How does the £100 switching credit work?

A £100 switching credit is a sign-up incentive offered on selected tariffs when you switch supplier through EnergyPlus. If eligible, the credit is typically applied to your energy account (often as bill credit) after your switch completes and any supplier terms are met. Always check the tariff’s eligibility criteria, payment timing, and whether the credit is split across fuels (gas/electric) before switching.

Am I eligible for an energy tariff with £100 switching credit?

Eligibility depends on the tariff and supplier terms. Common requirements include being a new customer to that supplier, switching from a different provider, completing the switch successfully, and keeping the account active for a minimum period. If you’re switching a single fuel or your property has specific metering (e.g., prepayment or Economy 7), eligibility can vary by tariff.

How long does switching energy supplier take in the UK?

Most UK energy switches complete within around 5 working days, though it can take longer in some situations (for example, if there are meter or account data issues). You’ll keep your supply throughout—only the billing changes.

Will my energy supply be interrupted when I switch?

No. Your gas and electricity continue to flow as normal during a switch. There is no physical changeover day and no loss of supply—your new supplier simply takes over billing.

Can I get the £100 credit if I only switch electricity or only gas?

It depends on the specific tariff. Some offers require a dual-fuel switch, while others allow single-fuel switching credit. Check the tariff details to confirm whether the incentive applies to electricity-only, gas-only, or dual-fuel switches and whether it’s paid as one credit or split between fuels.

Do I need to pay an exit fee to switch to a tariff with £100 switching credit?

You might, depending on your current tariff. Fixed deals can include exit fees, while variable tariffs often do not. Before switching, compare the exit fee (if any) against the expected savings plus the £100 switching credit to see if you’ll be better off overall.

When will the £100 switching credit be paid?

Payment timing varies by supplier and tariff. The credit is commonly applied after the switch completes and the account has been open for a set period. Check the tariff’s terms for the exact timeline and whether any conditions (such as paying by Direct Debit) apply.

Is a tariff with switching credit always the cheapest option?

Not always. A switching incentive can improve the overall deal, but the unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any fees matter most. Compare the full annual cost (or total cost over the fixed term) and then factor in the £100 credit to find the best value for your usage.

How do I switch to an energy tariff with £100 switching credit using EnergyPlus?

Use the EnergyPlus comparison on this page to review eligible tariffs, choose the deal that fits your usage, and submit your switch online. Have your postcode, current supplier name, and (if possible) recent usage or a bill to hand so you can compare accurately and complete the switch quickly.

Energy tariffs with £100 switching credit (UK guide)

Find UK energy deals that may include a £100 switching credit, understand the eligibility rules, and compare with confidence using whole-of-market results (terms vary by supplier, meter and payment method).

See when a £100 credit is genuinely worth it (and when it isn’t)
UK-specific checks: direct debit vs prepay, smart meters, standing charges, exit fees
Transparent examples with numbers and clear pitfalls to avoid

Get your energy quote How switching credit works

Switching credits are supplier offers and can change quickly. Always check eligibility, timing and whether the credit is per fuel or per account.

Fast answer: are £100 switching-credit tariffs worth it?

They can be—if the tariff’s overall cost (unit rates + standing charges + any fees) is competitive after you factor in how and when the £100 credit is applied. In the UK, “£100 switching credit” offers vary widely: some are dual fuel only, some are per fuel, some require monthly Direct Debit, and many apply the credit after a set number of days or bills.

Quick check

Treat the £100 as a one-off discount. If the tariff costs more each month than alternatives, the credit can be wiped out within months.

Most common eligibility rules

New customers, specific meter type (credit vs prepay), specific payment method (often Direct Debit), and credit applied after your first bill or after 30–90 days.

Best for

Households who’ll stay on the tariff long enough to receive the credit, and who can meet the payment and account requirements without extra fees.

Important: We can’t promise a £100-credit tariff will be available for every postcode, meter type, or payment method at all times. Offers change frequently and are subject to supplier terms.

