Best prepayment energy tariff rates UK this month
Compare whole-of-market prepayment (PAYG) tariffs for your home and see which suppliers can offer better rates in your area. Complete the quick form to check deals available for your postcode and meter type.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (electricity, gas, or dual fuel)
- Prepayment meter friendly: key/card and smart PAYG supported
- See unit rates and standing charges that apply to your region
- Switch support available if you’re eligible, with clear next steps
Rates vary by region, meter type and supplier availability. EnergyPlus is a comparison service (not a supplier).
Compare prepayment energy tariff rates for your postcode
Prepayment (PAYG) energy prices in the UK are based on unit rates (what you pay per kWh) and a standing charge (a daily fixed cost). The “best” prepayment tariff rate this month depends on where you live, your meter type and which suppliers are currently open to new prepayment customers.
Use the form to tell us the basics. We’ll use your details to check what’s available for your home and help you compare like-for-like prepayment tariffs (electricity, gas or dual fuel).
Already on a prepayment meter?
You can still compare. Many homes use a smart prepayment meter topped up by app or card, or a traditional key/card meter. If switching isn’t possible right now, we’ll still highlight options such as reviewing your meter type, checking support schemes and reducing usage safely.
Check the latest PAYG rates
Complete this quick form to start your comparison. It helps us find tariffs available in your region.
Tip: If you have a smart meter, you may have the option to move between credit and prepayment modes. Supplier rules vary, so it’s worth checking what’s possible for your address.
Why use EnergyPlus to find the best prepayment tariff?
Prepayment customers are often told there’s “nothing better available”. In reality, availability depends on your region and circumstances, and tariffs change. EnergyPlus helps you compare current options in one place and understand what you’d actually pay.
Whole-of-market view
We compare across the market to identify supplier options that match your postcode and prepayment meter type.
Like-for-like costs
Clear visibility of unit rates and standing charges, so you can compare tariffs fairly rather than relying on headline claims.
Help with switching
If you’re eligible to switch, we’ll guide you through what’s needed, including what to expect with debt balances and meter changes.
UK-only, home-focused
This page is designed for households in England, Scotland and Wales looking for PAYG energy pricing and support.
Straight answers
We explain what’s realistic: sometimes the best move is a different tariff; other times it’s a meter change or support scheme.
No guesswork on regions
Energy is priced by region. Your postcode helps us show rates aligned to your local network area.
How prepayment (PAYG) energy tariffs work in the UK
A prepayment meter lets you pay for energy before you use it by topping up. Your tariff still has the same core pricing as other tariffs: a unit rate (pence per kWh) and a standing charge (pence per day). The best prepayment energy tariff rate for your household is typically the one that offers the lowest overall cost for your usage—after considering both parts.
- Confirm your meter type: key/card PAYG or smart PAYG (topping up via app or card).
- Check tariff availability: some suppliers restrict PAYG offers by region, debt status, or meter set-up.
- Compare unit rates + standing charge: a low unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge (and vice versa).
- Review switching feasibility: switching with outstanding debt may be possible in certain situations; rules and thresholds can apply.
- Choose and proceed: if eligible, you’ll receive a clear route to switch and what happens to your meter and top-ups.
Good to know: If you’re paying off debt through your prepayment meter, part of each top-up may be used for repayments. When comparing tariffs, it’s helpful to separate energy costs from debt recovery.
What affects prepayment energy tariff rates this month?
When people search “best prepayment energy tariff rates UK this month”, they’re usually looking for the cheapest pence-per-kWh price. But in practice, the best deal is shaped by several factors:
Your region & network area
Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain. Two homes on the same supplier can pay different rates based on postcode.
Electricity profile (single vs Economy 7)
If you have Economy 7 (or similar), your day and night unit rates matter. The best tariff depends on when you use electricity.
Meter type (smart PAYG vs key/card)
Some suppliers prefer smart PAYG set-ups for switching and servicing. Availability can differ between meter types.
Supplier acceptance rules
Certain suppliers may limit new PAYG customers, require specific meters, or have criteria around existing balances and address history.
Quick comparison checklist (prepayment)
Ways to reduce prepayment energy costs (even before switching)
If you’re on a prepayment meter, costs can feel harder to control. The steps below can help you get the most from your top-ups while you compare the best available tariff rates for your area.
Check standing charges
Standing charges apply every day. If you use less energy (e.g., smaller home), a lower standing charge can make a bigger difference than a tiny unit-rate change.
