Cheapest UK energy tariffs for prepay meters
Compare whole-of-market prepayment (PAYG) energy tariffs and see which suppliers are cheapest for your home. Switch online in minutes or request a call back.
- Compare prepay electricity and gas deals across the UK (not just a panel)
- See tariff options for smart prepay, key/card meters and credit meters
- Get results tailored to your postcode and usage
Home energy only. Switching is subject to eligibility and supplier availability. Prices vary by region and meter type.
Compare the cheapest prepay energy tariffs for your postcode
Prepayment tariffs (PAYG) can be priced differently to credit-meter tariffs, and the “cheapest” option depends on your region, meter type (key, card, smart prepay), and how much energy you use. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options for home energy so you can see what’s available for your address.
Tip: If you’re on a traditional key/card prepay meter, some suppliers may only offer certain tariffs until your meter is upgraded or switched to smart prepay. We’ll surface eligible options based on what you tell us.
What you’ll need (takes about 60 seconds)
- Your postcode
- Whether you have gas, electricity, or both
- Your current meter type (prepay key/card or smart prepay if known)
- Contact details so we can send your results and help you switch
Get your cheapest prepay deals
Fill in the form and we’ll match you with available tariffs for your area.
On emergency credit? You can still compare and start a switch. If you’re worried about topping up, consider completing the form now and we’ll prioritise a quick call back.
Why the cheapest prepay tariff isn’t the same for everyone
Unlike many online searches for “cheapest prepay energy”, real tariff costs depend on regulated and practical factors. Here’s what typically changes the price you pay on a prepayment meter:
Your region & network costs
Standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution region. A tariff that’s cheapest in one area may not be cheapest in another.
Meter type (key/card vs smart prepay)
Some deals are only available on smart prepay. With smart prepay, you can often top up by app and access a wider set of tariffs.
How you use energy
If a tariff has a lower unit rate but higher standing charge (or vice versa), your annual cost changes depending on usage.
Important: Price caps, supplier pricing updates, and tariff availability change over time. We focus on showing what’s available for your address now, so you can make a confident decision.
How EnergyPlus helps you find cheaper prepay energy
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare available tariffs from across the market, helping you avoid missing a good option because it isn’t on a limited panel.
Prepay-friendly guidance
We highlight what matters for prepay meters: smart prepay availability, top-up methods, and whether a tariff is compatible with your meter type.
Switching support
If you want help, we can guide you through what happens during a switch, typical timelines, and what to do if you’re in debt with your supplier.
Looking for a credit meter tariff instead? Start your comparison here and tell us your current meter type—if switching to credit meter (or smart) would open cheaper options, we’ll explain what’s realistic for your home.
How to get the cheapest prepay energy tariff (practical checklist)
Use these steps to increase your chances of paying less on a prepayment meter—without relying on guesswork.
- Check your meter type: key, card, or smart prepay. If you’re unsure, we can still match by postcode and supplier availability.
- Compare based on your usage: the cheapest tariff for low usage can differ from the cheapest for higher usage due to standing charges.
- Review top-up options: app/online top-ups can be easier than PayPoint/Payzone—especially if you’re managing budgets.
- Consider smart prepay: where available, it can open up more tariffs and provide better usage visibility (and often easier top-ups).
- Understand any debt arrangements: if you’re repaying debt through your meter, a switch may still be possible in some cases, but options can be limited.
- Start your comparison: submit the form and we’ll help you narrow down eligible cheapest options for your address.
Prepay tariff costs: what to look at (not just unit rate)
When people search for the cheapest UK prepay energy tariff, they often focus on the pence per kWh. But your total cost is usually driven by a mix of charges.
| Cost component | What it means | Why it matters for prepay |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate | Price per kWh of gas/electricity you use. | Lower is usually better, but only when combined with standing charge and your usage. |
| Standing charge | Daily fixed cost for having supply connected. | High standing charges can make a tariff expensive for low-usage households. |
| Payment & meter terms | How you top up and how payments are applied. | Some suppliers offer app top-ups, friendly credit alerts, or different emergency credit rules. |
| Debt repayments (if any) | If you’re repaying arrears through your meter, a portion of top-ups may be allocated to debt. | This can affect day-to-day affordability; switching options may depend on debt level and arrangements. |
Comparing like-for-like: We focus on showing tariffs based on your postcode and expected usage so you’re not comparing a low unit rate with a higher standing charge without context.
