Can I move to a cheaper prepayment tariff in the UK?
Yes — many UK households can switch to a cheaper prepayment meter tariff (or even move to a credit tariff) depending on your meter type, debt status and supplier. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see what you could pay.
- Check if you’re on the cheapest available prepay rates for your area
- Find out if you can switch supplier with a prepayment meter
- See whether moving from prepay to direct debit could reduce costs
- Get help if you’ve got debt, an older key/card meter, or a smart meter in prepay mode
Whole-of-market comparison for home energy. Switching depends on meter type and eligibility. No obligation to proceed.
Compare cheaper UK prepayment tariffs (whole-of-market)
If you’ve asked “can I move to a cheaper prepayment tariff?” the quickest way to find out is to compare what’s available for your postcode and meter type. EnergyPlus checks a wide range of suppliers and tariffs for home energy, including prepay options where available.
Prepayment prices can differ by:
- Region (your local distribution area)
- Payment method (prepayment vs direct debit)
- Fuel (electricity only, gas only, or dual fuel)
- Meter type (key/card, smart prepay, or legacy setups)
- Any debt collection settings on the meter
Good to know: Even if you can’t switch supplier today (for example due to debt), you may still be able to reduce costs by adjusting how your meter recovers debt, checking for a better tariff with your existing supplier, or exploring eligibility to move to a credit meter. See eligibility & debt.
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Postcode and address details
- Whether you have gas, electricity or both
- Your prepayment meter type (if known)
- Rough usage or a recent statement (optional but helps accuracy)
Ways to get a cheaper prepayment energy deal
Getting a better deal isn’t only about switching supplier. These are the most common routes to lower costs for UK prepayment customers.
1) Switch to a cheaper prepay tariff
If you’re eligible to switch, comparing whole-of-market tariffs can reveal lower unit rates or standing charges for your region and fuel type.
2) Move from prepay to credit (if suitable)
Some households pay less on direct debit. If you can change meter mode/type, you may access a wider range of tariffs.
3) Optimise debt recovery settings
If your meter is collecting repayments, the weekly recovery rate can sometimes be reviewed—helping you keep more credit for day-to-day use.
4) Check emergency and friendly credit
Understand what your meter offers so you don’t self-disconnect unnecessarily. This doesn’t reduce prices, but can prevent disruption.
5) Confirm you’re getting all support you’re entitled to
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount (where available) or supplier support programmes.
6) Reduce waste with simple usage tweaks
Small changes—like draught-proofing, heating timers, and efficient lighting—can be noticeable on prepay where spending is more visible.
How switching works for prepayment customers
Switching with a prepayment meter is often straightforward, but there are a few extra checks compared to direct debit. Here’s what typically happens when you compare and switch.
- Compare tariffs for your postcode, fuel(s) and meter type. If you’re not sure which meter you have, we’ll guide you with simple questions.
- Eligibility checks: suppliers may check for outstanding debt and whether the new supplier supports your meter setup.
- Confirm the switch: if you proceed, your new supplier takes over the supply. In many cases, there’s no disruption to your energy.
- Top up as normal: you may continue topping up via your usual method, or you may be given new instructions/card details depending on supplier and meter.
- Start paying the new rates once the switch completes. Keep an eye on standing charges, unit rates and any debt recovery amounts.
Tip: Prepay tariffs can look similar, so the key is comparing the full picture: unit rate, standing charge, and (if applicable) any debt recovery amount taken from each top-up.
What “cheaper” usually means on prepayment
Lower unit rate (p/kWh)
You pay less for each unit of gas or electricity used. This matters most for higher-usage households.
Lower standing charge (p/day)
A lower daily fixed charge can help if your usage is lower or seasonal (for example, smaller households).
Can I switch supplier on a prepayment meter?
Often, yes. But switching can be restricted depending on debt, meter type, and whether the new supplier supports your setup. Use this section to understand what can block a switch—and what you can do next.
You can usually switch if…
- You have no outstanding debt linked to the meter, or it’s within permitted limits
- Your meter is supported by the new supplier (common for smart prepay)
- You can provide address details and complete the application
- There’s no ongoing issue such as a disputed bill affecting the switch
Switching may be harder if…
- You owe debt above the allowed threshold for switching
- Your meter is a legacy key/card setup not supported by some suppliers
- Your meter is set to recover debt at a high rate, reducing usable credit
- There are metering issues (faults, missing readings, address mismatches)
What if I have debt on my prepayment meter?
