly running out of credit, ask about emergency credit and whether a smart prepayment meter could make topping up easier.
Looking for credit meters instead? See our energy comparison options and tell us your meter type during the quote.
Why compare prepayment energy tariffs this month?
Prepayment tariffs can change, and availability differs by supplier and region. Comparing monthly helps you spot better-value rates, avoid overpaying, and understand the real cost of your meter setup.
See the true “cheapest” option
We compare unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual costs, so you don’t pick a tariff that looks cheap but costs more overall.
Prepay-friendly suppliers
Not every supplier offers every prepay meter type. We highlight the tariffs that are actually available for your setup and postcode.
Switching support
If you can switch, we’ll guide you through what to expect (including whether a meter exchange is required and how debt can affect switching).
Avoid common prepay pitfalls
We’ll help you check for factors that can change your costs, like payment method uplifts, regional differences and whether you’re on a deemed or standard variable arrangement.
Understand your next best step
Sometimes the cheapest “tariff” move is changing meter type. We’ll explain when it could be cheaper to move from prepay to credit (subject to eligibility).
How prepayment energy tariffs work (and why prices differ)
A prepayment tariff is a pay-as-you-go way to pay for gas and/or electricity. You top up credit (online, app, PayPoint, Payzone or at the Post Office for some suppliers) and your meter deducts usage. Your total cost depends on your tariff structure, where you live, and how much energy you use.
- Standing charge: a daily fixed cost to keep you connected (varies by region and fuel).
- Unit rate: the price per kWh you use (again varies by region and tariff).
- Meter type: smart prepay can be priced differently to traditional key/card, and not all deals are available on every meter.
- Single vs dual fuel: combining gas + electricity with one supplier can change overall cost.
- Usage pattern: the “cheapest” tariff for a low-usage flat can be different to the best deal for a family home.
Important: Prepayment customers can sometimes be on a deemed tariff after moving home. Comparing now can show whether you could reduce costs by choosing an alternative prepay tariff or by switching supplier (where possible).
What to check when comparing the cheapest prepay tariffs
If you’re searching “cheapest prepayment energy tariffs UK this month”, you’re likely trying to cut costs quickly. Use this checklist to compare like-for-like before you switch.
| What to compare | Why it matters on prepay | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity unit rate (p/kWh) | This is what you pay per unit used. A small difference can add up, especially in winter. | Check whether your meter is single-rate or Economy 7. |
| Gas unit rate (p/kWh) | Gas often drives heating costs. A lower unit rate can reduce top-up frequency. | Compare using your typical monthly spend if you don’t know kWh. |
| Standing charge (p/day) | You pay it even if you use very little energy, which can impact low-usage households. | For low usage, a slightly higher unit rate can still be cheaper if the standing charge is lower. |
| Tariff type (fixed vs variable) | Fixed deals can provide certainty; variable deals can change with market conditions and price cap changes. | Look for exit terms and whether fixed deals are available on your meter type. |
| Top-up options | How you add credit affects convenience and can reduce the risk of self-disconnection. | Smart prepay can support app/online top ups; key/card often needs a shop visit. |
| Debt settings (if applicable) | If you have prepay debt, a portion of each top-up may repay it, reducing available credit for usage. | Ask your supplier what repayment rate is set and whether it can be reviewed. |
Eligibility: can you switch prepayment energy tariffs?
Many households can switch prepayment tariffs and suppliers, but there are a few prepay-specific checks that affect what’s available. If anything below applies, you can still compare — you may just see fewer options or need an extra step.
If you have debt on your meter
Some suppliers allow switching with debt up to a certain threshold (rules and thresholds can vary). Where switching isn’t possible, you can still reduce costs by reviewing your current tariff and repayment settings.
If you’re renting
Tenants can usually switch supplier as long as they pay the bills. If you want to change meter type (e.g., prepay to credit), you may need landlord permission for a meter exchange.
If you have a key/card meter
Some of the cheapest prepayment options may require a smart prepayment meter. If you’re on a traditional meter, ask what’s available without a meter exchange.
If you’re moving home
You can be placed on a deemed tariff automatically. Comparing soon after moving can help you lock in a better price (where prepay tariffs are offered in your region).
Not sure what meter you have? If you top up using a key or card, it’s a traditional prepayment meter. If you top up online and your meter updates remotely, you may have smart prepay. We can help you confirm during comparison.
Common mistakes when searching for the cheapest prepayment tariff
Comparing without your postcode
Prepay unit rates and standing charges are regional. “UK-wide cheapest” lists can be misleading if they don’t reflect your area.
Focusing on unit rate only
A low unit rate with a high standing charge can cost more overall — especially for low-usage households.
Ignoring meter compatibility
Some tariffs are only available for smart prepay. Always confirm what’s available for your exact meter type.
Best practice: Compare using your latest top-up history or bill information if you have it. Even a rough usage estimate improves accuracy.
Cheapest prepayment energy tariffs UK: FAQs
Are prepayment meters always more expensive?
Not always, but prepay tariffs can differ from direct debit prices and availability can be more limited. The cheapest option depends on your region, meter type and usage. Comparing by postcode is the most reliable way to check.
Can I get a fixed prepayment tariff?
Sometimes. Whether fixed prepay deals are available depends on suppliers serving your area and your meter type (smart prepay can open up more options). We’ll show you what’s available for your postcode this month.
Can I switch from prepayment to a credit meter?
In many cases, yes — subject to supplier checks, property suitability, and (for renters) landlord permission. If you have energy debt, you may need to clear it or agree a repayment plan first.
What if I have emergency credit or friendly credit?
Emergency credit helps keep your supply running when you’re out of credit. Friendly credit (where offered) can prevent disconnection overnight or on certain days. These features are set by the supplier and meter type, and won’t necessarily mean you’re on the cheapest tariff.
Do I need a bill to compare prepayment tariffs?
No. If you don’t have kWh figures, use a rough monthly spend or household size as a guide. The more accurate your usage estimate, the more accurate your “cheapest” result will be.
Is EnergyPlus whole-of-market?
EnergyPlus compares across the market where available to help you find suitable home energy tariffs. Availability can vary by region, meter type and supplier participation.
Trusted help for comparing prepayment energy
When you’re on prepay, clarity matters. We focus on showing the costs that affect your top-ups and your month-to-month budget.
Clear comparisons
We highlight unit rates and standing charges alongside estimated costs so you can compare prepay deals with confidence.
Home-focused support
This page is for UK households. We’ll tailor results to your home address and meter setup.
Switching guidance
If switching is possible, we’ll explain the steps and what happens to your meter, top-ups and any existing credit.
Customer feedback snapshot: “Simple to use and explained the costs clearly.” “Helped me understand standing charges on prepay.” “Quick response when I had questions about my meter type.”
Ready to check the cheapest prepayment energy tariff?
Submit your details once and we’ll match you with prepayment tariffs available for your postcode this month — with a clear view of unit rates, standing charges and estimated costs.
- Whole-of-market comparison where available
- Smart prepay and key/card supported
- UK home energy only
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