Compare whole-of-market tariffs (and filter for switching credit)

Use our comparison to see available tariffs for your home, including deals that may feature a £100 switching credit. We’ll show you the tariff cost details so you can judge the credit in context—unit rates, standing charges, contract length and exit fees.

What you’ll need

Your postcode and address
Payment method (e.g., monthly Direct Debit)
Meter type (credit, smart, or prepay)
If you know it: annual usage in kWh (helps accuracy)

What happens next

We match tariffs available to your home
You compare costs and credit terms
If you choose to switch, your new supplier manages it

Tip: When you see a credit offer, look for: when it’s paid, whether it’s per fuel or per account, and whether it’s tied to dual fuel or Direct Debit.

Get your personalised quote

Share a few details and we’ll help you compare eligible tariffs, including those with switching-credit promotions when available.

How £100 switching credit works (UK)

Where the credit appears

Usually as a bill credit (reducing what you owe), sometimes spread over multiple bills. Less commonly, it can be a voucher or account credit with specific rules.

Typical timing

Common trigger points include after the first bill, after 30–90 days, or after you’ve made a set number of Direct Debit payments.

Dual fuel vs single fuel

“£100” may mean £50 electricity + £50 gas, or £100 for dual fuel only. If you only need electricity, check whether the offer still applies.

Eligibility to watch

Meter type (smart/credit/prepay), payment method (often monthly Direct Debit), “new customer” definitions, and account status (no arrears).

Plain-English rule: If you wouldn’t choose the tariff without the £100 credit, double-check the maths before switching.

Compare: tariff with £100 credit vs a cheaper rate

A switching credit can be attractive, but the best value depends on your usage, your region, and the tariff structure. The simplified table below shows how to judge value using estimated annual cost.

What you’re comparing	Tariff A: includes £100 credit	Tariff B: cheaper ongoing price	How to decide
Unit rate & standing charge	Often slightly higher	Often lower	If A costs £10/month more, the £100 credit may be cancelled out in ~10 months.
Contract length	Commonly 12–24 months	Can be shorter/flexible	If you plan to move or expect to switch again soon, check exit fees and when the credit is paid.
Exit fees	Sometimes higher	Sometimes lower or none	An exit fee can effectively “take back” part of the credit if you leave early.
Credit terms	£100 may be conditional	No credit	Always confirm: per fuel vs per account, payment method, timing, and “new customer” status.

Decision checklist: when a £100 credit tariff suits you

You can pay by the required method (often monthly Direct Debit)
You’re likely to stay long enough to receive the credit
The tariff is still competitive on unit rates and standing charges
You’re clear whether it’s dual fuel or single fuel eligible
Exit fees won’t negate the benefit if you need to leave early

When it may not suit you

You’re on prepayment and the offer excludes prepay meters
You might move home soon (tenancy ending, house sale pending)
The tariff is materially more expensive per month than alternatives
The credit is paid late (e.g., after several bills) and you may not qualify
You need a tariff without exit fees for flexibility

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how to do the maths. Figures are illustrative and not a quote. Actual prices vary by region, supplier, meter type and payment method.

Scenario 1: medium-use dual fuel household

Assumptions: 3,100 kWh electricity + 12,000 kWh gas/year, monthly Direct Debit, credit meter, staying 12 months.
Tariff A (with £100 credit): Estimated annual cost £1,770, plus £100 bill credit applied after 60 days. Effective first-year cost: £1,670.
Tariff B (no credit, cheaper): Estimated annual cost £1,640.
Outcome: Even after the credit, Tariff A is ~£30 higher over the year in this example. If Tariff B has similar service and no hidden fees, the cheaper ongoing price may win.

Scenario 2: electricity-only flat (lower usage)

Assumptions: 1,800 kWh electricity/year, monthly Direct Debit, smart meter, staying 9 months.
Tariff A (advertised “£100 switching credit”): Offer is dual fuel only (electricity-only not eligible). Credit received: £0. Estimated cost £620.
Tariff B (electricity-only deal): Estimated cost £590.
Outcome: The “£100 credit” headline could mislead if eligibility is dual fuel only. Always confirm the terms for your fuel type.

