Can I switch energy supplier on prepayment in the UK?
Yes—many UK households can switch even if they pay by prepayment meter (PAYG). Use EnergyPlus.co.uk to compare whole-of-market tariffs and check eligibility in minutes.
- Compare prepayment-friendly deals across multiple suppliers
- See if you can move to Direct Debit (often cheaper) or stay on PAYG
- Understand rules around debt, smart meters and switch times
Home energy only. Switching depends on meter type, supplier availability and any outstanding prepayment debt. Comparing is free and won’t affect your credit score.
Compare whole-of-market energy deals for prepayment households
If you’re on a prepayment meter (also called PAYG), you can often still switch your home energy supplier. The key is matching your meter type and account situation (for example, any outstanding debt) to tariffs that accept prepayment customers.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service that helps you see suitable options across the market. If you’re eligible, we’ll guide you to the next step—whether that’s switching to another prepayment tariff or moving to a credit meter / Direct Debit plan where available.
What you’ll need to hand
- Your postcode (to find local supply and available tariffs)
- Whether you have electricity, gas, or both on prepay
- Any outstanding balance or deductions taken when you top up (if applicable)
- Rough usage or top-up pattern (optional, but helps estimate costs)
Prefer to understand the rules first? Jump to eligibility & debt rules or how switching works.
Get prepayment switching options
Fill in the form and we’ll help match you with suitable tariffs. No obligation.
In a hurry?
If you’re topping up frequently or facing emergency credit issues, switching may not be instant. See typical timelines and what happens to your meter.
Can you switch energy supplier if you’re on prepayment?
In most cases, yes. Prepayment customers have the right to switch supplier, and many suppliers offer PAYG tariffs. The main reasons a switch might be delayed or blocked are usually linked to debt, meter compatibility, or data issues (for example, your meter type recorded incorrectly).
You can usually switch if…
- You have a working prepayment meter (key, card, or smart prepay)
- Your address and meter details match what suppliers hold
- You don’t have large outstanding debt (or it can be handled under agreed rules)
- You’re the bill payer / account holder at the property
Switching may be harder if…
- You owe money to your current supplier above allowed thresholds
- You’re in the middle of a meter fault / exchange
- Your meter is complex (e.g., some legacy multi-rate setups)
- Your landlord controls the supply contract (rare in standard lets)
If you’re unsure, start with the comparison form. We can help identify whether you can switch as-is, or if you may benefit from moving to a credit meter first.
Why switch from a prepayment tariff?
Prepayment can help you budget, but it can also mean fewer tariff options. Switching can improve cost control, reduce hassle, and help you move to a payment method that suits your household.
Potentially lower unit rates
Some suppliers price Direct Debit plans more keenly than PAYG. If you’re eligible to move payment method, you may unlock cheaper deals.
Easier top-ups (smart prepay)
With smart prepayment, top-ups can often be done online or via an app, reducing reliance on shops and avoiding missed top-ups.
Clearer control of repayments
If your meter is collecting debt from each top-up, switching (where allowed) can help you find a plan that manages repayments more predictably.
Better customer service fit
Suppliers differ in support channels and emergency credit policies. Switching can improve the day-to-day experience.
Avoid tariff rollovers
If you’ve been on the same prepay tariff for years, you may not be on the best available option for your meter and region.
Single view for gas & electricity
If you have both fuels on PAYG, comparing can reveal dual fuel options where available—or confirm separate suppliers are better.
How switching works with a prepayment meter
Switching is largely similar to any other home energy switch, but the meter setup matters. You may keep prepayment, move to smart prepay, or (if eligible) move to a credit meter / monthly billing. Below is the typical flow.
- Check your meter type and supply details. Key meter, card meter or smart prepayment—this affects which tariffs you can join.
- Compare suitable tariffs. Some suppliers accept prepayment customers on specific tariffs only.
- Confirm any debt position. If you have outstanding prepayment debt, rules can determine whether it can be carried over or must be cleared first (see below).
- Switch is requested. Your new supplier begins the transfer process and sets up your payment method.
- Meter arrangements are confirmed. You may receive a new key/card, an updated top-up method, or smart meter settings may be updated remotely.
- Switch completes. You’ll get confirmation and you can top up / pay under the new supplier’s terms.
How long does it take?
Switch times vary by supplier and situation. Straightforward switches can complete quickly, but prepayment switches can take longer if there’s debt to manage or your meter details need correcting. If timing is critical, tell us in the form and we’ll factor that in.
