What is an energy supplier welcome bonus and how does it work?

An energy supplier welcome bonus is an incentive offered to new customers when they switch to a new gas and/or electricity provider. It may be paid as bill credit, cash, vouchers, or reward points. Eligibility typically requires you to switch using the supplier’s terms (or a comparison journey), keep your account open for a minimum period, and pay by an approved method (often Direct Debit).

Are welcome bonus energy deals always cheaper than standard tariffs?

Not always. A welcome bonus can improve the first-year value of a tariff, but the unit rates and standing charges still determine your overall cost. Compare the full estimated annual cost (after applying any bonus) and check what the price could be after the initial fixed period ends.

How do I compare welcome bonus deals in the UK (January 2026)?

To compare welcome bonus tariffs, gather your current usage (kWh) or an estimate, your postcode, payment method, and whether you want electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel. Then compare tariffs by total projected cost, factoring in the bonus value and any eligibility requirements. Use the results to choose a tariff with competitive rates, fair exit fees, and a bonus you can actually receive.

Do I need to be a new customer to get an energy welcome bonus?

Yes, in most cases the bonus is for new customers who are switching to the supplier. Some suppliers also exclude customers who have held an account with them recently (for example, within the last 12–24 months). Always check the supplier’s welcome bonus terms before you switch.

How long does it take to receive a welcome bonus after switching?

Timing varies by supplier and bonus type. Many bonuses are applied after your first bill, after a set number of successful payments, or after a qualifying period (commonly 30–90 days). If it’s a voucher or cash reward, it may be issued after the switch completes and eligibility checks pass.

Can I switch energy supplier if I have a smart meter?

Yes. You can usually switch with a smart meter. In some cases, smart functionality may temporarily operate in ‘dumb’ mode depending on the meter type and supplier, but your supply won’t be interrupted.

Will I pay exit fees if I switch to a welcome bonus fixed tariff?

Many fixed tariffs include exit fees if you leave before the end of the fixed term. If you want flexibility, consider tariffs with low or no exit fees, or only switch close to the end of your current fix. Check your current tariff and the new tariff’s exit fee terms before switching.

Is it better to choose dual fuel to qualify for a welcome bonus?

Some bonuses are available for dual fuel only, while others apply to electricity-only or gas-only. Dual fuel can be convenient and may offer better overall pricing, but the best choice depends on the combined annual cost for your home and the bonus eligibility rules.

What should I check in the terms of an energy welcome bonus deal?

Check the minimum supply period, payment requirements (e.g., Direct Debit), whether the bonus is per fuel or per account, any exclusions for existing/previous customers, how and when the bonus is paid, and what happens if you switch away early. Also confirm whether the tariff is fixed or variable and review standing charges and unit rates.

What is the quickest way to switch and start saving?

Choose a competitive tariff based on your usage and apply online. Switching usually completes in around 5 working days for most customers, and your energy supply stays on throughout. To maximise savings, compare based on total annual cost (including any welcome bonus), then submit your details to start the switch.

Energy supplier welcome bonus deals UK (January 2026)

Compare whole-of-market welcome bonus energy deals for UK homes in January 2026. Check eligibility, see what “bonus” really means, and switch in minutes with EnergyPlus.

Whole-of-market comparison (no single-supplier bias)
Find sign-up credit, bill credit, voucher and cashback-style offers
See the estimated annual cost alongside any welcome bonus
Quick form—get matched to offers available for your postcode

Check welcome bonus deals How bonuses work

For domestic customers in Great Britain. Bonuses vary by supplier and tariff and may have eligibility criteria (e.g. direct debit, online billing, minimum term). Always compare the total annual cost, not just the incentive.

Compare January 2026 welcome bonus energy deals for your home

Welcome bonus deals can look attractive—£ credit on your first bill, a voucher after your first month, or a one-off reward for switching. But the best choice is the tariff that wins on total annual cost after unit rates, standing charges, and any conditions are considered.

EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare whole-of-market domestic tariffs available in the UK (Great Britain) in January 2026, including deals where suppliers run time-limited welcome incentives. Use the form to get matched to eligible offers for your postcode and usage.

What counts as a “welcome bonus”?

Bill credit (e.g. applied after your first successful direct debit)
Voucher codes (retailer gift cards, sent after a qualifying period)
Cashback-style rewards (paid after validation, sometimes via a third party)
Referral incentives (only if you join via an existing customer’s link)

Already know what you want? Jump to how to spot a genuine bargain or read the FAQs before you switch.

Get my eligible welcome bonus deals

Fill in your details and we’ll match you to available tariffs and any qualifying welcome incentives for January 2026.

Postcode

Fuel type

Payment method

Moving home?

Full name

Phone (optional)

Contact preference

Read FAQs first

By submitting, you agree EnergyPlus may use your details to contact you about your comparison request. You can ask us to stop at any time. We’ll only share your details with relevant suppliers/partners to progress your switch.

Why welcome bonus deals can be worth considering (and when they’re not)

Lower effective cost

A bill credit can reduce your first few payments, which helps if you’re moving home or your monthly Direct Debit is being reset.

Motivation to switch

If you’re on a poor-value standard variable tariff, a welcome incentive can be the nudge to compare and switch now rather than later.

Added value (not a substitute)

The best bonus is one attached to a competitive tariff. If the unit rates are higher, the “free” reward can be quickly cancelled out.

EnergyPlus tip: When comparing welcome bonus energy deals, treat the bonus like a discount and check the estimated annual cost. A £50 credit is helpful—but not if the tariff costs £120 more over the year.

How energy supplier welcome bonuses work in the UK

In January 2026, suppliers may run promotions to attract switchers. The wording can differ—“welcome offer”, “joining reward”, “switching credit”, or “new customer bonus”—but the mechanics usually follow the same pattern: you join a tariff, meet conditions, and the reward is applied after a set period.

1) You apply

Choose a tariff and provide details (address, meter type, payment method).

2) Switch progresses

Your new supplier completes the switch and sets up billing and Direct Debit (if chosen).

3) Qualifying period

Often 30–90 days, sometimes until the first successful payment or first bill.

4) Bonus applied

Bill credit appears on your account, or a voucher/cashback is issued once validated.

Common welcome bonus conditions to look for

Condition	What it means	What to check
Direct Debit required	Bonus only applies if you pay monthly by Direct Debit.	Is your current bank account suitable? Are you comfortable with monthly payments?
Online account / paperless	Supplier expects e-billing and online account management.	If you need paper bills, check whether this affects the deal.
Minimum term	Some rewards require you to stay on supply for a set period.	Any exit fees? When is the bonus actually issued?
New customers only	Offer excludes existing customers or recent switch-backs.	Look for “not held an account within X months” type rules.
Meter/payment restrictions	Some offers exclude prepayment meters or certain meter types.	Confirm whether your meter type is eligible for that tariff and reward.

How to spot a good welcome bonus deal (without getting caught out)

Compare the annual cost first

Use the bonus as a tie-breaker, not the headline. If two tariffs are similar in total annual cost, then a welcome incentive can improve value.

Look at unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
Check if prices are fixed or variable
Check any exit fees (especially on fixed deals)

Confirm when you actually receive it

Some rewards apply quickly; others may be issued after a qualifying period. If you’re planning to move or switch again soon, timing matters.

Is the bonus bill credit or a voucher?
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Do you need to take an action (e.g. claim or validate)?

Quick check for January 2026: If a tariff’s annual cost is higher than alternatives by more than the welcome bonus value, it’s usually not the best deal—unless there are other benefits you value (e.g. customer service ratings, app features, greener options).

Eligibility checklist for UK welcome bonus energy offers

Eligibility varies by supplier and tariff. Before you switch, use this checklist to avoid missing out on the welcome bonus you expected.

