Cheap energy tariffs for prepayment meters in the UK
Compare whole-of-market deals for prepay gas and electricity in minutes. Tell us about your meter and usage, and we’ll match you with tariffs that could lower what you pay—without the jargon.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home prepayment meters
- Support for smart prepay and traditional key/card meters
- See if switching to credit meter tariffs could be cheaper
- UK-based help and clear next steps
Free to use. No obligation. We’ll only use your details to provide a comparison and contact you about your options.
Compare cheap prepayment meter tariffs (whole-of-market)
Prepayment meters can feel like you’re paying more for less control—especially if your tariff hasn’t been reviewed in a while. EnergyPlus helps you compare cheap energy tariffs for prepayment meters in the UK by checking available options across the market and highlighting what changes would actually reduce your costs.
Whether you top up using a key, card, app, or a smart prepay meter, we’ll guide you through the options: staying on prepay with a better deal, moving to a different supplier, or (where possible) switching to a credit meter tariff that may be cheaper.
Good to know: Prices for most households are limited by the Ofgem price cap (including prepayment). But your actual costs still depend on your unit rates, standing charges, payment method, and usage. Comparing is how you find out if you can pay less.
What you’ll need (takes 2–3 minutes)
- Your postcode (so we can show local tariff availability)
- Whether you’re prepay for gas, electricity, or both
- Any recent usage info (optional, but improves accuracy)
- Your contact details so we can send results and next steps
Get your prepay tariff comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll match you with suitable deals for your home.
Prefer not to switch supplier? We can still check if your current supplier has a better prepay tariff or if a smart prepay upgrade could improve rates and top-up options.
Looking for solar instead?
This page focuses on home energy prepayment tariffs. If you’re also exploring solar for long-term bill reduction, you can still use the form above and mention solar when we contact you.
Why compare prepayment tariffs with EnergyPlus
Prepayment customers are often offered fewer tariffs, and it’s easy to assume there’s nothing better available. A whole-of-market comparison helps you see what’s realistic for your home, your meter type, and your region.
Whole-of-market approach
We compare options from across the market to identify cheap prepay tariffs and alternatives that may suit you better.
Prepay-specific guidance
Advice tailored to key/card meters and smart prepay, including how switching affects top-ups and emergency credit.
Clear next steps
We’ll explain what you can change now—supplier, tariff, payment method, or meter type—so you can act with confidence.
No-nonsense comparisons
We focus on what matters: unit rates, standing charges, and how your usage changes the real bill.
Help if you’re in debt
If you have debt on your meter, we’ll highlight your likely routes, including whether switching is possible and what to ask for.
Accessible, UK-focused support
Straight answers for UK households, including regional differences in standing charges and availability.
How cheap prepayment energy tariffs work
A prepayment meter means you pay before you use energy—by topping up at a PayPoint/Payzone, online, by phone, or in an app (depending on the meter and supplier). Your costs are mainly driven by:
The 3 tariff parts to compare
What happens when you switch (typical steps)
- We confirm your meter type (smart prepay vs key/card) and fuel(s).
- We compare available tariffs for your postcode and circumstances.
- You choose a route: better prepay tariff, new supplier, or request a move to credit (where eligible).
- Supplier completes the switch. You’ll be told how top-ups and any credit transfer work.
- You start topping up the new way (app, online, or local shop), with clear instructions.
Important: If you have debt on your prepayment meter, switching may still be possible in some cases, but options can be more limited. See Switching & eligibility.
Ways to pay less on a prepayment meter
The “cheapest” prepay tariff isn’t just about a headline price. These practical checks often make the biggest difference for UK households on prepay.
Compare standing charges
Standing charges vary by region. Even a slightly lower standing charge can help if you use less energy or your home is empty for periods.
Check unit rates by fuel
Some tariffs look good on electricity but not on gas (or vice versa). If you have both fuels on prepay, make sure you compare the pair.
Consider smart prepay
Smart prepay can offer easier top-ups (often by app) and better visibility of usage—useful for budgeting and avoiding unexpected run-outs.
Ask about moving to credit
If you can switch to a credit meter, you may access more tariffs. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and supplier policies.
Review debt collection settings
If repayments are being taken from each top-up, it can feel like energy is “vanishing”. You may be able to agree an affordable rate.
Reduce emergency top-ups
Running out can trigger higher stress and more expensive behaviour (heating bursts, quick shop trips). A small buffer top-up often helps.
If you’re struggling to top up: you may be eligible for help such as hardship funds, supplier support, or benefit-related schemes depending on your situation. We can point you to the right questions to ask your supplier.
Switching & eligibility: what prepay customers should know
Can you switch supplier on prepayment?
Often, yes. Switching depends on the supplier’s acceptance criteria, your meter type, and whether you have any outstanding energy debt linked to the meter.
- Smart prepay: switching can be straightforward, but availability varies.
- Key/card: you can usually switch, but you’ll need the new supplier’s top-up method (new key/card or updated details).
- Debt on meter: may restrict switching, but there can be routes depending on circumstances.
Can you change from prepay to a credit meter?
Possibly. A move to credit can open up more tariffs, but suppliers can require checks. Common factors include payment history, any debt, and whether a meter exchange is needed.
If you’re unsure, complete the comparison form and we’ll outline the likely options for your home.
FAQs: cheap energy tariffs for prepayment meters
Are prepayment tariffs always more expensive?
Not always, but they can be. Costs depend on your unit rates, standing charge, region, and the supplier’s prepay pricing. Comparing is the quickest way to see what’s available for your postcode.
Will switching interrupt my supply?
In normal circumstances, no. Switching supplier is an administrative process. You’ll be informed how to top up with the new supplier and what to do on the switchover date.
Can I keep using my existing key or card?
Sometimes. With traditional meters, you may need a new key/card or to update it at a local shop. Smart prepay customers usually top up digitally. We’ll confirm the process based on the tariff you choose.
What if I have debt on my prepayment meter?
Debt can limit switching, but it depends on the amount, supplier, and your situation. If you’re repaying via deductions, it’s worth checking if the repayment rate is affordable and whether any alternative arrangements are available.
Do I need my MPAN/MPRN to compare?
No. If you have them, it can help, but a postcode and your meter details are usually enough to start a comparison.
Is this for homes only?
Yes—this page is focused on UK home energy and prepayment meters in domestic properties.
Trust & social proof
Switching when you’re on prepay can feel risky. Here’s what people typically value when using a comparison service like EnergyPlus.
“Clear and practical.” I didn’t know whether I could switch on prepay. The options were explained without pressure.
Domestic customer, UK
“Helped me understand standing charges.” The comparison showed why my costs were high even when I used less.
Domestic customer, UK
“Switching steps were simple.” I got told how to top up after the switch and what to do on the day.
Domestic customer, UK
Transparency: EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Availability of tariffs can change, and eligibility criteria may apply. We’ll explain any limitations before you proceed.
Ready to find a cheaper prepay tariff?
Complete the comparison form and we’ll check whole-of-market options for your postcode—prepay deals and, if suitable, credit meter alternatives.
UK homes only. Free to use. No obligation to switch.
Back to Solar Energy