Energy suppliers offering switching credit in the UK this week
A practical, UK-focused guide to switch bonuses (bill credit, vouchers and cashback): what’s available, who qualifies, and how to compare fairly without falling into common traps.
- See the main types of switching credit and typical eligibility rules
- Compare offers alongside unit rates, standing charges and exit fees
- Get a whole-of-market quote in minutes (no obligation)
Switching credit is subject to supplier terms and eligibility. Amounts and availability can change quickly and may be targeted by region, meter type or payment method.
Fast answer: which UK energy suppliers offer switching credit this week?
Switching credit (also called a switching bonus) is most commonly offered as bill credit, a gift card/voucher, or cashback. In the UK, these offers tend to appear and disappear quickly, and they’re often limited by tariff type, payment method, meter type (smart vs traditional; prepayment), and sometimes region.
Important: EnergyPlus is whole-of-market, but we won’t claim “Supplier X definitely offers credit today” unless it’s visible in your personalised quote results. Instead, this guide shows what to look for and how to compare offers safely. Availability can change daily.
Key takeaways (what most people miss)
Credit isn’t “free money”
A higher unit rate or standing charge can outweigh a bonus. Compare total estimated annual cost.
Timing matters
Bill credit may arrive after your first Direct Debit or within a set number of days.
Eligibility is often narrow
Some bonuses exclude prepayment meters, variable tariffs, or certain regions.
Check live switching credit in your area (with a whole-of-market quote)
The quickest way to see which suppliers are offering switching credit for your exact setup is to run a quote. We’ll show you eligible tariffs, any sign-up incentives we can see, and the estimated annual cost so you can compare properly.
Good to know: Incentives can depend on your payment method (e.g., Direct Debit), meter type (smart / traditional / prepay) and whether you’re switching gas, electricity, or dual fuel.
What “switching credit” can look like
Bill credit
A credit applied to your account balance after you join (often after 1–2 bills or Direct Debits).
Voucher / gift card
A code or card delivered by email/post, sometimes with a minimum term or “stay until” condition.
Cashback
Usually paid by a third party or platform and may require tracking/validation.
Bundle perks
Add-ons like smart thermostat discounts or service bundles—value varies by household.
Get your quote
Enter a few details and we’ll show tariffs you may be eligible for, including any visible switching credit. No obligation.
How switching credit works (and when you actually receive it)
1) You pick a tariff and start the switch. Most domestic switches complete in around 5 working days (timings can vary; prepayment or complex meter setups can take longer).
2) The supplier confirms eligibility. Many offers require new customers, Direct Debit, and specific tariff families (often fixed deals).
3) Credit is applied or issued. Bill credit is usually applied to your account after a set milestone (e.g., first bill, first Direct Debit taken, or after X days). Vouchers/cashback can take longer and may require validation.
4) Keep records. Save the tariff name, screenshots, and confirmation emails. If something doesn’t track, you’ll need evidence when you contact the supplier.
Cooling-off period: Domestic energy switches usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you agree the contract (your supplier will confirm). If you cancel, any bonus would typically not be payable.
Compare switching credit offers the right way
A switching bonus is only worth it if the overall deal stacks up. Use the table below to compare offers consistently. (The numbers are illustrative—your quote will vary by region and usage.)
Tip: Ask “What will I pay over 12 months after the credit is applied?” rather than “How big is the bonus?”
| Offer type | Typical headline | Common eligibility | What to verify | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill credit | £X credited to your energy account | New customer, Direct Debit, specific tariff | When credit applies; if both fuels required; what happens if you move | People staying put for 6–12 months |
| Voucher / gift card | £X retail voucher | New customer; may require dual fuel; may exclude prepay | Delivery method; expiry; if you must keep the tariff for a minimum time | Those who value the brand voucher |
| Cashback | £X cash paid after validation | Often via third party; needs tracking; sometimes requires cookies | Payment timescales; claim process; what invalidates a claim | Detail-oriented switchers happy to follow steps |
| Perks / bundles | Add-on services or discounts | May require smart meter; app usage; specific package | Ongoing costs; cancellation; whether it changes your tariff price | Households that will use the add-on |
Decision checklist: who switching credit suits (and who it doesn’t)
Often suits you if…
- You can pay by monthly Direct Debit
- You expect to stay at the property for at least 6–12 months
- You’re choosing based on overall annual cost, not just the bonus
- You’re happy to keep emails/screenshots as proof
May not suit you if…
- You’re on a prepayment meter and offers exclude it
- You might move soon (credit may not apply before you leave)
- The tariff has a high exit fee and you want flexibility
- You need a specific meter setup (e.g., complex Economy 7) and options are limited
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: Bonus looks big, but costs more overall
Assumptions: dual fuel, Direct Debit, medium usage; comparing over 12 months. Prices shown are illustrative.
| Option | Estimated annual cost | Switching credit | Net 12-month cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff 1 (higher rates) | £1,820 | £120 bill credit | £1,700 |
| Tariff 2 (lower rates) | £1,640 | No credit | £1,640 |
Outcome: despite the £120 credit, Tariff 1 still costs an estimated £60 more over 12 months.
