What is a prepayment meter tariff and how does it work?

A prepayment meter tariff is an energy plan where you pay in advance for gas and/or electricity by topping up (for example via app, online, PayPoint/Post Office or key/card). Your meter then deducts usage from your credit. Prepay prices are usually made up of a daily standing charge plus a unit rate (pence per kWh).

Are prepayment meter rates higher than direct debit in the UK?

Prepayment meter prices can be different to Direct Debit depending on your supplier and region. Under the Ofgem price cap, suppliers have maximum rates they can charge for standard variable tariffs, but your actual unit rate and standing charge still vary by payment method, meter type and where you live. Comparing tariffs is the best way to see what you could pay.

How can I check my current prepayment meter unit rate and standing charge?

You can usually find your current unit rate and standing charge on your latest prepayment statement, within your online account/app, on a tariff information label, or by contacting your supplier. Many suppliers also show the rates on your in-home display if you have smart prepay.

Can I switch supplier if I have a prepayment meter?

Yes, most customers can switch supplier with a prepayment meter. Some restrictions can apply if you have debt on the meter or need a meter exchange. If you’re eligible, switching can help you find a better unit rate, standing charge or a tariff that suits your usage pattern.

Can I switch from a prepayment meter to paying by Direct Debit?

In many cases you can request to move from prepayment to credit billing (e.g., monthly Direct Debit), but approval depends on your supplier’s checks and any outstanding debt. If accepted, you may get a smart meter set to credit mode or a meter exchange.

Do smart prepayment meters have different tariff rates?

The rates you pay are determined by your tariff, not solely by whether the meter is smart or traditional. However, smart prepay can make it easier to top up, track usage, and move between payment modes where supported, which can help you manage costs and avoid emergency credit charges.

What is emergency credit and does it affect my costs?

Emergency credit is a short-term credit facility on many prepayment meters that keeps your supply on if you run out of balance. The amount you use is usually repaid automatically from your next top-up, alongside your normal standing charge and usage, which can make your next top-up feel smaller.

How can I reduce my prepayment meter energy costs?

To cut costs, focus on (1) comparing tariffs and switching if you can, (2) reducing usage with simple efficiency steps (heating controls, LED bulbs, draught-proofing), (3) checking your standing charge and unit rate so you know what you’re paying, and (4) monitoring usage daily/weekly via a smart display or app to spot spikes early.

How do I compare prepayment meter tariff rates by postcode?

Because energy prices vary by region, the quickest way is to compare using your postcode and payment method (prepayment). You’ll then see tariffs available in your area with their unit rates and standing charges. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/

What are the key prepayment meter charges to compare?

Compare the unit rate (pence per kWh) and the standing charge (pence per day) for each fuel. These two figures drive most of your cost on a prepayment tariff.

Do prepayment meter rates change each month in the UK?

Rates can change over time (often aligned with regulator updates and supplier pricing). Checking the latest ‘this month’ rates helps you spot increases and take action quickly.

Prepayment meter tariff rates UK this month

Q: What affects prepayment meter tariff rates this month?

Your prepayment meter rates this month depend mainly on: (1) your region and electricity distribution area, (2) the tariff your supplier has placed you on (e.g., standard variable vs fixed), (3) meter type (traditional prepay vs smart prepay), and (4) the current Ofgem price cap level (if you are on a capped standard variable tariff).

See how this month’s prepayment meter rates compare across the whole market. Check if you can switch to a better-value PAYG tariff, or move to a credit meter if it’s right for your home.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (prepayment & credit options)
Support for smart PAYG and traditional key/card meters
Clear guidance on standing charges, unit rates and the Price Cap
Quick form—no jargon, no pressure

Compare prepay tariffs See how rates work

Rates vary by region, meter type and payment method. We’ll use your postcode and usage to show personalised results.

Compare prepayment meter tariff rates in your area

Prepayment (PAYG) prices can change by region, meter setup (smart PAYG vs key/card), and tariff type. The simplest way to check what you could pay this month is to run a personalised comparison using your postcode and household usage.

What you’ll get from the comparison

Estimated monthly cost based on your inputs
Unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
Prepayment and credit options (where available)
Clear next steps if you want to switch or change meter

Is a prepayment meter always more expensive?

Not always. Many households can now access competitive PAYG deals, especially with smart prepayment meters. However, standing charges and regional pricing mean it’s worth checking regularly—particularly if your circumstances or usage has changed.

Get your this-month prepay rates

Fill in a few details and we’ll match you with available tariffs.

Postcode Fuel type Payment method

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Anything else we should know? (optional)

How pricing works

By submitting, you’re asking EnergyPlus to contact you about home energy options. We won’t sell your details. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: If you’re on a key/card meter, ask about upgrading to a smart prepayment meter—top-ups can be easier and you may access more tariff options.

Why compare prepayment tariffs with EnergyPlus?

Whole-of-market view

We check across available suppliers and tariffs for UK homes, so you’re not limited to one brand or a small panel.

Prepay-specific guidance

We explain unit rates, standing charges, and how PAYG rules can affect switching—especially for smart vs key meters.

Fast, human support

If something doesn’t look right (debt, meter exchange, Economy 7), we’ll help you understand next steps before you commit.

Clear cost comparison

We focus on what you’re likely to pay based on your usage—rather than headline claims that don’t match real bills.

Switching help included

We’ll tell you what happens to your meter, how top-ups work during a switch, and what to expect on the day.

Designed for UK households

Content and recommendations are for home energy customers in Great Britain. Not for business accounts.

What affects prepayment meter tariff rates this month?

When people search for “prepayment meter tariff rates UK this month”, they’re usually trying to understand why their top-up disappears quickly or why a friend on a different meter pays less. These are the most common drivers:

1) Your region (distribution area)

Energy prices vary across Great Britain due to regional network costs. Two homes on the same tariff can still pay different standing charges and unit rates depending on postcode.

