What is bill credit (switching credit) on an energy tariff?

Bill credit (also called switching credit) is a one-off credit applied to your energy account when you switch to a new supplier or tariff. It reduces future bills rather than being paid as cash, and it’s usually added after your switch completes and your first bill is produced (timings vary by supplier).

How do energy tariffs with bill credit work in the UK?

You choose an eligible tariff that includes a switching incentive. After the switch is completed, the supplier applies the credit to your electricity and/or gas account according to their terms (for example after a set number of days, or once your first bill is generated). The credit lowers what you owe, but you’ll still pay for energy at the tariff’s unit rates and standing charges.

Is bill credit the same as a cashback deal?

Not usually. Bill credit is applied directly to your energy account to reduce your bills. Cashback is typically paid to you (often via a third party) and may involve separate claim steps. Always check the offer wording to see whether the incentive is account credit or cash.

When will I receive the bill credit after switching?

It depends on the supplier and tariff terms. Commonly, bill credit is applied after your switch completes and either your first bill is issued or a minimum time period has passed. Check the tariff’s terms and conditions for the exact trigger and timeframe.

Do I have to switch both gas and electricity to get the credit?

Some offers require a dual-fuel switch (gas and electricity), while others apply to single-fuel. The eligibility rules vary by tariff and supplier, so check whether the credit is available for electricity-only, gas-only, or dual-fuel customers.

Can I get bill credit if I am already with the supplier?

Often, bill credit incentives are for new customers only. Existing customers may not qualify unless the tariff explicitly states it is available to current customers. Always confirm eligibility before switching tariffs.

Is it worth switching for bill credit?

Bill credit can improve the overall value of a tariff, but it’s a one-off benefit. Compare the full annual cost based on unit rates and standing charges, plus any exit fees and contract length. A large credit may be outweighed by higher ongoing rates, so focus on total cost over your expected time on the tariff.

What should I check before choosing a tariff with switching credit?

Check: (1) the tariff’s unit rates and standing charges, (2) contract length and any exit fees, (3) when and how the credit is applied, (4) eligibility criteria (new customer/dual fuel/payment method), and (5) whether the credit affects Direct Debit calculations. If you want to move again soon, also check any early exit charges.

Does switching credit affect my Direct Debit amount?

It can. Because bill credit reduces your account balance, it may influence the supplier’s Direct Debit review and payment recommendations. However, Direct Debit amounts are mainly based on usage estimates and billing cycles, so the impact varies by supplier.

How do I switch to an energy tariff with bill credit?

Compare eligible tariffs and select the option that offers the best overall value (not just the biggest credit). Start your switch online, provide your address and meter details if requested, and submit up-to-date meter readings when prompted. You can compare current options and begin a switch at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/

Energy tariffs with bill credit for switching in the UK

Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and check whether you could get a switching bill credit (also known as bill rebate) — without the hassle of phoning suppliers.

See tariffs that may include bill credit (when available) alongside unit rates and standing charges
Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (gas, electricity or dual fuel)
Switch with confidence: clear eligibility notes and what to check before you apply

Check bill credit tariffs How switching credit works

Bill credit offers vary by supplier, tariff and eligibility. Availability can change and credits are typically applied after your supply starts and conditions are met.

Check whole-of-market energy tariffs with potential switching bill credit

Switching incentives come and go — and they only make sense when the unit rate and standing charge work for your home. EnergyPlus helps you compare UK home energy tariffs and highlights where a bill credit could apply, so you can weigh the value of the credit against the overall cost.

Tip: A tariff with a £50 bill credit isn’t always cheaper overall. Compare the full annual cost based on your usage — then treat bill credit as a bonus, not the only reason to switch.

What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)

Your postcode (to show available suppliers and regional prices)
Basic contact details (so we can send your personalised results)
Optional: latest bill or estimated usage (for more accurate comparisons)

Get personalised quotes

We’ll match you with available UK home tariffs and flag any switching bill credit offers (if available for your details).

Why look for switching bill credit (and when to ignore it)

Lower upfront pain

Bill credit can help offset seasonal spikes (often winter) or the first month’s payment — if the supplier applies it to your account after your switch is live.

A nudge to switch to a better fit

If two tariffs are close in price, a bill credit could tip the balance. Use it to break ties — not to pick a higher-cost tariff.

Avoid common pitfalls

Some credits are conditional (e.g. direct debit, online account, or staying a minimum term). We explain what to check before you commit.

How switching bill credit works in the UK

A switching bill credit (sometimes called a bill rebate or account credit) is money applied to your energy account balance after you move to a new supplier or tariff. It’s not usually paid as cash to your bank account — instead, it reduces what you owe on your bill.

