What is bill credit on an energy tariff?

Bill credit is a one-off credit added to your energy account after you switch and meet the supplier’s terms. It reduces your balance (or future bills) rather than being paid as cash. The amount and timing vary by tariff and supplier.

How do I qualify for switching bill credit?

You usually qualify by completing a switch to an eligible tariff, keeping the account open, and paying by an accepted method (often Direct Debit). Some offers require you to have no outstanding debt, or to stay with the supplier for a minimum period. Always check the tariff’s eligibility and credit timing before switching.

When will the bill credit be applied to my account?

Many suppliers apply bill credit after your supply start date or after your first successful payment, typically within 1–3 billing cycles. Your tariff’s terms should confirm the exact timeframe.

Is switching with bill credit always the cheapest option?

Not always. A tariff with a higher unit rate or standing charge can outweigh the benefit of a one-off credit over the year. Compare total annual cost (including the credit) based on your usage to see the real value.

Can I get bill credit if I’m on a prepayment meter?

Some suppliers offer bill credit for prepayment customers, but availability is more limited and the credit may be applied differently (for example, via top-up or account adjustment). Check tariff eligibility for your meter type before switching.

Will bill credit affect my Warm Home Discount or other support schemes?

Bill credit is generally a promotional adjustment to your account and doesn’t normally change your eligibility for government support schemes. However, rules can vary, so confirm with your supplier if you receive the Warm Home Discount or other assistance.

What happens to the credit if I switch away again?

If the credit has already been applied, it usually remains as part of your account balance and is reflected in your final bill. If you leave before the qualifying period (where applicable), you may lose the credit or it may be reversed—check the tariff’s terms.

How can I compare energy tariffs that offer bill credit?

Compare tariffs by looking at the unit rates, standing charges, contract length, exit fees, and the bill credit amount and conditions. For a like-for-like comparison, estimate total annual cost using your actual kWh usage and then subtract any qualifying credit.

How do I switch energy supplier with Energy Plus?

You can review available tariffs and start your switch online. You’ll typically need your address and (if available) recent usage details. Once you apply, the new supplier manages the switch, and you’ll receive confirmation of your start date and any promotional bill credit terms.

Energy tariffs with bill credit for switching (UK)

Compare whole-of-market energy deals that may include bill credit for switching. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you find competitive tariffs for your home, without the hassle.

Whole-of-market comparison across leading UK suppliers
Filter for tariffs that include bill credit (where available)
Switch online in minutes — we’ll guide you through
No interruption to supply — your energy keeps flowing

Check tariffs with bill credit How bill credit works

Bill credit availability varies by supplier, tariff and eligibility. We’ll show you the full cost details before you choose.

Find UK energy tariffs with bill credit — and see the real cost

Some suppliers offer bill credit (sometimes called a switching credit or welcome credit) to new customers. It can be a helpful boost, but the best option depends on your unit rates, standing charge, tariff type, and how and when the credit is applied.

EnergyPlus helps you compare home energy deals across the market, so you can focus on what matters: your total expected cost over the year — and whether a bill credit genuinely improves the deal.

Tip: A large switching credit can look attractive, but a higher standing charge or unit rate may cost more over time. Compare on the overall annual estimate, not the headline incentive.

What we’ll ask for (and why)

Postcode — to use the correct regional price cap and distribution area
Contact details — so we can send your results and help you complete the switch
Your preferences — such as fixed vs variable, and whether you want to prioritise bill credit

Get results & switching support

Fill in the form and we’ll help you compare tariffs that may include bill credit, alongside the full price details.

No supply disruption: switching is an admin process. Your gas/electricity won’t be cut off during the changeover.

Why switch to an energy tariff with bill credit?

Bill credit can reduce what you pay — but it’s most useful when it complements a competitive tariff. Here’s what it can do (and what it can’t).

Lower your first bills

If applied early, bill credit can soften the impact of higher winter usage or a catch-up Direct Debit adjustment.

Better value vs staying put

Some households on standard variable tariffs can often improve their overall yearly estimate by switching — with credit as an extra.

A clear incentive to act

Switching is usually straightforward, but easy to delay. A bill credit can make the decision more tangible.

It may stack with smart meter billing

Some tariffs work particularly well with accurate readings (smart or manual), helping you avoid overpaying — credit aside.

You keep protections

UK domestic switching is regulated. You’re still covered by supplier complaint processes and industry rules.

But it’s not always “better”

A credit can be outweighed by higher standing charges or exit fees. We’ll help you compare properly.

Whole-of-market mindset: we focus on total value, not just incentives. If a tariff without bill credit is cheaper overall, we’ll show you that too.

How bill credit for switching works in the UK

Bill credit is usually applied after your switch completes and your new account is live. The exact timing and rules vary by supplier and tariff. Here’s the typical journey.

You choose a tariff — fixed or variable, single fuel or dual fuel (gas + electricity), with or without a switching credit.
Switch request is submitted — your new supplier liaises with your old one; your supply continues as normal.
Meter readings are agreed — these readings draw the line between the old and new supplier for billing purposes.
Your new account starts — Direct Debit is set up (or another payment method, depending on the tariff).
Bill credit is applied — this may appear on your first bill, or within a set number of days, sometimes after a first payment.

Where you’ll usually see the credit

On your energy account balance

Most bill credits are applied as a credit on your account, reducing what you owe (rather than being paid into your bank account).

