Should I switch to an energy tariff with a welcome bonus?
Welcome bonuses can look like easy money, but the real value depends on unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and how long you’ll stay on the tariff. Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals with EnergyPlus and see if a bonus actually makes you better off.
- Check if the bonus beats a lower unit rate over 12–24 months
- Spot minimum term, direct debit and usage conditions
- See estimated annual cost for your home, not headline offers
- Switch online with one simple form
Home energy only. Estimates depend on your usage and region. Bonuses may have eligibility criteria set by suppliers.
Compare welcome-bonus tariffs the right way (whole-of-market)
A welcome bonus can be appealing—cashback, bill credit, gift cards, or bundled perks. But in UK home energy, the best-value tariff is usually the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your household, not the biggest headline bonus.
EnergyPlus compares across the market so you can quickly see:
- Estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges) based on your postcode and usage
- Bonus value and timing (e.g. after first Direct Debit, after 3 months, or on month 12)
- Key conditions such as minimum term, payment method, and new-customer rules
- Exit fees and whether the deal is fixed or variable
Tip: If two tariffs are close, a welcome bonus can tip the balance—but only if you’ll meet the conditions and stay long enough to receive it.
Get your comparison (takes ~2 minutes)
Tell us a few details and we’ll match tariffs available at your address—including any welcome bonuses.
Not sure about your usage? That’s fine—many customers start with a typical usage estimate and refine it later using their latest bill or smart meter data.
When a welcome bonus is worth it (and when it isn’t)
It can be worth it if…
- The tariff’s estimated annual cost is still competitive
- You’ll stay long enough to receive the bonus
- You can meet conditions (e.g. Direct Debit, online billing)
- There are no exit fees (or you’re comfortable with them)
It’s usually not worth it if…
- A lower-rate tariff beats it by more than the bonus value
- The bonus is paid late (e.g. after 12 months) and you’re likely to switch sooner
- It comes with a high standing charge that erodes any benefit
- It’s paired with strict eligibility you might not meet
Best approach
Treat a welcome bonus as a discount and compare tariffs on the total expected cost.
EnergyPlus helps you weigh up bonuses against unit rates, standing charges and terms—so you can switch with confidence.
How to judge the true value of a welcome bonus
To decide whether you should switch to a UK energy tariff with a welcome bonus, compare the all-in cost over the period you expect to stay. A deal with a £100 bonus may still be poor value if the standing charge or unit rate is higher.
1) Start with estimated annual cost
Use your postcode and usage (or a reasonable estimate) to compare like-for-like.
2) Check standing charge vs unit rate
High standing charges can cancel out a bonus, especially for low usage homes.
3) Understand bonus timing & rules
Is it paid as bill credit, cashback or voucher? When is it issued? Any minimum term?
4) Factor in exit fees & flexibility
If you might move home or switch again soon, flexibility can be more valuable than a bonus.
Quick comparison table: what to look at
Reality check: If a bonus is only paid after 12 months, it’s effectively a reward for staying put. If you tend to switch frequently, prioritise a low ongoing price and low/zero exit fees.
Common UK welcome bonuses (and the small print to watch)
Bill credit
Credit applied to your account balance (often after a set period).
- When is it applied—after 1, 3 or 12 months?
- Is it per fuel (gas + electricity) or combined?
- Any requirement to keep paying by Direct Debit?
Cashback
Paid to you (or through a partner), sometimes after validation.
- Is it automatic or do you need to claim?
- Are there delays or eligibility checks?
- Does leaving early cancel the cashback?
Gift cards / vouchers
A retailer voucher can be useful, but it’s not the same as a price cut.
- Expiry dates and where it can be used
- What happens if you cancel or move
- Whether it’s split over time
Bundled perks
Examples include smart thermostats, app features, or service add-ons.
- Is the perk included, or financed via higher rates?
- Any separate subscription costs after a trial period?
- Can you opt out and still get the best price?
Good to know: Some offers are limited to new customers or first-time switchers with that supplier. If you’ve been with them recently, you may not qualify.
Common mistakes when switching for a welcome bonus
Only looking at the bonus amount
A bigger bonus can hide higher rates. Always compare the total annual cost and the likely cost over your expected stay.
Missing the payment conditions
Many offers require Direct Debit and paperless billing. If you prefer to pay on receipt of bill, the tariff may not suit you.
Forgetting exit fees
If you leave early (moving home or switching again), exit fees can remove any benefit from the bonus.
Actionable check: If you have your latest bill, note your annual kWh (electricity and gas). Using real usage makes the comparison much more accurate than guessing.
FAQs: switching to an energy tariff with a welcome bonus
Will switching for a welcome bonus affect my supply?
No. In the UK, switching energy supplier doesn’t change the gas or electricity you receive or the reliability of your supply. The pipes and wires are the same—you’re changing who bills you and the tariff terms.
Are welcome bonuses always paid?
They’re paid if you meet the supplier’s conditions. Common requirements include being a new customer, paying by Direct Debit, keeping the account active for a minimum period, and meeting claim steps (if applicable).
Is a bonus better than a cheaper tariff?
Usually, a cheaper ongoing tariff wins—especially if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay. A bonus can be worthwhile when total costs are similar and you’re confident you’ll qualify and remain on supply long enough to receive it.
Can I switch again after getting a welcome bonus?
Yes, but check for exit fees and whether the bonus is clawed back if you leave early. If the bonus is applied at month 12, switching before then may mean you don’t receive it.
Do welcome bonuses apply to both gas and electricity?
It depends. Some offers are per account, while others may be per fuel or only apply to dual fuel. Always check the tariff details and how the bonus is calculated.
What details do I need to compare accurately?
Your postcode (to match regional pricing) and ideally your annual electricity and gas usage in kWh from a recent bill. If you don’t have it, you can still compare using estimates and refine later.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare bonuses and tariffs
“I nearly switched for a big voucher, but the standing charge was much higher. The comparison made it obvious.”
— Hannah, Manchester
“The form was quick and I could see deals with and without bonuses side-by-side.”
— Mark, Bristol
“Helpful explanation of when the bonus is paid. I chose a cheaper tariff instead and saved more overall.”
— Aisha, Glasgow
Whole-of-market comparison: We focus on the numbers that matter—estimated annual cost, key terms, and whether a bonus is likely to make you better off.
See if a welcome bonus actually saves you money
Compare UK home energy tariffs with and without welcome bonuses based on your postcode and household details. If the bonus is genuine value, you’ll see it clearly.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Clear breakdown of rates, standing charges and terms
- Fast online switch support
Start your comparison
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