Scenario B: Credit helps when prices are already competitive
Assumptions: electricity-only flat, low-to-medium usage, Direct Debit; comparing over 12 months. Prices shown are illustrative.
| Option | Estimated annual cost | Switching credit | Net 12-month cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff 1 (competitive) | £910 | £60 bill credit | £850 |
| Tariff 2 (similar, no credit) | £880 | No credit | £880 |
Outcome: with similar pricing, the credit makes Tariff 1 an estimated £30 cheaper over the year.
Remember: Your real cost depends on usage, region, meter type (single rate vs Economy 7), and payment method. Always check whether prices shown are estimated and whether the credit is guaranteed or conditional.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Switching credit can be useful, but these are the most common reasons people miss out or end up worse off.
1) Exit fees on fixed tariffs
If you switch again before the end date, a fixed tariff may charge an exit fee per fuel. Factor this into any “bonus” value.
2) Payment method restrictions
Many offers require monthly Direct Debit. If you prefer quarterly billing or pay on receipt, you may not qualify.
3) Meter type exclusions (smart, prepay, Economy 7)
Some incentives exclude prepayment meters or require smart meter readings. Economy 7 and other multi-rate setups can have fewer eligible tariffs.
4) “New customer” definitions
Some suppliers define “new” as not having had an account within the last X months. If you’ve been with them recently, you could be excluded.
5) Credit timing (and moving home)
If the bonus is paid after a set period, moving or changing payment method before then can prevent it being paid.
6) Treat “estimated savings” with care
Savings depend on your actual usage and tariff terms. Always compare the unit rate, standing charge and any fees.
If a bonus doesn’t arrive: Check your welcome pack/terms for the trigger (first bill/Direct Debit/X days). If you believe you met it, contact the supplier with your switch date and tariff name.
FAQs
Do all UK energy suppliers offer switching credit?
No. Some suppliers choose to compete on price or service rather than incentives. Even when a supplier runs a promotion, it may only apply to certain tariffs, regions, or customer types.
Is switching credit the same as a referral bonus?
Not always. A switching credit is typically a supplier or tariff promotion for new customers. A referral bonus usually requires you to join via a specific referral link/code and may pay both parties. Terms can differ.
Can I get switching credit if I have a prepayment meter?
Sometimes, but many incentives focus on monthly Direct Debit tariffs. If you’re on prepay, check eligibility carefully and consider whether switching to credit mode is possible and suitable for you (your supplier will advise based on your circumstances).
Will switching credit affect the Ofgem price cap?
The price cap applies to the rates charged on certain default/variable tariffs (not to all fixed deals). Switching credit is a promotion and doesn’t change how the cap is calculated. Always compare the tariff’s unit rates and standing charges directly.
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers in the UK?
Many domestic switches complete in around 5 working days, but it can take longer depending on meter type, data issues, or if there are complications. Your new supplier will confirm your expected switch date.
Do I need to contact my old supplier when switching?
Usually no—your new supplier manages the switch. You’ll typically just need to provide meter readings if requested, and then settle any final balance with your old supplier.
Could I lose my switching credit if I cancel?
Yes. If you cancel during the cooling-off period or don’t meet the offer conditions (for example, you switch tariff or payment method too soon), the bonus is typically not paid.
What should I check before switching for a bonus?
Check: (1) the tariff’s unit rates and standing charges, (2) exit fees, (3) when and how the credit is paid, (4) eligibility (new customer rules, Direct Debit, meter type), and (5) whether you must take dual fuel.
Trust, methodology and sources
How we assess “switching credit this week”
Promotions change quickly, and some are targeted. To keep this guide accurate and resilient:
- We focus on types of incentives, typical eligibility rules, and how to compare fairly.
- We treat any bonus as conditional unless it’s confirmed in your personalised quote results and/or supplier T&Cs.
- We recommend comparing offers using estimated annual cost alongside credit value, not the credit alone.
Limitations: We can’t display a guaranteed, universal list of “who offers credit today” because offers can be withdrawn without notice, vary by region/meter, or be exclusive to specific channels.
UK sources we rely on
- Ofgem (the energy regulator) — consumer protections, switching rules and market updates
- Citizens Advice: energy supply guidance — help with switching, billing issues and complaints
- GOV.UK energy guidance — support schemes and official information
Ready to see which switching credit deals you’re eligible for?
Compare tariffs on overall cost first, then treat any bonus as a helpful extra. Get a whole-of-market quote tailored to your postcode, meter and payment preferences.
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