Debt is one of the most common reasons a prepayment customer can’t switch immediately. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Options can include:
Review repayments
Ask your supplier if the debt recovery amount is appropriate for your situation—especially if you’re struggling to top up enough to stay on supply.
Agree a plan
A manageable repayment plan can help stabilise your account, and may improve switching options later.
Compare anyway
Even if you can’t switch now, you can understand potential savings and decide the best next step when you become eligible.
If you’re at risk of self-disconnection: contact your supplier as soon as possible to discuss support options. If you have a prepayment meter and are struggling, you may also want to seek free, independent advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice.
Prepayment meter types and what they mean for switching
Knowing your meter type helps determine which suppliers and tariffs are available. If you’re not sure, don’t worry—answer a couple of questions in the comparison form and we can help narrow it down.
| Meter type | How you top up | Switching notes |
|---|---|---|
| Key meter (electricity) | Key/top-up card at PayPoint/Payzone or online (varies) | Some suppliers support fewer legacy setups. You may still switch, but availability can be narrower. |
| Card meter (gas) | Top-up card at PayPoint/Payzone or online (varies) | As above—meter compatibility can matter. Switching may involve new top-up instructions. |
| Smart meter in prepay mode | Often online/app top-ups; sometimes other methods | Usually simpler to manage. Supplier support varies, but smart prepay can make changes quicker once approved. |
| Traditional credit meter (not prepay) | Monthly bill/direct debit | If you can move to credit mode, you may access more tariffs (subject to supplier checks). |
Can I change from prepayment to direct debit?
In many cases, yes—especially if you have no outstanding debt and the supplier is willing to change your meter mode/type. This can open up additional tariff options. However, it’s not guaranteed, and some households prefer prepay for budgeting. If you want to explore both, run a comparison and tell us what you’re aiming for.
Accuracy matters: If you have your MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas), it can improve match accuracy, but it’s not essential to start.
Common mistakes that keep prepayment customers paying more
Comparing without your region in mind
Energy prices vary by distribution region. Always compare using your postcode so rates reflect your area.
Ignoring the standing charge
A slightly cheaper unit rate can still work out worse overall if the standing charge is higher for your usage pattern.
Not factoring in debt recovery
If your meter is collecting debt, part of every top-up may go toward repayment—making it feel like the tariff is “more expensive”.
Assuming you can’t switch on prepay
Many people can switch. Eligibility depends on circumstances, but it’s worth checking rather than staying put by default.
Prepayment tariff switching FAQs
Is prepayment always more expensive than direct debit?
Not always. Historically, prepay could cost more, but the difference depends on current tariffs available in your region and your usage. If you’re open to switching payment method, it’s worth comparing both prepay and credit options where available.
Will switching supplier affect my prepayment top-up method?
It can. Some switches keep the same process, while others provide new top-up instructions (for example, app/online top-ups for smart prepay, or a new key/card setup). Your new supplier will explain what you need before the switch completes.
How do I know if I have a smart prepayment meter?
If you top up via an app/online account or have an in-home display (IHD) that shows credit and usage, you may have a smart meter in prepay mode. If you use a physical key (electricity) or card (gas), it’s usually a traditional prepay meter.
Can I switch if I rent my home?
If you pay the energy bills, you can usually choose your supplier. If energy is included in rent or you’re in a managed set-up, switching may not be possible. When in doubt, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/agent.
Do I need a recent bill to compare prepayment tariffs?
No. A recent statement helps estimate costs more accurately, but you can still compare using postcode and typical usage assumptions and refine later.
Will my supply be cut off during a switch?
Switching supplier should not interrupt your physical supply of gas or electricity. The main change is who bills you and what rates you pay. For prepay, the supplier will tell you how to continue topping up.
Trusted help for comparing home energy
People use comparison services because it’s hard to know whether you’re already on the best available rate—especially on prepay. Here’s what customers often value when comparing through EnergyPlus.
Clear, postcode-based results
Tariffs can vary by region. We focus on showing options relevant to your local area and situation.
Whole-of-market approach
We aim to compare a wide range of available suppliers and tariffs for home energy, including prepay where possible.
Support when it’s not straightforward
Prepay switching can involve meter types and eligibility checks. We help you understand your next best step.
Trust checklist: Always confirm the tariff name, unit rates, standing charge, and any terms before you switch. If something doesn’t look right, ask questions before proceeding.
Ready to see if you can move to a cheaper prepayment tariff?
Compare whole-of-market home energy options based on your postcode and meter type. If switching isn’t possible today, we’ll help you understand why and what to do next.
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