2) Standing charge vs unit rate

With prepayment, a daily standing charge can be deducted from your credit. If your usage is low, the standing charge can feel like it “eats” top-ups quickly.

3) Meter type (smart PAYG vs key/card)

Smart prepayment can enable easier top-ups and may open up more tariff options. Traditional meters may have fewer compatible tariffs depending on supplier setup.

4) Tariff category and protections

Many households are on tariffs influenced by Ofgem’s Price Cap (where applicable). New fixed deals can appear when wholesale conditions allow, but availability varies.

Good to know: Prepayment customers may see additional features like emergency credit, friendly credit hours, and recovery rates (for debt) which can change how quickly credit is consumed.

Understanding prepayment rates: unit rate, standing charge & Price Cap

To compare prepayment meter tariff rates properly, focus on the components below. These are shown on supplier quotes, in-app tariff details, and on your bills/statements.

Rate element	What it means	Why it matters on prepay
Unit rate (p/kWh)	The price for each unit of gas/electricity you use.	High usage households feel unit rate differences most. It’s crucial for electric heating and larger families.
Standing charge (p/day)	A daily fixed cost for having the supply.	On PAYG, standing charges may be deducted from your credit even on low-usage days, affecting how long a top-up lasts.
Price Cap (where applicable)	A limit on certain standard variable and default tariffs set by the regulator (Ofgem).	Cap levels and regional variations influence what “typical” rates look like this month, but individual offers may still differ.
Debt recovery / repayment rate	If you have outstanding balance, some credit can be used to repay it.	Top-ups can reduce faster. Comparing tariffs helps, but you may also want to review repayment settings with your supplier.

What “this month” means in practice

Suppliers can update tariffs, and your effective rates can depend on your tariff start date and region. Use the form above to see what’s available right now for your postcode.

Economy 7 / multi-rate meters

If you have Economy 7, you’ll have separate day and night unit rates. Comparing correctly means matching your usage split—otherwise quotes can be misleading.

How switching a prepayment tariff works (what to expect)

Switching with a prepayment meter is usually straightforward, but a few details matter. Here’s the typical process for UK households:

Check your current setup
Note whether you have a smart PAYG meter or a key/card meter and whether you’re on single-rate or Economy 7.
Compare tariffs using your postcode
We’ll show options available in your area and explain unit rates, standing charges, and estimated costs.
Confirm eligibility (including any debt considerations)
Some situations require extra steps—e.g. if your meter is repaying a balance or your meter type is incompatible with a tariff.
Switch and keep topping up as normal
You’ll be told how to top up during the switch, and what changes (if any) to your card/key, app, or top-up number.
Start on your new rates
Once the switch completes, your new unit rates and standing charges apply. We recommend saving a copy of your tariff info.

Want to move off prepay? If you’d prefer Direct Debit, we can also look at credit meter tariffs and whether a meter change is suitable for your household.

Check my postcode now

Common reasons your prepay top-ups don’t last

Standing charges building up

If you’ve been away or used little energy, standing charges can still accrue daily and reduce your next top-up.

Debt recovery deductions

A portion of each top-up may go towards repaying a balance. This is separate from unit rates and can feel like “missing credit”.

Electric heating or older appliances

High-load appliances (tumble dryers, electric showers, immersion heaters) can use energy quickly—especially in cold snaps.

Wrong meter rate (Economy 7)

If heavy usage happens during the day on Economy 7, costs rise fast. A single-rate tariff may suit some homes better.

Seasonal usage

This month’s heating and lighting needs can drive spend. Comparing tariffs helps, but usage changes matter too.

Tariff ended or changed

If you’ve moved onto a different tariff (or your supplier changed prices), your effective rate might be higher than expected.

FAQs: prepayment meter tariff rates in the UK

Are prepayment tariffs capped?

Some tariffs are covered by Ofgem’s Price Cap (where applicable), but your actual rates still vary by region and tariff. The best way to know what you’ll pay this month is to compare using your postcode.

Can I switch supplier with a key or card meter?

Often yes, but options can depend on meter compatibility and your circumstances. If you’re unsure whether you have smart PAYG or traditional prepay, select “Not sure” in the form and we’ll help.

Do smart prepayment meters have better rates?

Not automatically, but smart PAYG can make it easier to access certain tariffs and manage credit. The price still depends on unit rates, standing charges, and your region.

Will my supply go off if I switch?

No—switching supplier should not interrupt your energy supply. You’ll be told how to top up during the switch and what (if anything) changes with your top-up method.

What if I have debt on my prepayment meter?

You may still be able to switch, but it can affect eligibility and how repayments work. Tell us in the optional notes and we’ll guide you through the practical next steps.

Is this guide for businesses?

No. This page and comparison service are focused on UK home energy customers looking at prepayment and household tariffs.

What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus

“I didn’t realise my standing charge was so high. The comparison made it obvious and I found a better option for my postcode.”

Homeowner, North West

“They explained smart prepay vs key meter in plain English and helped me understand what would change if I switched.”

Tenant, West Midlands

“Fast to fill in and I got options that actually matched my usage. No hard sell.”

Customer, South East

Trust signal: We focus on transparent comparisons—unit rates, standing charges and realistic estimates—so you can make a confident decision for your household.

Ready to check your prepayment meter rates for this month?

Use your postcode to see personalised PAYG options, understand your standing charge, and compare with credit tariffs if a meter change could save you money.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Results depend on availability by region and meter type.

To get the most accurate results, have ready:

Your postcode
Fuel type (gas, electricity, or both)
Whether you’re smart PAYG or key/card (if you know)
An idea of your typical monthly usage or spend

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Updated on 8 Jan 2026