Within bill breakdown / adjustments

It may be labelled as ‘welcome credit’, ‘switching credit’, ‘bill credit’ or ‘promotional credit’ in statements.

Common conditions (what to look for)

Condition	What it means for you	What to do
New customer only	Often limited to households who haven’t been with the supplier recently.	Check supplier definitions (e.g., last 12–24 months) and your history.
Payment method	Credit might require monthly Direct Debit or online account management.	Confirm you’re comfortable with Direct Debit and any digital-only features.
Timing rules	Credit may apply after the first bill, first payment, or within a set period.	Look for the “when applied” wording in tariff terms.
Exit fees	Fixed tariffs may include fees for leaving early, which can offset bill credit.	Factor fees into your expected savings, especially if you might move home.
Tariff eligibility	Not all tariffs include credit; availability can vary by region and meter type.	We’ll help you filter and compare eligible deals for your postcode.

Want help checking the terms? Jump to what to check before you switch or compare tariffs.

What to check before choosing a bill credit energy tariff

To avoid switching for the wrong reason, compare these items side-by-side. This is exactly how we approach it when helping you switch.

1) The unit rates & standing charge

Your total cost is driven by what you pay per kWh (unit rate) and your daily standing charge. A bill credit doesn’t change these ongoing costs — it just offsets some of your bill.

2) When the credit is applied

If the credit arrives after a first payment or after a set period, it may not help straight away. Confirm the timeline and any requirements to qualify.

3) Fixed vs variable tariff terms

Fixed tariffs can offer price certainty but may include exit fees. Variable tariffs can change (often with broader market movements). Choose based on your risk preference and plans.

4) Your home and meter setup

Some deals are limited by meter type (e.g., smart meter requirements) or by whether you have gas, electricity, or both at the property.

Quick sanity check: does the credit actually save you money?

If Tariff A costs £30 more over the year than Tariff B, but offers £20 bill credit, you’re still £10 worse off overall. Always compare on expected annual cost after incentives.

Eligibility & regional considerations (England, Scotland & Wales)

Energy pricing varies by region due to distribution costs. That means a tariff’s standing charge and unit rates can differ depending on where you live — even for the same supplier and tariff name.

Postcode matters

We use your postcode to return accurate pricing for your electricity distribution region and gas network area.

Credit offers can vary

Bill credit promotions aren’t always nationwide. Some are limited by tariff, region, or acquisition channel.

Moving home

If you’re likely to move, check whether credit is revoked, and whether exit fees may apply on fixed deals.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, energy markets and suppliers differ. This page focuses on Great Britain domestic energy comparisons.

Common mistakes when chasing switching credit

Focusing on the credit, not the tariff

A one-off credit can distract from higher ongoing costs. Always compare standing charge + unit rate first, then treat credit as a bonus.

Missing timing or payment requirements

Some offers apply only if you stay active for a period, or pay by Direct Debit. If you don’t meet conditions, you may not receive the credit.

Ignoring exit fees

If you might switch again soon, or plan to move, exit fees can cancel out any benefit of the credit.

Not supplying accurate readings

Accurate meter readings help avoid bill disputes at switch time. Smart meters can help, but manual readings work too if done on time.

Prefer to keep it simple? Use our form and we’ll help you compare on total cost, highlight credit terms, and point out any key conditions before you switch.

FAQs: energy tariffs with bill credit for switching

Is bill credit the same as cashback?

Not usually. Bill credit is normally applied to your energy account to reduce what you owe. Cashback typically means money paid out to you (often via a third party). Always read the offer terms to confirm how the incentive is delivered.

Will switching affect my energy supply?

No. Your physical supply doesn’t change during a normal domestic switch. It’s an administrative process between suppliers and network operators. You will still receive energy as normal.

Can I get bill credit on gas-only or electricity-only tariffs?

Sometimes. Some promotions apply to dual fuel only, while others may apply to single-fuel switches. We’ll help you identify which offers apply to your situation.

Do I need a smart meter to qualify?

Not always. Some tariffs are available to any meter type, while others may specify smart-meter compatibility or require readings to be submitted in a certain way. We’ll flag requirements while you compare.

How long does a switch take in the UK?

Timelines vary, but many domestic switches complete within days to a couple of weeks. Your new supplier will confirm key dates and when your new tariff starts.

Could I lose the credit if I switch again?

Possibly. Some bill credits have conditions such as staying on supply for a minimum period. Fixed tariffs may also have exit fees. If you plan to switch again soon, compare with those factors in mind.

Is it worth switching just for bill credit?

Only if the tariff is still competitive on an annual basis. A credit can improve value, but it should never be the only reason. Use the form above and we’ll help you compare based on total estimated cost.

Ready to check what’s available for your home? Compare tariffs with bill credit.

Trusted switching support — without the hard sell

People usually want three things when they switch energy: clarity on costs, help understanding terms, and a smooth process. That’s what we focus on.

“The bill credit sounded great, but EnergyPlus helped me compare properly.”

Homeowner, North West

“Clear explanation of standing charges and when the credit would apply.”

Tenant, South East

“Switching was painless and my account showed the credit exactly as promised.”

Family household, Scotland

What we compare: tariffs and pricing details available across the market, including options with switching incentives where available, alongside non-incentive tariffs that may be better value overall.

Compare energy tariffs with bill credit — in minutes

Get a clear view of tariffs that may include switching credit, plus the unit rates, standing charge, and key terms — so you can choose what’s best for your home.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026