Eligibility, debt rules and when switching can be blocked
The biggest factor for prepayment switching is often whether your meter is repaying a balance. Some debt situations can be handled during a switch; others may require you to clear or reduce the balance first.
| Situation | What it can mean for switching | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No debt / meter not collecting repayments | Usually the simplest case—more suppliers may accept you. | Compare tariffs and switch if you find a better option. |
| Debt on the meter (deductions from top-ups) | Some switches can still go ahead under agreed processes, depending on the amount and circumstances. | Check the amount and whether it’s linked to the meter. If unsure, choose “Not sure” on the form. |
| Debt above thresholds / blocked transfer | Your current supplier may object to the switch until the balance is reduced. | Ask your supplier what’s needed to remove the block, or consider an affordable repayment arrangement. |
| Recently moved in (debt from a previous occupier) | You should not be liable for someone else’s debt, but records can take time to update. | Contact your supplier to correct the account and provide move-in date / evidence. |
Important
Rules and thresholds can change and can vary by supplier and situation. If you’re in arrears or worried about disconnection, speak to your supplier as soon as possible and seek independent advice. We can still help you understand what switching options are realistic right now.
Smart prepayment meters and switching
A smart meter can sometimes make prepayment simpler—top-ups may be done remotely and the meter can be configured for prepay or credit mode. But switching can depend on how your smart meter is set up and whether it’s operating in full smart mode.
If you already have smart prepay
You may be able to keep prepayment with a new supplier. In some cases, you might receive new top-up instructions rather than a new physical key/card.
If you want to move to Direct Debit
Suppliers may ask for a credit check or payment history. Where accepted, switching to monthly billing can open up more tariffs than PAYG.
Not sure what you have? Choose “Not sure” for meter type on the comparison form. We’ll help you identify it.
Common prepayment switching mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Assuming PAYG can’t switch
Many suppliers accept prepayment customers. The best approach is to compare based on your meter and circumstances.
Not checking debt deductions
If your top-ups include a weekly debt repayment, switching may be restricted or require a plan. It’s worth confirming your balance.
Choosing the wrong meter option
Key, card and smart prepay can route you to different tariffs. If you’re unsure, select “Not sure” rather than guessing.
Switching during a meter fault
If your meter is being repaired or replaced, your supplier may need to complete that process before the switch can finish.
Forgetting emergency credit
If you rely on emergency credit, plan top-ups during the switch window and keep receipts / confirmation texts where possible.
Not updating move-in details
New tenants should register with the current supplier promptly to avoid inherited issues delaying a future switch.
Prepayment switching FAQs (UK)
Will I lose my remaining credit if I switch?
It depends on the meter and supplier process. Often, credit and debt positions are reconciled as part of the final account. Keep top-up receipts and follow your new supplier’s instructions during the changeover.
Can I switch if I owe money to my current supplier?
Possibly. Smaller balances may be manageable, but larger debt can lead to a blocked transfer until the situation is resolved. If you select your debt position on the form, we can help indicate what’s likely.
Do I need to change my meter to switch?
Not always. Many switches keep your existing prepayment meter. In some cases, a supplier may offer a smart meter or different meter configuration, especially if you want to move away from PAYG.
Can I switch if I rent my home?
Usually yes—if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy agreement allows it (most do). If bills are included in rent, your landlord may be the account holder and switching won’t apply.
Are prepayment tariffs always more expensive?
Not always, but prepayment can have fewer options. Some households can reduce costs by moving to monthly billing if accepted, while others may find better-value PAYG tariffs by switching supplier.
What if I don’t know whether I have a key or card meter?
If you top up using a plastic key or card at a PayPoint / Payzone, you’re likely on traditional prepayment. Smart prepay may allow app/online top-ups. If you’re unsure, select “Not sure” and we’ll help you identify it.
Need help right now?
If you’re struggling to top up or are worried about running out of credit, contact your current supplier immediately to discuss emergency credit and support. Then use our comparison form to explore longer-term options.
What UK households say about switching with EnergyPlus
We focus on clear, practical guidance—especially for situations like prepayment where the rules can feel unclear.
“I thought prepay meant I couldn’t change supplier. The comparison helped me find a tariff that actually worked with my meter.”
“The debt question was the big one. I got a clear explanation of what could and couldn’t happen before I applied.”
“Switching to smart prepay made top-ups much easier. I didn’t need to guess which suppliers would accept me.”
Trust & transparency
- Whole-of-market comparisons where available for your meter type
- Clear eligibility checks (prepay, smart prepay, debt position)
- Home energy focus—no business sales scripts
Ready to check if you can switch on prepayment?
Submit your details and we’ll help you find suitable UK tariffs for your meter—whether you want to stay on PAYG or explore Direct Debit options.
Comparing is free. Switching is subject to supplier terms, meter type and account status.
Quick checklist
- Know your postcode and whether it’s gas, electric or both
- Check if your top-ups include debt deductions
- If you’ve just moved in, confirm your account is in your name
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