Avoid emergency credit surprises
Know your emergency credit limit and how repayment works. Repaying emergency credit can reduce what each new top-up actually adds to your balance.
Optimise Economy 7 usage
If you’re on a day/night tariff, shifting flexible usage (like washing) to off-peak times can reduce costs—provided off-peak really matches your routine.
Ask about smart PAYG
Smart PAYG can offer easier top-ups and clearer usage data. In some cases it may expand switching options, depending on supplier policies.
Check for support schemes
If you’re eligible for help such as Warm Home Discount or other assistance, ensure your supplier account details are up to date and ask what you can apply for.
Compare regularly
Supplier offers and acceptance criteria change. Checking monthly can reveal new options—especially if your circumstances change.
Can you switch prepayment energy tariffs?
Many households can switch prepayment energy supplier or tariff, but there are a few common blockers. We’ll help you understand where you stand and what you can do next.
You may be able to switch if…
- Your account is in good order (or any balance is within switching rules).
- Your meter type is supported by the new supplier (key/card or smart PAYG).
- The supplier is currently accepting new prepayment customers in your area.
- Your address details match across accounts (helps prevent delays).
Switching can be harder if…
- There’s a larger outstanding debt linked to the meter/account.
- Your meter needs a technical change before a supplier will take it on.
- You’ve recently moved in and the opening read/balance is disputed.
- There are data issues with the meter point details.
If you’re struggling to keep topped up
If you’re at risk of self-disconnection, it’s important to contact your supplier as soon as possible and ask what support is available for vulnerable customers. You can still use this page to compare rates and options, but immediate safety comes first.
Prepayment energy tariff FAQs
What is the cheapest prepayment energy tariff in the UK right now?
There isn’t one universal “cheapest” PAYG tariff because prices vary by postcode region, meter type and supplier availability. The cheapest option for you is the tariff with the lowest total cost once you account for unit rates and standing charges. Use the comparison form to check what’s available where you live.
Are prepayment meters more expensive than direct debit?
Historically, PAYG could be higher cost, but pricing can change. What matters is your specific tariff and standing charges. If you can move to a credit meter and pay by Direct Debit, you may access a wider range of tariffs—but it depends on your circumstances and supplier rules.
Can I switch supplier with debt on a prepayment meter?
In some situations, switching may be possible, depending on the size and type of debt and the industry rules that apply at the time. Supplier policies also vary. If you have debt, include that context when you speak with us after submitting the form so we can guide the next best step.
What’s the difference between key/card and smart PAYG?
Key/card meters are topped up via a physical key or card at shops. Smart PAYG usually allows top-ups via app, online, or over the phone and provides clearer usage information. Switching options can differ by meter type.
Do standing charges still apply on a prepayment meter?
Yes. Standing charges apply daily on most domestic energy tariffs, including PAYG. On some meters, you may see the standing charge being deducted from your credit over time.
How do I find my current tariff rates?
Your supplier app/account, tariff information label (TIL), or top-up receipts often show your unit rate and standing charge. If you can’t find them, you can still submit the form and we’ll explain what to look for and how to compare properly.
Is this for home energy only?
Yes—this page is for domestic prepayment energy comparisons in the UK, not business energy.
What households say about comparing with EnergyPlus
Real experiences vary, but these are typical outcomes we aim for: clearer pricing, less confusion around PAYG rules, and confident next steps.
“Finally understood the difference between unit rate and standing charge on my PAYG meter. The comparison was much clearer than trying to do it myself.”
— Prepayment electricity customer, West Midlands
“I thought I couldn’t switch because I’m on prepayment. They explained what was possible for my postcode and what to ask my supplier.”
— Dual fuel PAYG customer, South Wales
“Helpful and straightforward. No pressure—just the facts about what tariffs were actually available for prepayment.”
— Smart PAYG customer, Scotland
Trust & transparency
- We compare suppliers and tariffs available for your region and meter type.
- We focus on total cost (unit rates + standing charges), not just headline pricing.
- We explain any limits that commonly affect PAYG switching, so you know where you stand.
Ready to check the best prepayment rates for your home?
Submit your details and we’ll help you compare whole-of-market PAYG tariffs available for your postcode this month—plus clear guidance on switching eligibility and next steps.
- Postcode-based rates
- Key/card and smart prepayment support
- Electricity-only, gas-only or dual fuel
Prefer to read first? Jump to how PAYG works or FAQs.
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