Who can switch prepay energy tariffs in the UK?
Most households on prepayment meters can switch, but eligibility can depend on your situation. Use this guide to understand what may affect your options.
Usually straightforward
- Prepay key/card or smart prepay with no outstanding supplier debt
- Tenants (you can often switch if you pay the energy bills)
- Dual fuel (gas + electricity) or single fuel households
May limit available tariffs
- Debt on your prepay meter or a repayment plan attached to top-ups
- Restricted meter setups in some properties (rare, but possible)
- Some legacy meters where smart upgrade is required first
If you’re unsure, submit the comparison form and we’ll explain your likely switching routes based on supplier rules and what’s available in your area.
Common prepay mistakes that keep bills higher
Comparing without usage
A tariff can look cheap on unit rate but cost more overall if standing charges are higher for your usage level.
Assuming you can’t switch on prepay
Many households can switch from one prepay tariff to another, or upgrade to smart prepay to access more deals.
Forgetting to check top-up methods
Convenient top-ups (app/online) can reduce missed payments and make budgeting simpler—especially in winter.
Prepay meter tariff FAQs
Are prepay energy tariffs more expensive than credit meters?
They can be, but not always. Prices depend on region, supplier, and tariff. In some cases, switching supplier or moving to smart prepay (where suitable) can reduce costs. Comparing based on your postcode is the quickest way to see your likely cheapest options.
Can I switch energy supplier if I have a prepayment meter?
Often yes. Some situations (such as debt being collected via the meter) can reduce your available options, but it’s still worth comparing. EnergyPlus will help you understand what’s available for your address.
What’s the difference between key/card prepay and smart prepay?
Key/card prepay usually requires top-ups at a shop (e.g. PayPoint/Payzone). Smart prepay typically allows top-ups online or via an app, gives clearer usage information, and may broaden tariff availability depending on supplier and area.
Do I need my MPAN/MPRN to compare?
No. A postcode-based comparison is enough to start. If additional details are helpful later (like meter identifiers), we’ll explain where to find them and why they’re needed.
Will I lose supply during a switch?
No—switching supplier shouldn’t interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your meter may be updated or replaced in some cases (for example, when moving to smart prepay), and your new supplier will confirm what to expect.
How do I know I’m on the cheapest prepay tariff?
You’ll need to compare tariffs available in your region and for your meter type, then estimate annual cost using your usage. Submit the form above and we’ll help you identify eligible cheapest options for your home.
If you’re looking for help beyond switching—such as affordability support—you may also want to check whether you’re eligible for supplier support schemes or priority services, depending on your circumstances.
Trusted comparison support for UK households
“I was on a key meter and assumed I couldn’t switch. EnergyPlus helped me compare what was actually available in my area and explained the steps clearly.”
“The results were more useful than generic ‘cheapest tariff’ lists because they were based on my postcode and meter type.”
“Quick call back and no pressure. I felt like I understood the standing charge vs unit rate trade-off for the first time.”
What you can expect from EnergyPlus
- Clear, postcode-specific comparison
- Support for prepay meter questions (including smart prepay)
- Switching guidance in plain UK English
Ready to check the cheapest prepay tariffs in your area?
Complete the form and we’ll match you with eligible prepayment energy tariffs for your postcode—then help you switch if you want to.
EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK home energy. Tariffs and availability depend on region, supplier, and meter type.
Prefer to do it in one go?
Go to the comparison form and submit your details. On mobile, the form appears full width for easy completion.
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