What is switching credit from an energy supplier?

Switching credit is a one-off bill credit (or account credit) an energy supplier offers to new customers when they switch. It is usually applied to your first bill or added to your energy account balance after the switch completes and eligibility checks are met.

How do I qualify for a switching credit offer?

Eligibility varies by supplier, but switching credit is typically available to new customers who start a qualifying tariff, complete the switch successfully, and remain on supply for a minimum period. Always check the supplier’s terms, including any end date for the offer and whether it’s available for gas, electricity or dual fuel.

When will the switching credit be paid?

Most suppliers apply switching credit after your switch completes and your account is set up, often within the first 1–3 bills or within a stated timeframe in the offer terms. If you don’t see it, contact your supplier with your account details and the offer you applied for.

Is switching credit better than a cheaper tariff?

Not always. A large switching credit can look attractive, but the best value depends on your total cost over time (unit rates, standing charges, exit fees, and how long you’ll stay on the tariff). Compare the full annual cost first, then treat switching credit as a bonus.

Can existing customers get switching credit?

Switching credit is usually for new customers only. Existing customers may be offered different incentives (such as retention deals or referral rewards), but these are separate from switching credit and have their own terms.

Will switching energy suppliers affect my credit score?

Switching supplier doesn’t usually affect your credit score in a meaningful way. However, some suppliers may run a credit check when you apply, particularly for pay monthly tariffs. If you’re concerned, consider suppliers or tariffs with softer checks or alternative payment options where available.

What details do I need to switch and claim switching credit?

You’ll typically need your address and current supplier details, plus your meter type (credit or prepayment). Having a recent bill helps. If you have a smart meter, it’s useful to note whether it’s operating in smart mode. Ensure you follow the correct sign-up route if the switching credit requires a specific link or promo terms.

Can I switch if I’m in a fixed tariff with an exit fee?

Yes, but you may need to pay an exit fee to leave early unless your current supplier waives it (for example, near the end of your fixed term). Compare any exit fees against the savings and switching credit to see if switching now is worth it.

What should I do to maximise savings when switching for credit?

Compare unit rates and standing charges first, then check switching credit terms (minimum stay, eligible tariffs, and when credit is applied). Take meter readings on switch day, keep confirmation emails, and review your first bills to ensure the credit has been applied correctly.

Energy suppliers offering switching credit in the UK

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals in minutes and see which UK suppliers may offer switching credit or bill credit for new customers. Submit your details once and we’ll match you to tariffs available for your address.

Check electricity, gas and dual fuel tariffs in one place
See available incentives (where offered) alongside unit rates & standing charges
Switch online with a simple form — no phone calls required

Check deals & switching credit How switching credit works

Switching credit and incentives vary by supplier, tariff and eligibility. We’ll show what’s available for your home based on your details.

Compare UK suppliers that may offer switching credit

Some UK energy suppliers (or specific tariffs) offer switching credit — a one-off amount added to your account, a bill credit, or another incentive for joining. The key is to judge the credit alongside the ongoing cost of energy.

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Enter your details once and we’ll show suitable electricity, gas and dual fuel options for your address — including any available new-customer credit where offered.

What counts as “switching credit”?

Bill/account credit applied after your switch completes (often after a set period)
Welcome credit for new customers on selected tariffs
Referral credit where you join via an eligible referral route
Non-cash incentives (e.g. vouchers) on limited campaigns

Best practice: compare credit and the real annual cost

A £50–£100 credit can be attractive, but it doesn’t always mean the tariff is cheaper overall. When you compare, focus on:

Unit rate (p/kWh) for electricity and/or gas
Standing charge (p/day)
Tariff type (fixed vs variable) and exit fees (if fixed)
Payment method (Direct Debit vs Pay on Receipt vs prepayment, where available)
Eligibility windows and when credit is applied

Get your personalised results

Complete the form to see suppliers and tariffs available for your home, including any switching credit offers where eligible.

Postcode Energy type Current supplier (optional) Email Phone (optional)

See the steps

By submitting, you confirm this is for home energy. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about your switch. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: have a recent bill handy

If you know your annual usage (kWh) or monthly spend, your results will be more accurate — especially when comparing a one-off credit against long-term unit prices.

Why look for switching credit (and when it’s worth it)

Switching credit can reduce your effective cost in the first months after joining — but it works best when the underlying tariff is already competitive. Here’s what it can do for UK households.

Lower your first bill

Account credit can reduce your early payments, helping during higher-usage months (often winter) if the tariff rates still stack up.

Offset price changes

On a fixed tariff, a one-off credit can soften the impact of a slightly higher standing charge or unit rate — but check the full-year estimate.

Reward for switching effort

If you’re already planning to move supplier, an eligible switching incentive can be an extra benefit — as long as you won’t pay more overall.