How to replicate the calculation: Compare estimated annual cost across tariffs. If a credit applies, subtract it once (or across the stated months) and re-check the total. Then consider fees and timing.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

Switching credits are legitimate promotions, but the detail matters. Here are the most common reasons people don’t receive the full benefit.

1) “£100” isn’t always £100

It may be £50 per fuel, dual-fuel only, or split across bills. Confirm the wording: per account vs per fuel.

2) Payment-method exclusions

Many credits require monthly Direct Debit. Pay-on-receipt-of-bill or variable Direct Debit may be excluded.

3) Prepayment meter restrictions

Some promotions exclude prepay. If you’re on a prepayment meter, look for tariffs explicitly available for prepay.

4) Exit fees can claw back value

If you switch again early, exit fees may exceed the credit (or the credit may not have been applied yet).

5) Standing charges matter more than you think

A higher standing charge can make a “credit” deal poor value for low-usage households or empty properties.

6) “New customer” definitions

Some suppliers exclude existing customers, or customers who’ve held an account recently. Check the lookback period in the terms.

Good habit: Before switching, screenshot or save the offer terms (credit amount, timing, eligibility). It helps if you need to query a missing credit later.

FAQs: £100 switching credit energy tariffs (UK)

1) Is the £100 paid to my bank account?

Usually not. Most offers are a bill credit applied to your energy account. The exact format (single credit vs spread) depends on supplier terms.

2) Will I definitely get a tariff with a £100 credit?

No. Availability depends on current promotions and your details (postcode/region, meter type, payment method, fuel type). We’ll show what’s available at the time you compare.

3) Does the credit apply to prepayment meters?

Sometimes, but many promotions exclude prepay. If you’re on a prepayment meter, look for tariffs explicitly listed as available for prepay and check how any credit is delivered.

4) Is the credit per fuel (gas and electricity) or per account?

It varies. Some deals are £50 per fuel (total £100 for dual fuel). Others are £100 per account but only if you take dual fuel. Always check the tariff terms.

5) What if I switch again before the credit is applied?

You may lose the credit if you don’t meet the conditions (e.g., minimum time on supply). Exit fees may also apply. Check both the promotional terms and the tariff’s exit fee rules.

6) Can renters switch and still get the credit?

Often yes—if you’re the bill payer and your tenancy allows it. If bills are included in rent or the landlord controls the supply, you may not be able to switch.

7) Will switching affect my smart meter?

In most cases you can switch with a smart meter. Smart features may vary by supplier, and occasionally a smart meter may operate in “dumb” mode temporarily. If smart functionality matters to you, confirm with the supplier.

8) Is there a cooling-off period in the UK?

Switching by phone or online typically includes a cooling-off period under UK consumer rules. The details can depend on how the contract was agreed and the supplier’s process. If you cancel, it may affect eligibility for promotional credits.

If you’re in debt on your energy account: You may still be able to switch in some cases, but debt can limit options. Citizens Advice has guidance on switching with debt.

Trust, methodology & sources

Page accountability

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: February 2026

How we assess £100 switching-credit tariffs

Availability first: Offers can be region-, meter- and payment-method specific. We prioritise showing what’s available for your postcode and setup.
Total cost over headline: We focus on the estimated tariff cost (unit rates + standing charges) and then consider the credit as a one-off adjustment, not a guaranteed saving.
Eligibility & timing: We look for common conditions: new-customer rules, dual-fuel requirements, Direct Debit requirements, and when the credit is applied (e.g., after first bill).
Fees and flexibility: We consider exit fees and contract length, because they can reduce or remove the benefit of a promotional credit.

Limitations: Supplier promotions can change daily and may be withdrawn without notice. The examples on this page are illustrative; always confirm current terms and your personalised quote before switching.

Helpful UK sources

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on energy markets, switching and consumer protections
Citizens Advice: Energy – help with switching, billing issues and energy debt
GOV.UK: Energy grants calculator – check support that may be available to your household

Ready to check if a £100 credit deal is available for your home?

Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode and see the credit terms alongside the real costs—so you can switch with confidence.

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026