What is a bill credit (switching bonus) from an energy supplier?

A bill credit (sometimes called a switching bonus) is money applied to your energy account after you switch to a new tariff or supplier. Instead of being paid to your bank, it usually appears as a credit on your electricity or gas bill once you meet the supplier’s terms.

Do UK energy suppliers still offer bill credit for switching?

Some UK suppliers run limited-time switching incentives such as bill credit, but availability changes frequently and may be limited to certain tariffs, regions, or customer types. The best approach is to compare live deals and read the full eligibility criteria before applying.

Who is usually eligible for a switching bill credit?

Eligibility commonly depends on being a new customer to the supplier, switching to a specific tariff, staying on supply for a minimum period, and setting up Direct Debit. Some offers exclude customers who have had an account with the supplier recently or who switch via certain channels.

How and when is the bill credit applied after switching?

Most suppliers apply the credit after your switch completes and your first bill is produced, or after a set number of days/months on supply. Timing varies by supplier and tariff, so check the offer terms to confirm when it will appear on your account.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m in debt?

You may be able to switch if you’re not on a prepayment meter and the debt is below certain thresholds, but rules and supplier policies vary. If you’re on prepayment or have higher debt, you may need to clear the balance, agree a repayment plan, or use a debt-assignment process where available.

Is a bill credit always better than a cheaper unit rate?

Not always. A one-off credit can be attractive, but the ongoing unit rate and standing charge typically have a bigger impact over time. Compare the total estimated annual cost (including any credit) to see which deal is best for your usage.

Will switching affect my supply or require an engineer visit?

Switching supplier does not interrupt your gas or electricity supply. In most cases, no engineer visit is needed; your meter stays the same unless you separately arrange a meter upgrade (for example, to a smart meter).

How do I find switching deals that include bill credit on EnergyPlus?

Use EnergyPlus to compare energy tariffs and look for deals that mention bill credit or switching incentives. When you choose an offer, review the terms (such as minimum time on supply and payment method) to make sure you qualify before you switch.

Energy suppliers offering bill credit for switching (UK)

Compare whole-of-market energy tariffs and check whether bill credit is available when you switch. We’ll show options based on your home details and usage, with clear costs and no jargon.

See electricity, gas and dual fuel tariffs from a wide range of UK suppliers
Filter by fixed or variable deals and view any switch incentives (including bill credit)
Quick form—get tailored results in minutes

Check tariffs & bill credit How switching credit works

Home energy only. Bill credit availability varies by supplier, tariff and eligibility—always check the tariff information and supplier terms before switching.

Find UK energy deals with switching incentives

Some UK energy suppliers occasionally offer bill credit for switching—a credit applied to your account after your switch completes (subject to terms). The right deal depends on your meter type, payment method and consumption, so it’s important to compare the total cost rather than focusing on incentives alone.

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Use the form to get tariffs available for your postcode, then review pricing, contract length and any incentives shown in the tariff details.

Tip: A deal with bill credit isn’t always the cheapest. Compare:

Unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
Fixed term length and exit fees
When and how the credit is applied (e.g., after first Direct Debit)

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What to check first

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your quote. We’ll use your details to provide comparisons and support your switch. You can opt out at any time.

Why bill credit can be useful (and when it isn’t)

Helps with the first few months

A switching credit may offset part of your early bills—useful if you’re moving into a higher-usage season or adjusting your Direct Debit.

Can improve overall value

If two tariffs are close in price, a credit can tip the balance. Always check the annual cost before deciding.

Not always “free money”

Some deals with incentives may have higher unit rates or longer terms. A cheaper tariff without credit can still cost less overall.

What is bill credit for switching energy in the UK?

In the UK, bill credit is an amount applied to your new supplier account after you switch. It reduces what you owe, rather than paying cash into your bank. Suppliers may describe it as account credit, switch credit or a welcome credit.

Some suppliers run limited-time promotions, while others include a credit as part of specific tariffs. Availability can change quickly, which is why it helps to compare the whole market and read the tariff information carefully.

Bill credit vs cashback: what’s the difference?

Bill credit: applied to your energy account balance.
Cashback: paid out to you (often via a third party), sometimes weeks later.
Referral credit: credit awarded if you switch via an existing customer’s link (may have separate terms).

How switching bill credit is usually applied

1) Choose a tariff

Compare unit rates, standing charges, term length and any incentive stated in the tariff details.

2) Switch completes

Your new supplier takes over supply (no interruption). You’ll normally provide a meter reading at the handover.

3) Eligibility checked

Some offers require Direct Debit, online billing, or remaining on supply for a minimum period.

4) Credit added

The supplier applies credit to your account balance—often after your first bill or first Direct Debit is taken.