Compare the whole market

Not every competitive tariff includes credit. Whole-of-market comparison helps you avoid missing a cheaper deal that beats the “bonus”.

Choose what matters

Filter by payment type and tariff style. If you’re looking for 100% renewable electricity or longer fixes, compare these alongside incentives.

Avoid joining fees surprises

We highlight key tariff terms so you can check for exit fees and how/when credits are applied, before you commit.

How switching credit works in practice

Switching credit is typically conditional. Understanding the usual rules helps you compare offers properly and avoid disappointment.

Find eligible tariffs — credit is often attached to specific tariffs, not the supplier generally.
Apply with the same details — name and address must match your supply account to avoid delays.
Switch completes — your new supplier takes over; you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier.
Credit is applied — commonly after your first bill, after a set number of days, or after you’ve made a payment.

Typical switching credit conditions (UK)

Condition	What it usually means	What to check
New customer only	Credit only applies if you haven’t supplied with that supplier recently.	Look for “new customer” definition and any look-back period.
Direct Debit required	The incentive is tied to monthly Direct Debit tariffs.	Whether Pay on Receipt or prepayment are excluded.
Applied after X days/bills	Credit posts after the switch completes and a threshold is met.	Timeline, and what happens if you switch away early.
One credit per household	Prevents multiple applications for the same address.	If it’s per account, per meter, or per property.
Tariff-specific	Only certain tariffs include the offer.	Whether you can change tariff later and keep the credit.

Important: switching credit offers can start and end quickly. Always review the tariff details shown in your results before submitting your switch.

Eligibility: who can get switching credit?

Eligibility depends on the supplier and the tariff. In general, switching credit is most commonly available for households that:

Often eligible

New customers to a supplier on a qualifying tariff
Homes paying by monthly Direct Debit (where required)
Customers switching both fuels (sometimes higher credit for dual fuel)
Standard credit meters (varies by supplier)

May be limited

Prepayment meters (some tariffs/offers exclude these)
Customers who have recently been with the same supplier
Addresses with complex metering (e.g. some Economy 7 setups) depending on tariff availability
Customers switching away before the credit posting date

Common mistakes when chasing switching credit

Comparing credit, not cost

A higher credit doesn’t automatically mean a cheaper year. Always weigh the credit against unit rates and standing charges.

Missing the posting rules

Some credits apply after a set time or after your first payment. Switching again too soon can mean losing the incentive.

Overlooking exit fees

Fixed deals can include exit fees. If you switch early, fees can outweigh the benefit of a joining credit.

Quick check: if the tariff is only slightly more expensive, the credit may still make sense. If it’s meaningfully more expensive, the credit can be a false economy.

FAQs: switching credit from UK energy suppliers

Is switching credit guaranteed?

No. It’s only applied if you meet the tariff’s terms (for example, being a new customer, paying by Direct Debit, and staying supplied long enough for the credit to be posted). Your comparison results should show the relevant offer details.

When is switching credit usually added to my account?

Often after the switch completes and you’ve received your first bill, or after a defined period (e.g. a number of days). Timings vary by supplier and tariff.

Can I get switching credit if I’m already with that supplier?

Many offers are for new customers only. Some suppliers also apply a “recent customer” exclusion. If you’re not sure, compare tariffs for your address and check the offer terms shown for each tariff.

Does switching credit apply to both gas and electricity?

It depends. Some incentives apply to dual fuel only, some to electricity-only, and some offer different amounts depending on what you switch. Your results will indicate what’s included.

Will switching credit affect my Direct Debit amount?

It can. If a credit is applied to your account, the supplier may adjust future payments depending on your balance and usage. Direct Debit is set by the supplier and can change over time.

How long does switching take in the UK?

Timescales vary, but a straightforward home energy switch is typically completed within a few weeks. Your new supplier will confirm key dates during the application.

What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus

Real results depend on your address, meter type and usage — but the goal is always the same: clear options, transparent costs, and an easy route to switch.

“I wanted a deal with a joining credit but didn’t want to overpay long-term. The comparison made it easy to see the real costs.”

UK homeowner, dual fuel switch

“Clear breakdown of standing charge and unit rates. The form was quick and I didn’t have to call anyone.”

Residential electricity customer

“Helpful notes on when the credit would be applied. That’s what I needed to feel confident switching.”

UK household, fixed tariff

Trust & transparency

Whole-of-market approach for home energy comparisons
Side-by-side view of tariff costs and key terms
Clear indication of incentives where available

Ready to see switching credit offers for your postcode?

Compare home energy tariffs from UK suppliers and check whether switching credit is available for your address. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Whole-of-market results tailored to your home
Unit rates, standing charges and key terms shown clearly
Switch online with one simple form

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Updated on 10 Jan 2026