You apply to switch via EnergyPlus and choose an eligible tariff (where offers exist).
The switch completes (this can take days to a few weeks depending on circumstances).
Your account is set up with the new supplier (often requiring online registration and a chosen payment method).
Bill credit is applied once the supplier’s conditions are met (e.g. first successful direct debit, first bill produced, or after a set time).

Typical conditions to look out for

New customer only (not held an account with the supplier recently)
Pay by monthly direct debit
Online-only tariff or paperless billing
Minimum term (or credit removed if you cancel early)

Credit applied after first bill or within a stated timeframe
One credit per household / supply address
Dual fuel only (sometimes) or separate credits for gas/electricity
Smart meter not required, but may be recommended for certain tariffs

Compare bill credit tariffs properly: what matters most

If you’re searching for energy tariffs with bill credit for switching in the UK, it helps to compare on the same basis suppliers use. The credit is only one component of total cost.

What to compare	Why it matters	Bill credit check
Unit rate (p/kWh)	This drives the majority of your bill. Small differences add up over a year.	A large credit may not offset a high unit rate if you use a lot of energy.
Standing charge (p/day)	You pay this daily regardless of usage — important for low-usage homes.	A credit can help, but ongoing daily charges continue for the full term.
Tariff type & term	Fixed deals give price certainty; variable can change. Term impacts exit fees.	Check if credit is tied to staying for the full term.
Payment method	Direct debit is often cheapest and may be required for incentives.	Many bill credits require a successful monthly direct debit.
Exit fees & cooling-off	Fixed tariffs may charge if you leave early; you normally have a cooling-off period.	If you cancel early, you may lose the credit (or it may never be applied).

Good to know: Energy prices can vary by region, meter type and payment method. Your personalised comparison is the fastest way to see what’s available for your postcode today.

Eligibility for switching bill credit: quick checklist

Eligibility rules depend on the supplier and the specific tariff. Before you choose a deal because of the credit, run through these checks to avoid disappointment.

You’re likely eligible if:

You’re switching a home energy supply (not business)
You can pay by monthly direct debit
You haven’t been a customer of that supplier recently (where required)
You can complete the switch using the same supply address

Double-check if:

You’re on a prepayment meter (some offers exclude these)
You’re in the middle of moving home
You have debt with your current supplier
Your meter type is unusual (e.g. complex Economy 7 arrangements)

Common mistakes when chasing bill credit

Only looking at the headline credit. Always compare total cost, including standing charges.

Missing the timing. Credits may be applied after your first bill or after a set period.

Not meeting conditions. If a tariff requires direct debit or online billing, ensure you can keep to it.

FAQs: energy tariffs with switching bill credit

Is switching bill credit the same as a cashback deal?

Not always. Bill credit is typically applied to your energy account to reduce future charges. Cashback may be paid to you separately (depending on the offer). Always check how and when the incentive is delivered.

When will the bill credit show on my account?

Timing varies. Many suppliers apply it after your switch completes and you’ve met the tariff conditions — commonly after the first bill is produced or after the first successful direct debit.

Can I get bill credit if I’m already with that supplier?

Often bill credit is new-customer only. Some offers may allow existing customers to move tariff without an incentive. Your results will depend on current supplier rules and your account history.

Will switching affect my energy supply?

No. The gas and electricity you receive is the same — you’re changing the company that bills you and the tariff you’re on. The network that maintains pipes and wires doesn’t change.

Do bill credit tariffs have higher exit fees?

Not necessarily, but fixed deals often have exit fees. Also, some bill credits are conditional on staying for a period, which can have a similar effect. Always review the tariff summary before switching.

Is it worth switching for a small bill credit?

It can be, if the tariff is already competitive for your usage and region. The best approach is to compare the estimated annual cost, then treat the credit as extra value.

Trusted switching support for UK households

People use EnergyPlus to compare clearly, avoid nasty surprises, and move to a tariff that matches their home and budget.

“The comparison was straightforward and I could see the bill credit alongside the unit rate, which made it easier to decide.”

— Homeowner, England

“I nearly picked a deal just for the credit. The guide helped me check the standing charge and choose a better overall tariff.”

— Flat resident, Scotland

“Quick form, clear next steps, and no confusing jargon. I felt confident switching.”

— Family home, Wales

Transparency matters: We focus on helping you compare the full tariff cost first. If a bill credit is available and relevant, it’s shown as part of the decision — not as a distraction.

Ready to compare switching bill credit tariffs?

Get a whole-of-market view for your postcode and see tariffs that could include a switching bill credit (when available), alongside the rates that drive your yearly cost.

Start my comparison What to compare

For UK home energy customers. Offers and bill credits are subject to change and supplier terms.

Quick reminders

Compare total cost, not just the credit
Check direct debit and online account requirements
Look for when the credit is applied

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026