Common terms to look out for

New customer only (or not supplied by the same brand recently)
Payment method (often Direct Debit)
Fuel type (electricity-only vs dual fuel)
Minimum supply period before credit is awarded

Tariff-specific (credit only on named deals)
Online-only billing requirements
Smart meter requirements for some tariffs
Credit timing (e.g., within 60–90 days after switch)

Before you switch for bill credit: what to check

If your main goal is to find an energy supplier offering switching credit, it’s easy to overlook the details that affect your bill every day. Use this checklist to keep the comparison focused on what matters.

Total annual cost

Compare estimated yearly cost using your usage. A £50 credit may not help if the tariff costs £120 more over the year.

Standing charge vs unit rate

Low usage homes can be hit by a higher standing charge. High usage homes may benefit more from a lower unit rate.

Exit fees & term length

If you might move home or switch again soon, check for exit fees on fixed deals and how long you’re tied in.

Quick comparison table: incentive vs ongoing costs

What you’re comparing	Why it matters	What to look for
Bill credit amount	Reduces your account balance, but only once.	When it’s applied; eligibility; any minimum supply period.
Unit rate	Impacts every kWh you use.	Lower p/kWh usually matters most for higher usage homes.
Standing charge	Paid daily regardless of usage.	Lower is often better for low usage homes.
Exit fees	Affects flexibility if prices drop or you move.	Check fee per fuel and when it applies.

Will switching with bill credit actually save you money?

To judge whether a switching incentive is worth it, estimate your annual cost on each tariff and then subtract any eligible credit. This avoids a common pitfall: choosing a deal with a headline incentive that costs more over the contract.

A simple way to compare

Take the estimated annual cost shown for each tariff.
Confirm whether bill credit applies to your tariff and fuel type.
Subtract the credit from the annual cost to get an adjusted figure.
Check exit fees and the contract end date before you decide.

Example (for illustration only)

Tariff A: £1,650/year + £0 credit ? £1,650

Tariff B: £1,700/year + £75 bill credit ? £1,625

In this example, Tariff B works out cheaper overall, but only if you meet the eligibility and the credit is applied as expected.

Eligibility notes for UK switching incentives

New customer rules

Some suppliers exclude customers who’ve been with the same supplier (or a related brand) within a set period.

Payment & billing method

Incentives may require monthly Direct Debit and paperless billing. If you prefer prepayment, fewer deals may apply.

Meter type

Some tariffs are only available for smart meters or specific meters (e.g., single-rate). Always confirm your setup.

Regional note: Tariffs and standing charges can vary by region across Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, the market operates differently and the number of available switching options may be more limited.

FAQs: bill credit when switching energy

Do all UK energy suppliers offer bill credit?

No. Incentives are often promotional and may only be available on certain tariffs or at certain times. The best approach is to compare current deals and read the tariff details.

When will the bill credit be added?

It varies. Many suppliers apply it after the switch completes and after the first bill or first Direct Debit payment, but the timing and conditions are set out in the tariff terms.

Can I switch again after receiving credit?

You can usually switch again, but you might lose eligibility if the credit requires a minimum supply period, or you may face exit fees on fixed tariffs.

Will switching affect my gas or electricity supply?

No—your energy supply continues as normal. Only the billing company changes. You’ll typically provide meter readings to ensure accurate opening and closing bills.

Is bill credit available for electricity-only?

Sometimes. Some promotions apply to dual fuel only, while others apply per fuel or to electricity-only. Always check the tariff information.

What if I’m on a prepayment meter?

You may have fewer tariffs to choose from, and incentives are less common on prepay deals. You can still compare options—just check eligibility carefully.

Looking for a specific supplier? Start with the comparison form and review which tariffs are available for your postcode today.

Trust & reassurance

Whole-of-market comparison

We focus on showing relevant tariffs for your home—so you can make a decision based on cost, features and terms.

Clear tariff information

See key details like fixed length, exit fees and payment method requirements—plus any switching incentives shown in the tariff info.

No disruption to supply

Switching changes who bills you, not the energy flowing to your home. Your gas and electricity supply continues as normal.

What customers say

“The results made it obvious which deal was actually cheaper over the year. I nearly picked one for the credit, but the lower unit rate won.”

— Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“Quick to compare and I understood when the credit would be applied. The checklist helped me avoid exit fees.”

— Tenant, Bristol

Ready to check energy suppliers offering switching credit?

Submit your details and we’ll show whole-of-market home energy options for your postcode, including tariff information and any switching incentives shown.

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No supply interruption. Incentives and eligibility can change—always confirm supplier terms before switching.

In 60 seconds, you can:

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Updated on 17 Jan 2026