About you

You’re switching for a domestic supply (not business)
You haven’t held an account with the supplier recently (if the offer is new customers only)
You can pay by monthly Direct Debit if required
You can receive e-bills / manage your account online if required

About the property

Your meter type is supported by the tariff (smart, standard credit, or prepay)
The offer is available in your region (pricing and standing charges vary by area)
You’re not mid-switch (some bonuses exclude applications already in progress)
You can supply opening meter readings (or let your smart meter send them)

Not sure which options apply to your home? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you identify eligible deals for your situation.

Regional considerations: why your postcode affects welcome bonus value

In Great Britain, your region influences energy costs due to differences in standing charges and unit rates by electricity distribution area (and gas region). That means the same welcome bonus can represent a different level of value depending on where you live.

Standing charges vary

A higher standing charge can reduce the impact of a one-off credit for low-usage homes.

Usage patterns matter

If you use more energy (larger households), a slightly cheaper unit rate can beat a larger bonus over a year.

Payment type impacts access

Some welcome bonus deals are limited to Direct Debit. Prepay options may have fewer incentives.

Best practice: Always compare using your actual postcode and fuel type to see which January 2026 welcome bonuses are genuinely available for your home.

Common mistakes when chasing welcome bonus energy deals

Focusing on the bonus and ignoring the tariff

A bigger reward can hide higher unit rates or standing charges. Always prioritise total annual cost and tariff type (fixed vs variable).

Missing a condition and losing the reward

If the offer requires Direct Debit or paperless billing and you don’t meet it, the bonus may not be applied.

Switching again too soon

Some promotions only pay out after a qualifying period. If you leave early, you may forfeit the bonus or face exit fees on a fixed tariff.

Not accounting for moving home

If you’re moving in January 2026, check whether the bonus still applies if the account closes or the address changes during the qualifying period.

FAQs: welcome bonus energy deals (UK, January 2026)

Are welcome bonus energy deals always the cheapest?

Not always. A welcome bonus can improve value, but the cheapest tariff is typically the one with the best rates and standing charges for your postcode and usage. Compare the estimated annual cost first, then treat the bonus as an added benefit.

Can I get a welcome bonus on a prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but fewer promotions apply to prepay tariffs. Many welcome offers are linked to monthly Direct Debit plans. Use the form to see what’s currently available for your meter and payment type.

Do dual fuel deals have bigger bonuses?

Dual fuel can sometimes come with a higher total incentive, but it varies by supplier. Even with a larger bonus, check whether combining gas and electricity is cheaper overall for your home.

Will switching affect my supply?

No—your gas and electricity supply continues. The change is administrative: billing and customer service move to the new supplier. You’ll still use the same pipes and wires.

What information do I need to switch?

Typically your postcode and address, current supplier (if known), payment method, and an estimate of your usage. If you have a recent bill, you can use the kWh figures. Don’t worry—EnergyPlus can still help if you don’t have exact numbers.

When will I receive the welcome bonus?

It depends on the tariff’s terms. Some bill credits apply after your first payment; others may require a qualifying period. Always check the promotional terms and keep confirmation emails in case you need to query the reward.

Have a specific question about eligibility or timing? Start with the comparison form and add your details—our team can help you interpret which January 2026 offers apply to your home.

Why households use EnergyPlus to compare welcome bonus deals

“The form was quick and the options were explained clearly—especially how the welcome credit worked.”

Amira, West Midlands

“I nearly picked a bigger voucher deal, but the annual cost comparison showed a cheaper tariff with a smaller bonus.”

Daniel, Greater Manchester

“Helpful guidance on eligibility—my meter type limited some offers and they flagged that before I applied.”

Helen, South East

Trust indicators

Whole-of-market approach focused on UK household energy
Clear comparisons: rates, standing charges, tariff type and incentive conditions
Postcode-based results to reflect regional pricing differences

Ready to see January 2026 welcome bonus deals for your postcode?

Compare whole-of-market domestic tariffs and check which welcome incentives you can actually get—then switch with confidence.

Start comparison Check FAQs

No interruption to supply. Availability and bonus terms can change—submit your details to check current eligibility.

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Updated on 7 Jan 2026